PanasonicLUMIX G H-FSA100300E Vario Ultra Lens - Black

Five years ago, I bought the predecessor to this lens, the Panasonic H-FS100300E with Mega OIS, for use with my Panasonic DMC-G6 and later the G7. It was a remarkable lens, light in weight, high on performance (and only around £380 in those days!). Somewhat reluctantly, I sold it last year to raise funds towards the enormously-expensive Panasonic H-RS100400E 100-400 mm Leica telephoto - which gave me that extra reach for wildlife shots but, as I soon discovered, it almost doubled the weight on my ageing shoulders. So, I've now sold the 100-400mm lens and reverted to the 100-300mm.This new lens, the HFSA100300E (note the added 'A') is a worthy successor to the old H-FS100300E that was first listed here on Amazon in 2010 and which I believe is now being discontinued. As far as I can tell, it's basically the same lens with the same internal glass, but with much-improved electronics and added weather sealing, plus a bit more metal in its construction. The updated 'Power OIS' gives even better results for stills and video, the latter in particular. Its compatability with the in-body stablisation of my DMC-G80, resulting in Dual IS, gives amazingly sharp and stable shots, even hand-held at the top end of the len's range.I honestly can't fault this lens for performance and value for money.

I am new to photography so from a novices point of view here we go, originally I bought the older version of this lens but returned it mainly because of focusing problems with video. I decided to pay the extra and get the newer version which is this model, the focusing is a lot better much quicker and responsive. There is a difference of 5 or 6 years in the technology between these two lens models, so I would think some of the latest technologies will be present here in the latest model. I have certainly noticed a difference in the improvements of this lens + splash proof weather protection. I am extremely happy with this lens its the most costly lens I have but also my favourite, superb for wild life and for me a great all round lens. Highly recommend not cheap but well worth it.

I'm not an expert photographer by any means but have been impressed with this so far. It has enabled me to take some decent shots of wildlife (birds) from distance which was one of the main reasons for buying it. At 300 it does lose a bit of focus / picture looks a bit soft but other than this all good.

Happy with it

M43 format never stops to amaze me. Regarding 100-300 mm lens, Such a high reach with such a compact and light weight is just insane. I use it on my G9.For my S5, an equivalent 150- 600mm lens would have cost me 3times the price, 4 times the wight and size.Its so simple to carry it with me all day...Highly recommend it for M43 users.Those who aren't , just become one.

This lens produces some cracking shots. In my instance it is the cameras focus system that prevents me getting more.Overall…. Well pleased

At the price, with image stabilisation, solid build quality and given its reach (200mm-600mm equivalent) this lens is an excellent buy. As you would expect it can be a bit soft at 300mm but back of slightly and it sharpens up. I was drawn towards the Panasonic Leica 100 to 400mm but, for a lens that will be used only occasionally, I couldn’t justify the cost.

I chose this over the Olympus because this is weather sealed.The price is good for this lens, but you do need decent light to get the best out of it.The photos are one's I took recently (yep amateurish) but it gives a flavour of the lens at 300mm, F7.1, 1600 shutter, iso on auto.The lens is not heavy and easy to carry around all day attached to camera.Weather resistant was an important factor to me as I've used it in light rain.I think for starting out then this lens is well worth considering and fits Olympus (now OM )& Panasonic m4/3 cameras.