I've been a stock photographer for nearly nine years and recently switched from a full frame DSLR to the 4/3 format. Weight reduction was the driving force behind that decision but after using my OMD em 5II camera for over a year, the most positive change (improvement) is the ability to see the effect of your exposure, before pushing the shutter. Every shot can now be perfectly exposed no matter how difficult the lighting situation.
My decision to buy the Panasonic 100-400mm Zoom Lens over the other purchase options has also exceeded my expectations. The zoom range is the most apparent improvement but it's not what make this lens such a great choice. Unlike most zoom lenses which are less than tack sharp at the extremes of their zoom range, this lens is super sharp all the way out to 400mm (800mm equivalent). It doesn't matter if you're using it to photograph an up close dragonfly or a distant bird your photograph will be sharp (assuming you've made the correct exposure decisions).
The image stabilization is excellent as is the focusing which is extremely fast and accurate. I've even been able to do hand held focus stacking (thanks to Olympus Technology), with very good results (see attached dragonfly photo). As stated by other reviewers, the zoom is rather stiff but not unlike other professional lenses and is very acceptable in my opinion. Due to the limitations of the current focusing technology in 4/3 format this lens will not keep up with fast action like flying birds but then this is no surprise as I've had like results using my other lenses.
While I have never given a five star rating before, I highly recommend this lens to anyone who wants "near perfection" in an extreme zoom lens. Without a doubt this lens has exceeded my expectations and is worth 5 stars and it's rather exorbitant price tag.
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