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Next PZ lens test report: Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm f/4-5.6 MEGA O.I.S.
#2
Thanks Sebbi,





A bit disappointing performances in the end. The general idea I had reading other reviews was that it was noticeably better than the 45-200.



Just two comments,



I think a size comparison would have been more appropriate with the 45-200, but I guess you didn't have one handy.



Regarding build quality. I've read that very often of other panasonic lenses that they are good build quality. I've posted about this before but will say again.

Owning the 20mm, the 14-45 & the 45-200, I think theses lenses have decent out of the factory build but they all suffer from two things :

-tangible loosening over time. Not specially a long time. And I'm careful. Very careful.

-high influence of operating temperature. The lenses will tighten considerably in the 0-5°C range and inversely above 25°C to a point where their functionality is slightly compromised. I have never witnessed such tangible tightening/loosening with any of my other canon gear (Even the crap build of the EF-S 17-55mm).



These are probably hard to spot in a short term review but they make the lenses qualitative feeling go down a notch or two, IMHO. After all, how can the lens keep a proper centering if it's so easily wearing out? Still, relative to Olympus plastic MFT lenses, they are indeed better, but in absolute terms, I'd rather use "decent" than "very good".



The 20mm for instance, is actually very weak. I had mine hit a metallic part once and it made a dent quite deep and dislodged the drive mechanics, revealing a grossly glued on plastic ring. It fixed by pushing it back in place with a click. It's still as sharp and functionnal but so much for the build quality feeling. I know they're aiming at a pricepoint but hey, aren't panasonic lenses already considered expensive ?



Maybe this 100-300 is an exception but it looks like the same build levels.

Just something to keep in mind while assessing their build quality?



Hoping to see proper "engineering" in the new 12-35 & 35-100 lenses.



Thanks again,

S.
  


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Next PZ lens test report: Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm f/4-5.6 MEGA O.I.S. - by Sylvain - 11-20-2011, 09:39 PM

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