Panasonic 100-400 vs Olympus 100-400 is a hot topic among photography enthusiasts who crave reach, flexibility, and top-tier performance in their gear. Both lenses offer an impressive 100-400mm focal range,
perfect for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects that demand detail and clarity. Panasonic crafted its 100-400mm lens with precision, blending portability with strong optical stabilization,
while Olympus entered the same range with its own version that promises durability, sharpness, and a reliable build for adventurous photographers.
Panasonic 100-400 vs Olympus 100-400 attracts attention not only because of the similar focal length but also due to the differences in handling, optical design,
and real-world usability. Many photographers wonder which lens delivers better results for fast-moving wildlife or landscapes that stretch to the horizon.
Panasonic emphasizes compactness and stabilization, while Olympus focuses on weather-sealed toughness and crisp rendering.
Panasonic 100-400 vs Olympus 100-400 continues to spark debates in photography circles, and each lens has unique strengths worth exploring.
Choosing between them depends on the type of photography, budget, and personal preferences. This detailed comparison breaks down their design, image quality, and value, giving photographers clarity before making a decision.
Panasonic 100-400 vs Olympus 100-400: Zoom Lens.
Panasonic 100-400 vs Olympus 100-400 is one of the most debated topics among Micro Four Thirds users. Both lenses cover the same 100-400mm zoom range, which equals 200-800mm on a 35mm camera.
Wildlife lovers, sports shooters, and outdoor photographers often compare these two lenses before buying. While both aim at the same audience, the design, features, and performance create different user experiences. This article gives a full breakdown of
Panasonic 100-400 and Olympus 100-400 lenses, covering product details, features, pros, cons, and overall opinions. By the end, you will know which lens suits your style of photography better.
Panasonic 100-400mm : Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera Lens.
Product Details
The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 lens is designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It is up to two-thirds smaller and about one-fifth lighter than DSLR zooms of similar range.
The lens offers an equivalent focal length of 200-800mm, making it ideal for wildlife and distant subjects. The closest focusing distance is 1.3 meters, and the maximum magnification is 0.25x, which equals 0.5x on a full-frame system.
It comes with a splash and dustproof sealed body, a built-in sliding hood, and a rotary tripod mount. The diagonal angle of view ranges from 12° to 3.1° across the zoom range.
Features
– Leica optics with sharp rendering across the range
– 100-400mm focal length (200-800mm equivalent)
– Closest focusing distance: 1.3m
– Built-in Power O.I.S. and Dual I.S. support
– Compact build, splash and dustproof
– Tripod collar and built-in hood
What is the Good?
The Panasonic 100-400 offers outstanding reach while keeping size and weight manageable. The stabilization system pairs well with Panasonic bodies and helps capture sharp shots handheld. The lens is very sharp across much of the zoom range, especially at the telephoto end. Build quality is solid, and the splash and dustproof body is reliable outdoors.
What is the Bad?
The variable aperture of f/4-6.3 limits low-light use. Autofocus speed can feel slower compared to pro telephoto primes. The lens shows some softness at maximum zoom and struggles with subject tracking in very fast action shots. The price can feel high for some users in the Micro Four Thirds system.
Overall Opinion
The Panasonic 100-400 is a strong option for wildlife and outdoor shooters who value reach and portability. It performs best in daylight and offers great stabilization. While not perfect for very low light, it balances size, weight, and optical performance well for most users.
Olympus 100-400mm : Compact, Lightweight Zoom Lens.
Product Details
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens is another super-telephoto option in the Micro Four Thirds lineup. It also delivers a 200-800mm equivalent focal range. The lens is compact and lightweight, offering easier handling during long sessions.
It features in-lens stabilization with 3 EV steps of correction at the long end. The closest focusing distance is 1.3 meters. It is fully dust and splashproof and supports Olympus teleconverters MC-14 and MC-20, allowing extended reach up to 1600mm equivalent.
Features
– 100-400mm focal length (200-800mm equivalent)
– Closest focusing distance: 1.3m
– In-lens stabilization with 3 EV stops
– Dust and splashproof body
– Teleconverter compatibility (1.4x and 2.0x)
– Compact and travel-friendly
What is the Good?
The Olympus 100-400 lens is well-built, weather-sealed, and easy to carry. Teleconverter support is a big advantage for extreme telephoto needs. The lens produces sharp images with good contrast, especially in the middle of the zoom range. Handling is smooth, and focusing works well with Olympus camera bodies.
What is the Bad?
The lens opens at f/5.0 instead of f/4, which reduces brightness compared to the Panasonic version. Stabilization is not as strong as Panasonic’s Dual I.S. system. Autofocus speed can slow down in low-light or fast-moving subjects. Some softness can appear at 400mm with teleconverters attached.
Overall Opinion
The Olympus 100-400 is a versatile choice for outdoor shooters who want reach and flexibility. Its lightweight body and teleconverter support make it attractive for bird and wildlife photographers. While it may not match Panasonic’s stabilization strength, it delivers great image quality in most conditions.
Details Comparison: Panasonic 100-400 vs Olympus 100-400
Panasonic 100-400 vs Olympus 100-400 is not an easy choice because both share the same zoom range and target similar users. Panasonic’s version starts at f/4, which gives it a slight advantage in brightness. It also integrates better stabilization with Panasonic cameras,
making handheld shots sharper at long focal lengths. Olympus, on the other hand, brings teleconverter support, letting users push the range up to 1600mm equivalent. This is valuable for bird photography or distant wildlife. Build quality is strong on both, with splash and dustproof sealing.
Panasonic is a bit heavier but offers a tripod collar and hood design that some find more practical. Olympus feels more compact, which suits travelers. For stabilization and sharpness, Panasonic gets the edge. For reach and flexibility, Olympus stands out. The final choice depends on the body you use and your shooting style.
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FAQs For Panasonic 100-400 vs Olympus 100-400.
Is Panasonic 100-400 sharper than Olympus 100-400?
Panasonic is often sharper at the telephoto end, while Olympus performs strongly in the mid-range. Both are capable lenses.
Does Olympus 100-400 support teleconverters?
Yes, it supports MC-14 and MC-20 teleconverters, which extend the focal length up to 1600mm equivalent.
Which lens is better for handheld shooting?
Panasonic 100-400 performs better handheld due to stronger stabilization with Dual I.S. support on compatible Panasonic cameras.
Which lens is lighter to carry?
Olympus 100-400 is more compact and slightly lighter, making it easier for long trips or travel photography.
Conclusion
Panasonic 100-400 vs Olympus 100-400 is a fair battle between two powerful super-telephoto zooms. Panasonic stands out with brighter aperture and stronger stabilization, while Olympus brings teleconverter support and portability.
Both deliver excellent image quality for wildlife and outdoor shooting. The best choice depends on your camera body and priorities: Panasonic for stabilization and sharpness, Olympus for reach and flexibility.
