Panasonic Lumix Future Lens Development – Add Your Voice!
Panasonic Lumix Future Lens Development. This morning I’m working on a presentation for a meeting I have with Panasonic on June 2nd. Awhile back Panasonic contacted me to see if I would meet with two of their people from Tokyo to discuss future lens developments and they want to meet in my hometown of Bozeman, Montana. They’re actually flying these folks all the way from Tokyo, and to say I’m honored would be an understatement. Even more importantly than being honored, however, is I will finally get a chance to sit down with two very interested and committed people to discuss the need for longer, more pro-oriented lenses in the Lumix system. I don’t think Panasonic understands how many photo enthusiasts are out there that will pay for the right lens for outdoor recreation, wildlife, and sports photography.
Tanya and I were hosted by the folks at the Panasonic Center in Tokyo during our 2014 Japan Winter photo tour. Now we get to reciprocate with Montana hospitality.
My number one request is going to be the development of a professional quality, 100-300mm F/4 lens that is built with fast AF motors, super high quality glass, and meticulous fit and finish that is water and dust resistant. I will also be suggesting other lenses such as the possibility of an upgrade, with similar specs I mentioned above, for the 45-175mm zoom. Other lens ideas I will be talking about will include a fast 12mm prime such as maybe an F/2 or F/1.4. I would also love to see a 400mm F/4. Other pros I’ve talked to have mentioned even faster prime telephotos like a 300mm F/2 or a 200mm F/2. Remember all these lens have to be multiplied by two, so a 400m mF/4 would be the equivalent of an 800mm F/4. Yes, these lenses will be approaching larger sizes but when compared to the same lenses in my Nikon system, the new Lumix lenses would be 1/3 the size and weight of traditional full frame DSLR lenses, or less.
This is a visual chart by the Bureau of Economic Analysis showing Outdoor Recreation which includes nature and outdoor photography that shows spending from these outdoor oriented individuals of 646 billion dollars.
Many of you know I purchased and have been shooting with the Olympus 40-150mm F/2.8 and I recently started printing images as large as 32×40 inches shot with this lens and a Lumix GH4. These prints have convinced me the need for full frame sensor cameras are over for me. What we need now are superb professional quality lenses that show the capabilities of these Lumix cameras. Without a doubt Panasonic has given us some of exactly what we need in the 12-35mm F/2.8, the 35-100mm F/2.8, and the phenomenal 15mm F/1.7 and 42.5mm F/1.2 lenses. All these lenses are as sharp as anything I’ve ever shot and in some cases even sharper across the entire image area, corner to corner. Now we just need to bring that same quality to the longer zoom and telephotos.
Explorers Andrea, Joanne, Jeannne, Lynne, and Christine shooting in the Pantanal of Brazil. These are just a small part of the many millions of outdoor enthusiasts who spent 646 billion dollars last year on outdoor recreation that includes wildlife and nature photography.
Please do me a favor and add your voice to this blog post in the comments below. Let me know what you would like to see in future lens development for the Panasonic Lumix line of cameras. We need to help Lumix keep this train rolling. Add your voice now, PLEASE. Thanks in advance.
D.J. PerezOn Apr. 19th, 2018
15mm f/1.2 or f/1.4
20mm f/1.2 or f/1.4
25mm f/1.2
12-35mm and 35-100mm f/2 or f/1.4
100-300mm f/2
LuisOn Jun. 17th, 2015
In order of importance for me (first, most important, not necessarily constant aperture just the min at the longest Focal length): 100-300 F4, 200-400 F4, 200-400 F5.6. Maybe a 1.4TC. Weather sealed, considerably better AF and CA than the current consumer 100-300. Minimum focus distance at no more than 1.5 mts.
I’d pay $1500 or even $2000 depending on the image quality.
I’d like to buy a 7-14 II, same as today but without the horrible purple flare in Oly bodies.
JeffOn Jun. 8th, 2015
Hi Dan:
I don’t comment on many things on the Web, but this one is a hot button for me.
I have the Gh4 – Awesome camera. Switched from an old Nikon D300 to this system.
I too am missing the big quality zoom lens – need for longer range sports Pictures.
I have the 35-100 – great lens
Have the 45-200 – doesn’t cut it for me – too soft at the long end.
I actually have been considering the newer Canon 100-400 with the new Kipon Auto focus adapter due to this missing space lens. Can’t go with Olympus due to the no IS issue….
This should be a no brainer for Panasonic.
Thanks
Jeff
Daniel J. CoxOn Jun. 8th, 2015
Jeff, I would not make the sacrifices you will need to accept by adapting a Canon 100-400 to a GH4 with the Kipon adapter. The loss of IS in the Olympus lens is not nearly the issue you think it is or I thought it was going to be. Because we can shoot the GH4 at ISO’s much higher than we ever shot film at, which was the same period of time none of us had any idea what IS was, the lack of IS is not a big deal. Would I like to have it? Sure, but the AF speed of the Olympus 40-150mm, the impeccable sharpness of the glass, the small size and weight compared to a Canon 100-400 and the fact all electronics are useable without an adapter, make this a must have lens. I think you will be ecstatic with the 40-150mm and very disappointed with the Canon/Kipon combo. Thanks for adding your voice.
Tom OcasekOn Jun. 6th, 2015
Dan, Sorry to be late in responding, I have been traveling. Your friends have totally covered the subject – The only lens I find missing is the 100-300 f4 and I would add a 1.4x for a bit more reach. Aloha, Tom
Daniel J. CoxOn Jun. 7th, 2015
Thanks for the input Tom.
Gustavo Fernando DuránOn Jun. 5th, 2015
I suggest…
200-400mm F/5.6 (FZ1000 companion)
400mm F/5.6 (amateur birders)
400mm F/4 sealed (pro birders)
1.4, 1.7 and 2.0 TC
ChequeOn Jun. 5th, 2015
I’ll add my voice to the “why isn’t there a serious supertelephoto lens for M43?” camp. Something like a constant aperture 100-300mm f4, or ideally f2.8. Stabilised, obviously.
Something along the lines of a 5-12mm f2.8 would be great too.
Franz HorinekOn Jun. 5th, 2015
After some years of using digital Leica’s (M8, M9), parallelly to FF- and APS-Canon I switched over completely to mFT, starting with Panasonic (G1, G2, GH2, GH3) and adding then Oly cameras (now E-M1 and E-M5 Mk.II and PEN E-P5) as well. I have been hesitating to add the GH 4 and the GX 7 and I am hoping for the GX 8, hopefully with in-body stabilisation, like the predecessor.
Today I like very much the 42.5 mm Nocticron – beside size and weight – and the 15mm Summilux 1.7., on the other hand the experiences with Pana’s 45-175mm and 45-200mm left mixed emotions, especially now, when I recently purchased the Oly 40-150 2.8, and I will add later this year the Oly 300mm f 4.0, because nothing on the horizon from Panasonic. Nevertheless I would like to have a 100mm 2.0, a revised 25mm, minimum with f 1.4 and maybe – o.k. it is conflicting with others in this range – a 17.5mm or 20mm lens with f 1.4, and fast autofocus. Last but not least I wish for a 9 mm prime lens with minimum f 2.8.
The zoom range so far seems to be o.k., a 8 – 17.5 or 20mm f 2.8 would be fine, the 7 – 14mm I find already a little bit “aged” in some respects and I am just thinking to replace it with the new Oly 7 – 14 F 2.8.
In general I am hoping, that the collaboration within the mFT group will be improved, to secure the future of this great little format and to stand well against the “unbeatable” chunky mirrors of C & N. There are some dislikes within the mFT group companies, which inflict lacks of interchangeabilty, I have the feeling.
Jm2c.
Best regards from Hungary
Franz
Jouko. K. LehtoOn Jun. 5th, 2015
Hello!
The 100-300mm f4 … like that! If it would be about the same size as Oly FT 50-200, that would be my choice for birding. Add a 1.4x converter, and that’s mostly what I need.
To fill the line there could be a 500mm lens, f4 or f5.6. Faster ones would be too heavy for the idea of this system, and the coupling with a 1.4x converter would make that a 700mm lens… about the maximum anyone could need for nature shots or something similar. WIth longer lenses there is too much pollution, heath waves, humidity etc in the air to get a good quality shot from anything, and the handling of the lens would be too difficult – believe me, I have a 1000mm lens and use it occasionally.
For F2-lenses the 12-50mm area seems to be filled for now. It would make more sense for any manufacturer to do lenses that don’t have direct counterparts on other manufacturers list. But… No 100mm f2, no 135mm-150mm F2 AF-lens. There could be a hole to fill.
But at F1.4 there are not too many competitors now… 12, 14, 17, 50 mm?
Also, the purple fringing / dot problem with Oly bodies could be taken noticed on Panasonic. There are quite many of us, who would be interested on 7-14 f4 lens, if there was not that problem. Adding a back drop filter holder or making the UV-filtering stronger some other way for the mk2 model would sell more of that lens – and other lenses with the same problem.
I like the size of Pana 7-14 over the Oly version, and for landscape work I really don’t need the F2.8 – on the bit longer lenses it’s an other question.
Ella R.On Jun. 5th, 2015
A new Summilux 25mm mark II (with better AF & OIS) would be great.
And, why not superfast Panasonic-Noctilux with f0.95-1.2? Am I dreaming?
william solisOn Jun. 5th, 2015
A 17.5mm F1.4 with stabilization.
ÉricOn Jun. 4th, 2015
I shot primarily with prime lenses so I would love to see weather sealed prime and pancakes lenses.
But the thing I want the most is IBIS on the Panasonic bodies. 😉
NicOn Jun. 4th, 2015
20mm 1.7 with massively improved autofocus speed
Or a new 20mm, f1.2 with super fast AF and weather sealing
Ella R.On Jun. 5th, 2015
+1
Daniel J. CoxOn Jun. 4th, 2015
We had a fantastic meeting and I’ll be sharing what I can shortly. Thanks everybody for participating and adding your voice to this discussion. Believe me, the Lumix team go lots of ideas from our time together.
Dan KehlenbachOn Jun. 5th, 2015
Hi Dan,
Thanks for soliciting our suggestions! Looking forward to seeing what’s in store for the Lumix lineup!
Daniel J. CoxOn Jun. 5th, 2015
My pleasure Dan. I appreciate all the input.
VGBOn Jun. 2nd, 2015
Good Morning!
Please add my voice to the resounding chorus:
AN UPDATED PRO-ORIENTED 100-300 MKII
with DFD capability!
SOLD, SOLD, SOLD!
I will buy 3 copies for our family alone & spend good money for them!!!
Any additional Pro tele/long lenses within 150mm – 400mm will be most welcomed and will fill the much needed gap in the M43 system.
Since I usually work in fairly good light, f4 would be great for my needs. Even the original f4-5.6 would be OK if updated to Pro level (DFD) with good AF/AFC.
As you have stated, Daniel, the market for the outdoor enthusiast (nature/wildlife/airshow/sports) is HUGE. People will take notice if Panasonic brings on the better (Pro) long lenses! Especially with their new DFD tracking.
I have been a loyal Panasonic user since the first M43 camera, the G1. Since then I have added the G5, G6, GH2, GM5, GX7 & GH4. My Panasonic lenses include the 42.5 1.2, 12-35 Pro, 35-100 Pro, (2) 45-175, 7-14 (etc) and of course the old 45-200 & 100-300. These last two lenses REALLY need an update.
I would like to continue with the Panasonic system, yet at the moment I have had to fill this long lens gap with the Canon 100-400II during the wait. I need the length for wildlife, planes & sports. I personally know dozens of others who are waiting for these long lenses – many of them will walk away from their big DSLRs towards M43s when these longer lenses come (the sooner the better). The semi-pros & enthusiasts that I cross paths with around the US are willing to spend good money to fill this Pro-quality telephoto lens gap!
PLEASE PANASONIC, I hope you can bring us these long lenses – and soon!!!
SOLD!
Thank you for your consideration.
Cheers to all,
LH
AhYapOn May. 31st, 2015
Hello Daniel and Panasonic,
I have been shooting Canon full frame and have been working hard to reduce the weight by trying many mirrorless system. I have tried Fuji, Sony and Olympus before settling with Panasonic, mainly due to the intuitiveness and ergonomics exactly as you have written in your EM1 review page. I am now shooting with GH3 and GX7 with many lenses. I started with GX1.
My first choice is 8-17mm f4. I badly needed a good wide angle lens that can go wider than the 9mm of my Olympus 9-18mm. This 1mm in the wide range couple with 2x crop factor means a lot. We now have 3 wide angle lenses to choose from but unfortunately 2 of them cannot take filter. I enjoy shooting long exposure so I need to use ND filters. I also need to use CPL filter from time to time. I also use the Cokin P-series compatible filter for GND which is small and easy to carry. Most of my favorite shots are taken with wide angle.
Since Olympus already has 2 wide angle lenses with one just released last month, it is unlikely they will make another one anytime soon. This is the best opportunity for Panasonic to close the gap. Please make a great wide angle that can take filter and go wider than 9mm, I suggest 8-17mm which is more a “standard” that matches the full frame 16-35mm. The long end of 17mm also make it more useful as it is equivalent to the magic full frame 35mm.
It doesn’t need to be f2.8. F4 is good enough. Weather sealing is a good plus. And hopefully it is not heavier than a full frame wide angle lens. But I have been waiting for so long that I really don’t mind any of these as long as it is, a. wider than 9mm, b. can take filter, c. sharp enough even wide open (matching their f2.8 X zoom). I really don’t mind if it weight like a beast or cost more than my kidney. I have been waiting for too long.
Looking at other mirrorless system, I have been salivating at their wide angle zoom. Fuji has the 10-24mm f4, Sony E has the 10-18mm f4 and Sony FE has the 16-35mm f4. All of them can take filters and have great IQ. And yet they are all “late comers”.
My second choice is a great 35mm full frame equivalent lens. The current 17mm f1.8 by Olympus is not good enough in the IQ department. Panasonic make great primes but the focal length was just not on the mark. Why 15mm? Why 20mm? I have both. But I still prefer the 17mm focal length with the IQ of the 15mm and 20mm. So my second choice is a Panasonic 17mm f1.7. It doesn’t need the world Leica nor the aperture ring. Just good optics at 17mm (or 17.5mm if they want to differentiate, but I prefer 17mm because I like to shoot at 3:2 aspect ratio which increase our crop factor to ~2.1). I prefer small size like the 15mm.
My third choice is the 35-150mm with the IQ, size, weight and weather sealing matching the 35-100mm f2.8. Why this lens choice? The Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 is ‘huge’ and weight 880g. The 35-100 is only 360g and is much smaller. But once a while, I will miss the 150mm (as a travel photographer). I usually shoot f4 and above for this zoom for more depth of field so I don’t need a constant f2.8. A 35-150mm f2.8-4, or constant f4 will be good enough as long as it can keep the size and weight down.
Hopefully I will get heard. 😀
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 31st, 2015
Great input, thanks for joining us here on the NE Blog.
Tom SchmidtOn May. 30th, 2015
Before they dig too deep in the lens additions they need to fix the repair and professional care department. Something like Canon and Nikon have had for years for those of us who feed our families with work produced from the great cameras and lenses. Speed, communication and quality control all need some love from the C suites.
NealOn May. 29th, 2015
Thanks for the great opportunity for input. Most of these have already been covered by others, but for me in order of importance:
*A 100-300 mk II is my #1, #2, and #3 wish. F/5.6 on the long end is fine for me, but it should be sharp wide open and faster focusing/DFD-capable. This is honestly a “must have” for me–without something like this, I’m not sure I’ll stay with Panasonic/m43. Panasonic has made plenty of terrific inexpensive, lightweight lenses, so I’d think they can do this. They can still do a 100-300 f/4 as well, as that’d likely be 2x or 3x the price and heavy; I’d prefer the lightweight option.
*Keep the 14-140 mk II as is but fix the shutter shock/jitter problem.
*A sharp 12-60 f/4 (or maybe 12-50).
*Affordable astro lens, maybe 8 or 9 mm f/2 or so, rectilinear, manual focus is fine.
*400mm, I’d be okay with f/4.5 or f/5.6.
Thanks again for this opportunity. I just came over from your DPReview thread; sorry I hadn’t heard of you when I lived briefly in Bozeman (but I wasn’t into photography then).
Joel PlummerOn May. 30th, 2015
I am a sports photographer that has been able to use the gh4 and gh3 to shoot professional boxing and basketball. I would like to use it to shoot NCAA football too but there is no glass long and fast enough for it. So I echo your request for lenses for sports and wildlife. I am accustomed to spending several thousand dollars on a good lens and would be happy to give that money to Panasonic instead of Canon. Here is a link to sports work that I’ve done using mostly Panasonic bodies: https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/plummermedia/sets/72157644774610933/
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 30th, 2015
Thanks for your input Joel. Images are awesome.
John BurnleyOn May. 29th, 2015
Dan,
I totally agree with your lens choices and would embrace them for my own shooting. A pro quality 100-300mm (or even 100-200mm) would be wonderful, especially coupled with a 400mm super tele that would be competitive image wise to what Canon and Nikon offer. I also would really like to see a larger megapixel sensor and a longer focal length macro lens; for that 100mm would be great.
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 29th, 2015
Thanks for adding your voice John!
JorginhoOn May. 29th, 2015
Hoi Daniel.
great that you give us Panasonic users this opportunity to may be help many of us with the clearly main issue you also raised above: the lack of a good quality zoom.
Now I would agree a 100-300 f4 with build, IQ, focussing and sealing like the 35-100 f2.8 would be great. But the size might be stellar too.
So I would greatly appreciate an 100-250 F4 lens if that would keep it really down in size. i can even see an F2.8 to F4 100-250 being clearly smaller than the 100-300 you propose.
But I hope it becomes very, very, very clear to panasonic that you cannot give me my GH4 with DFD. outfocusses so well in action and then let us down by simply not supplying the right lenses for it.
G7 users might want it too…and we can of course expect next generation GX8, GH5 to have DFD and DFD that gets better and better too…
Another lens for nighttime shooting I am thinking of is a 10 mm f1.4 that is sharp wide open. So I can shoot noctilucent clouds and Aurorae and keep the noise down. In fact 10 mm f1.0 would be close to ideal. But the price might be steep too..
Again: THX for asking us!
MarkOn May. 29th, 2015
Hi,
I am DSLR user and plan to move for mirrorless, I am very tempted by Fuji (X-Pro) and Sony (new A700), but I like also Panasonic GX-7 (new GX-8 is coming too) but the only drawback with M4/3 is for my lack of f/1.4 primes, I really like 25/1.4 Leica Summilux but that’s all Panasonic offers for me. I really need classic focal lenghts with f/1.4 (not f/1.2 which means bigger lens), so Summilux 12/1.4 (not interested in Olympus 12/2), Summilux 17/1.4 (not interested in 17/1.7 with slow AF). These lenses with 25/1.4 Summilux would convince me to move for Panasonic (I can live with new Pana 42,5/1.7 thought I would prefer f/1.4, Noctiron f/1.2 is a monster lens that I am not interested in), otherwise I will go for Sony A7000 with Zeiss/Touit lenses. I think Panasonic should bring more Leica primes with f/1.4, but not too big. F/1.7 primes are fine but not temping for a pro use.
DaveOn May. 28th, 2015
I am in the high quality, long zoom 100-300, f4 camp. I am not saying I would buy at any price, but at maybe $1500 I certainly would.
DeanOn May. 28th, 2015
Dear Dan,
You know I love you like a brother. And, I hate to “pile it on.” But, Greg’s coments highlight a common theme here. Olympus’ stabilazation system is frightentingly good. The 5-axis system in the E-M1 and E-M5II absolutely rocks. And, with the latest firmware update for the E-M1, auto-focus tracking is about as good as it gets today in the MFT cameras, erasing the early lead of the Panasonic GH4. So, it comes down to this. Olympus is producing from frigging great lenses; the “Pro” series is absolutely amazing and will soon include a 600/4.0 equivalent. The newest members (8mm fisheye and 7-14mm 2.8) have received spectacular reviews and the sample images are breathtaking. I know you are very, very close to Panasonic/Lumix. But, as a “brother,” I strongly encourage you to pick up an Oly E-M5 II and compare it’s video to the GH4 (yes, I know Oly doesn’t have 4K) to see if it can keep the video side of your brain happy. And, when the next generation of E-M1 arrives, get one of those, too. (I promise not to tell the people at Pany.) You can still use the Pany/Leica 42.5, and the terrific Pany 35-100mm, but you can also pick up an Olympus 75mm 1.8 and the new 7-14mm 2.8 to go along with your Olympus 40-150mm (that I already know you love) and soon to be acquired 300/4.0 Pro. Or, you can get all of these and give them to Tanya so she can take some of the best photos in her life! ;0) What is amazing is that all of this Olympus equipment costs less than your what it costs to own a Nikon D4s and 200-400!
Dean
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 29th, 2015
Dean,
It’s about time you came up for air and joined in here. I was wondering where the heck you were. It occurred to me, maybe you were still catching up on your Olympus manual to try and figure that camera out? Ok, just a joke, kind of. I haven’t had a chance to shoot any of the newest Olympus gear yet but I’ve heard good things. It’s great to have two great companies making this MFT system viable. Thanks for finally taking your nose out of the Olympus manual and joining the conversation. All jokes aside I do mean that sincerely.
DeanOn May. 29th, 2015
Manuals are for wimps! Now that I’ve figured out how to use back button focus, I have no time for reading!!!! You are still my hero (even though you sometimes use the wrong gear).
XOXO,
Dean
(the XOXO is for Tanya, not you!)
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 29th, 2015
Even héros can be human and I think I’ve told you before what my Pappy says, “if all else fails, read the instructions.” 🙂
Dennis LarkinOn May. 28th, 2015
The stabilized 100-300 f4 with tripod mount is far and away my first wish for a new M4/3 lens. I use the current 100-300 for about 90% of my shooting and would gladly replace it with an updated 100-300. The sooner the better!!
GeorgeOn May. 28th, 2015
I’d echo the calls for a telephoto zoom: personally, I’d like to see a new 100-300mm f/4 premium lens to continue on seamlessly from the 12-35 and 35-100. Size is not particularly a problem: Olympus have shown with the 40-150 that people don’t mind slightly larger, quality lenses.
At the very least, it would be good to see an updated 100-300mm f/4-5.6 with improved sharpness at the long end and better OIS, and a tripod mount.
A resurrection of the 150mm f/2.8 would make me happy, as would a 1.4x teleconverter (or even a 1.7x or 2x, but now I’m just being greedy).
Thank you for taking the time to collate all these responses – will be really interested to hear how you get on!
robert theunissenOn May. 28th, 2015
about the only serious thing lacking in m43 right now is a tilt shiff lens preferably a 12mm for landscaape and something longer for product stuff like a 50.
Dan KehlenbachOn May. 27th, 2015
Hi Dan:
Saw your thread on DPReview and wanted to add my two cents. I love my Lumix G system, but (echoing others) would love to see an update to the 45-200. If it could be a constant f/4 with weather sealing, that would be awesome. My Dad has the FZ1000 and his results at the longer end is noticeably better than my G6 with the 45-200.
Thanks a bunch!
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 27th, 2015
Thanks Dan, I’ll add your suggestions. By the way, yes the FZ1000 is an amazing camera. With a better lens on the long end than anything we have for our upper end GH4’s, G6 now G7. Panasonic is going to make it right I truly believe that. Hang in there.
GeorgeOn May. 27th, 2015
Hi Daniel,
If you happen to discuss with Panasonic on body, please tell them that the GH4 has the best ergonomics of all cameras (I have Canon 5DIII and have touched nikon) in my opinion. Just the right size and shape. Hope they keep it that way in the GH5 without drastic changes
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 27th, 2015
George, I could not agree more. I’m hopeful they understand this. I’ve written about it extensively. They are light years ahead of all others, especially Olympus but even Nikon. I’m hopeful they don’t tinker with almost perfection.
Ian MOn May. 27th, 2015
Easily the biggest “want” for me from Panasonic is an updated 100-300. Below are a list of what I’d like to see in the v2.0 lens:
– Updated exterior like what was done with the 14-140 II, 20mm II, 14mm II, etc.
– Updated OIS to Power (supposed improvement for stills shooting compared to Mega)
– Updated optics (think like Panasonic 14-140 II. Smaller, Lighter, Sharper)
– Better zoom & focus ring haptics. The focus ring was often stiff, and the zoom ring could not be turned smoothly. Make them both work like the rings on the 14-140 II (although keep the rubberized zoom ring, it’s a nice feature over the all plastic one on the 14-140 II)
– Update the iris mechanism so that it can work with the GH4 C-AF high burst speeds
– Make the lens work with DFD
– Add weather sealing so that the lens can be used with the GH3/GH4 outdoors in less than ideal conditions.
If they could do this, and price the lens @ ~$750, I think it would sell like hot cakes. It’s really the last lens that I “need” for the type of shooting I like to do.
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 27th, 2015
Ian, Unfortunately, with all due respect, I think you are dreaming about seeing a lens with those changes being able to be sold for $700.00. Do you realize that a somewhat comparable Nikkor 600mm sells for $12,000US? My only reason for pointing this out is that I don’t want Panasonic to think we are unreasonable and that we’re unwilling to pay for a top notch lens. They have to make money or they won’t do any of it. They’ll just get out of the business. For me, if they would follow my wants and desires, which are pretty similar to yours, with the exception that I desperately want a full F/4 through the zoom range, a lens of this caliber will easily be $1500.00+ and maybe beyond $2000.00+. But compared to $12,000? It would be a fabulous bargain.
Frank van dijkOn May. 27th, 2015
Lenses that Micro Four thirds lacks.
1.A high quality telezoom.
The current Panasonic 100-300mm disappoints many people.
As you suggested a 100-300mm F/4 sounds nice, tough i wouldn’t mind if it was a 100-200 f4
in order to same reduce weight. Also Make a very nice 200-400 equivalent as offered by Nikon and Canon.
2. F1.4 Primes.
Fujifilm is catching up to MFT with their X- mount.I’ve seen a couple of Full frame users switch to Fuji,why?
I bet its their great lens lineup, that satisfies the pros. And Fuijfilm keeps rapidly adding new lenses. Panasonic why only a single f1.4 prime? 12mm f1.4, 14mm f1.4, 17.5mm f1.4, 45mm f1.4 we love to see that!
3.Ultra Wide primes.
There is nothing rectilinear beyond 12mm, A 10.5mm, or wider would be a great addition to the m43 lineup.
Of course such a lens cannot exist without a filter thread, even if it is a humongous 77mm, no filter thread=no go.
4. Long primes.
In the whole 100-200 equivalent range, MFT has only the 75mm f1.8 and the 60mm macro. There is no 135mm equivalent, Nor a 100mm, nor a 180/200mm. Not only I wish to see such a long prime, but also Macro capability. The minimum focus distance for 1:1 is too close if done with a 60mm prime (this is personal, but i use my nikon 105mm a lot on the gx7, has a comfortable MFD)
4. Opportunity: Cine oriented lenses.
Panasonic has great appeal to filmmakers, with the GH3 and GH4. I think many would like to see a zoom lens
that is parafocal, has a zoom rocker, (or external zoom controls) without focus breathing, and great optics.
The market would be small, but the prices(and profits?) are high.
Mike CromwellOn May. 26th, 2015
Dan, as you probably know, I have a been a Nikon guy (for decades) who had been fooling around with the M4/3 format, until last fall when I took the GH4 plunge in order to drastically lower the weight of what I carried on my trek through Nepal and Bhutan. I took three lenses: 7-14, 12-35 and 35-100. I also have the 25 Leica Summilux 1.4 and a bunch of the earlier non-professional lenses, including the various telephotos. I would like to see Panasonic do one of two things: 1) replicate the old Nikon Big 4 zoom line up (14-24, 24-70, 70-200, 200-400), which would mean adding a pro 100-200 (which I think could be done more cost effectively than beefing up the 100-300) or 2) take the new Nikon Big 3 zoom approach (14-24, 24-70 and 80-400) and create a new wider 35-200 telephoto zoom. Why not reduce weight by also reducing the number of lenses. I would also want and add a high quality 1.4x teleconverter.
A lower priority would be to redo the 7-14 and Summilux 25 so they could use the same filters as the other Lumix pro zooms and have a more round lens shade.
Greg DrawbaughOn May. 26th, 2015
Thank you for the opportunity to voice our suggestions to Panasonic. I am an aviation as well as bird photographer, so the majority of my photos are taken with longer lenses. I have owned and used the Panasonic G1, G5, GH2, GH3 and GX7, and now the Olympus E-M1 and E-M5II. I have sold or traded off all of my Panasonic cameras except the GX7 and moved to the Olympus bodies and now lenses. I also just sold my Panasonic 7-14 and preordered the new Olympus 7-14 Pro lens to take its place.
As over one fourth of the photos in my Lightroom catalog were shot with the Panasonic 100-300mm lens,
I will join the chorus requesting an upgraded 100-300mm lens. Make the manual focus usable and the zoom control smooth, and I would settle for the zoom and focus to be just half as good as the Olympus 40-140 Pro f2.8. Speaking of the Oly Pro 40-150, this is the cat’s meow in the m4/3 world, especially combined with the 1.4x converter. Also take a lesson on the best designed lens hood ever which is found on the Oly 40-150.
We have so many short, fast primes why do we need more?? The BIG advantage m4/3 offers is the 2x conversion factor for the lenses, so why not exploit that with some better choices on the long end?? How about a 200-400mm f5.6 that is light, compact and sharp wide open??
Why did I switch to the Olympus bodies?? While the Oly menus are archaic and difficult to navigate, the 5-axis stabilization is beyond belief incredible. I also really like and use the single autofocus plus manual focus mode the Oly bodies offer. For birding, this is the best way to dial in focus on that pesky little bird who insists on staying hidden among the twigs. Combined with the focus peaking, I can easily dial in my focus, even with the horrible and crappy manual focus ring on the Panasonic 100-300mm. None of my Panasonic bodies offered this, but both of my Olympus ones do offer this valuable tool.
I love this system, please Panasonic keep supporting it with more higher quality offerings, especially on the longer lenses and some pro level bodies oriented towards still photos and not video.
GrantOn May. 26th, 2015
IMO it is desperately important to update the 100-300 lens so it can S-AF and C-AF while keeping up with the fastest burst modes for the GH4 and the next-gen top shooter e.g. GH5.
Level 2 update of same lens: make an ‘L’ version like Canon did with the 70-300 f4/5.6, with top optics and higher price.
Don’t forget to ask ’em about the 150mm f/2.8, and if it is stalled, please resurrect it and make sure it is particularly compact when not in use. Collapsible if necessary. Remind them that Panasonic users without IBIS cannot use the 40-150 PRO Olympus except on a tripod, and even Olympus users would be interested in a 150mm prime if it was particularly compact and had high-contrast optics. A point of difference for this lens, apart from being compact/collapsible, could be an integral 1.4x TCV.
Panasonic patented a suite of prime lenses, all with OIS, about a year ago. The design was meant to save production costs, hence not expensive lenses. You could ask them if any work is under way on lenses based on that patent.
Steve HoodOn May. 26th, 2015
I own only one lens, the 100-300mm. I pre-ordered that lens when it was announced and have gone through a G1, GH2 and now a GH3 body with a 29k shutter count. I use it only for bird photography (the smaller perched kind). I really enjoy the handling of the GH3 body and never got on with the Olympus bodies. But this will be my last year with the 100-300mm.
I will be purchasing the Olympus 300mm f4 when it comes out (hopefully in time for spring migration 2016). I will initially stick with my GH3 body but will be switching to the E-M2 when it gets announced as I need stabilization to get the most from the system.
Apparently Panasonic had designed a 100-300mm f4 but cancelled the project last year as they felt the market would be too small. It it great to hear that they may be reconsidering the long end but I can no longer wait.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2014/06/05/panasonic-executive-interview-part-i-why-no-long-teles-and-depth-from-defoc
“Yes, we had been considering, but looking at the overall situation, what it would take for development and what sales there would be, we decided to cancel the long telephoto zoom. We had already released 150mm, but for the zoom, we are very sorry, but this was our decision.”
“A month ago Panasonic unveiled at Imaging Resource that they withdraw the plan to release a high end X zoom lens. Well, one of our anonymous sources told us that the planed lens specs were: 100-300mm f/4.”
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 26th, 2015
Steve, Panasonic announced the decision not to build the 100-300mm almost exactly one year ago. This is not current news and my hope is they are reconsidering. With the success of their GH4 they are in need of stepping up with quality lenses and I think they know that. I agree with your decision to go with the Olympus 300mm F/4. I have one on order myself. I’ll be seeing it if Lumix brings us the 100-300mm F/4. Stay tuned.
GeorgeOn May. 27th, 2015
The Panasonic decision of withdraw the 100-300 f/4 was a big disappointment. Not sure what their marketing people are thinking. At least they should do a survey. Apparently they already have the technical stuff , maybe prototype done. So if they decide to make it, it should come to market quickly.(early next year? I am desperate!)
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 27th, 2015
Totally agree. I’m actually going to get a chance to speak with a gentleman from the marketing department and I will ask. Because I agree with you completely.
Jim HullyOn May. 26th, 2015
I’m sorry but I just don’t see Panasonic or Olympus making any really fast telephotos (zooms or primes). Cameras with APS-C-sized sensor are the competition not full frames. I fully agree about a 100-300mm f/4 from Panny. This would be the equivalent of Nikon’s/Canon’s 80/100-400mm lenses on the D7200/7DII bodies respectively. Ideally, it should have a 1.4x converter build-in. That would be a better choice than Panny’s 150mm/2.8.
Beyond that they should concentrate on expanding their fast primes from super wide to moderate telephoto:
9mm/2, 12mm/1.7, 15mm/1.7 (done), 25mm/1.4 (needs a serious make-over), 42.5mm/1.2 (done), 100mm/2.8 macro+IS, & 400mm/5.6+IS.
Ideally they should be weatherproofed, feature an aperture ring, better close focusing, and minimize the different filter sizes (my pet peeve). The 7-14/4 needs a make-over (but still takes regular filters) to bring it into line with the 12-35, 35-100 & suggested 100-300 “PRO” lenses. I would also like Panny to continue designing super-compact zooms for the GM line.
And let’s not forget that if are talking about high end lenses we will need a Pro level of customer service. Dedicated locations offering 3-day turn-around, loaner cameras/lenses, etc.
Lastly, I’m coming from a still photography so what do the videographers want for the highly acclaimed GH line?
Jim
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 26th, 2015
Great input about serious service needs and the lens info. Thanks for adding your voice.
Wayne WOn May. 26th, 2015
Personally, I would love a Panasonic Lumix professional grade (image/build quality & weather sealing) 100-300MM zoom lens, even with the same brightness / speed of the current version. Though a little brighter / faster and not much larger would be would be ideal. With such a lens, and the two other existing pro zooms, I would have pro glass with OIS for my GH4 that would cover the full range of my trusty and beloved FZ200 (12.5-300MM M4/3 equivalent).
Chris ElliottOn May. 26th, 2015
Thanks for the opportunity to comment. The Panasonic and Olympus lense range must be taken together so there is no point in Panasonic creating long lenses that Olympus already has. As Olympus is bringing out a pro 300 F4 this year Panasonic must look for gaps that are not already covered.
A upgrade to the 100-300 would be good especially to pro level and F4 or better.
A 300 F2 or better or a 400 F4 or better would also be good
A 200-400 F4 could also be interesting
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 26th, 2015
Chris, agreed about not wanting overlaps in lenses. However, as great as the Olympus lenses are, we LUMIX users don’t have the benefit of Image Stabiliation. If Panasonic would give in camera stabilization or Olympus ad IS to their lenses, we would have it made.
GeorgeOn May. 26th, 2015
Desperately need a Pro Level 100-300mm f4 !!!
If it has the same build quality as the 12-35mm f2.8 and 35mm f2.8. I am willing to pay big money for it
I do not mind if it has to be bigger than any available m4/3 lens, as I know it will be way smaller than a Tamron 150-600mm
Please Panasonic!
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 26th, 2015
Thanks George. You echoed my sentiments exactly! I’m glad to see some folks here understating that a lens of this quality is not going to be cheap, but again, it will be much, much cheaper, smaller and more compact than the Nikon version of a similar type, the 600mm F/4. I’m willing to pay substantially for this lens as well. Same old story you get what you pay for but at least in the MFT world you actually do get MORE than you pay for. That’s the beauty.
GeorgeOn May. 27th, 2015
Hi Daniel, thanks for doing this for the m4/3 community. The 100-300mm f4 lens is so critical that actually defers our safari trip to Africa. I would like to hear from you with the feedbacks from the Panasonic folks
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 27th, 2015
Thanks George. Will be talking about what I can.
agachartOn May. 26th, 2015
please,develop lens with polymor material as flat len ,zero chromatic,zero distotion,
transparent more glass 5%
Can you do it,you (panasonic) can do glass mole,and this call superior plastic mole.
gietrzyOn May. 26th, 2015
I am listing lenses I’m willing to buy only.
9mm f/1.8-2.5 pancake.
100 or 150mm f/2.8 Macro; insane optics: no coma, spherical aberr. etc.
200-400mm f/4-5.6.
Rob KramerOn May. 26th, 2015
I shoot sports videos with my GH4, and I am not all that happy with my options. The 35-100 2.8 is too short at the long end, and the 100-300 is too long at the short end (also, the stiff zoom of the 100-300 makes it terrible for video). I am “stuck” with the 45-175, which does not have the best resolution (especially for 4K). The 45-150 and the 45-200 are even worse. I would like to see a pro quality (f4 is fine) zoom in that range. Olympus is nice with their 40-150 2.8, and even offers a 1.4x extender, but no IS leaves us Panasonic video shooters out in the cold.
Peter BrogdenOn May. 26th, 2015
Panasonic Lenses; here is my tuppance worth.
I think there should be more wide-angle options.
The 7-14 is grossly over priced (here in the UK)
So, how about a 12-60mm F4? (equivalent to my Nikkor 24-120mm)
Still using my 14-45 – which I’m mostly happy with. Except it’s not wide enough. I don’t understand why the kit lenses are 14-42. Why lose 3mm and make a gap in the focal length gamut?
Longer lengths for wildlife – how about a 300mm F 2.8?
This would be a 600mm equivalent lens and probably half the weight of a Nikon/Canon 400mm F2.8
The 100-300mm needs work too. I read good things about this lens. Bought it and was disappointed.
Micro 4/3 won’t be taken seriously until high quality lenses like this are produced.
Finally, please improve the quality of the plastic used at the end of the lens. When the lens is new, the lens hood clicks securely into position. 3 months later, no click, not secure…a recipe for lost lens hoods. Please fix this.
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 26th, 2015
All great thoughts and the lens hood request is a no brainer that could be fixed with very few engineers I’m sure. So many LUMIX users want desperately to love the 100-300mm but most have all experienced the same dissapoinment. Thanks for adding your voice.
Joe BobOn May. 26th, 2015
100-300/4 that focuses FAST!
lcvOn May. 26th, 2015
I have the Panasonic 100-300mm.
This lens is not sharp enough at 300mm 5.6.
A very sharp 100-400mm f3.5-5.6 would be nice.
I’m afraid a 100-400mm f4 is too expensive and too big.
MartinOn May. 26th, 2015
I would like a firmware update on my G5 that would activate the focus ring on my 100-300 so that I can force the autofocus to a different point.
For example when photographing a bird it can be a real challenge to get the focus away from nearer or farther branches, a manual override of the autofocus would be great.
Frank StarkOn May. 26th, 2015
I am what might be called an emerging photographer, still learning. I bought my 14-45mm and 20mm 1.7 with the camera bodies attached (rather than the other way around) even though the bodies were getting older. I bought a GX7 for the improved sensor, and a used Panasonic- Leica 45mm 2.p-L 8 for its rendering qualities, not for macro. I would like, but cannot yet afford, the 25mm 1.4 and the Panasoinic 7-14mm. Have not yet turned my attention to longer focal lengths.
My problem is wanting – and being only willing to buy – the highest quality glass but not being able to afford it. I am leary of lower cost lenses that may not have the optical quality of the older and/or more expensive ones. So I save my pennies. Part of the problem is that Panasonic recently raised its prices in Canada by 20-30%. Until I can afford what I want, I will use the few lenses I have.
I also do not want large and heavy lenses that de facto need larger bodies to balance them.
Craig MillerOn May. 26th, 2015
And there me thinking Panasonic are going to release new long telephoto lenses in the next 12 months…..
Last April I went on safari in Botswana and I took all my Panasonic mirrorless cameras with me. So each camera had a zoom lens on and each camera worked very well.
GM1 with the 12-35mm
GH4 with the 35-100mm
GH3 with the 100-300mm
The biggest problem I had is the 100-300mm because it was the only thing in my kit that was letting me down. What made matters worst I had to put extra effort into 100-300 to get acceptable shots and even then they looked poor compared to the shots from my 35-100.
If I was a wildlife photographer in Africa, I would want a weather sealed 200-300mm f4 with an optional teleconverter of 1.4.
Outside Africa I say a 250mm f4 with an option 1.2 and 1.4 teleconverters would be great.
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 26th, 2015
Craig, your comments mirror my last trip to South Africa to a T. I’ve had the same serious disappointment with the 100-300mm and equal positive results with the 35-100 and 12-35mm. The good news is Panasonic is willing to listen. I personally think they have been taken by surprise at how well the GH4 has sold and they’re now attempting to shore up the last hole in the lineup which is the long telephoto and zoom category. I also feel your pain understanding that if Panasonic is just now starting to reach out for guidance on lens development, it’s obvious we won’t see results for this year. However….. I’ve got a tiny, little spark of optimism that this meeting may be more than just a request to talk. Who knows, maybe we’ll have something to use sooner than we think.
NZ ScottOn May. 26th, 2015
I think that we already have the lenses we need in the consumer and enthusiast segments. I can’t think of a focal length that isn’t already covered.
The next area for development, in my opinion, is professional quality primes.
Panasonic has already released the 42.5 f/1.2, which is a great start, but I would also like to see a 12mm f/1.2, a 17mm f/1.2 and a 25mm f/1.2.
These lenses should be weather-sealed, and it would be great if they were also stabilised.
Thanks for providing the opportunity to post.
Regards,
NZ Scott
Luka EsenkoOn May. 26th, 2015
Dan, when Panasonic release telephoto lens you are hoping for – I am sold. And I can think of many of my birdwatching friends, including my dad…
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 26th, 2015
Luka, great to hear from you. Would love to see what your Dad would think of the LUMIX technology. So happy to have you a part of the discussion here on the blog and thanks for uploading a photo of yourself. I really enjoy seeing the faces of our community. Thanks again a for such a great trip to Croatia. Can’t wait to shoot with you in Serbia!
jeffharrisOn May. 25th, 2015
Thanks for the great opportunity.
Okay…
Ditto on a high quality, sealed 100-300mm f4 with an integrated tripod collar.
Why not a 100-400mm f4?
A high quality, sealed teleconverter that works with ANY and EVERY M4/3 lens.
A high quality, mid-range zoom with more useful range.
10-50mm or 10-60mm f2.8 or f3.5. The current 12-35mm and 12-40mm lenses are too short, the 14-140mm, not good enough, not to mention shutter shock issues with the superzoom. I bought a 12-40mm for the (barely) extra range + close-focus ability over the 12-35mm. Starting at 10mm would be fantastic!
A high-quality, sealed, long macro lens, doubling as a telephoto. 100mm or 105mm f2.8 would be a good start. PLEASE make decent manual focus! I currently use adapted manual Nikon AI-S 105mm f2.8 and 200mm f4 macro lenses.
( Mech ) Franka T. LieuOn May. 25th, 2015
Thanks guy for a chance to voice ours .. in short its not just the Panasonic line bu8t the M4/3 lineup as a whole. Nikon and Canon do not come to their dominance just by providing a SELLING lineup of lens but a full lineup of lens , and that means the slow selling but long term cataloged quality lens which M4/3 slowly only start getting. One of the key issue I think Panasonic need to be aware is that they should better define the Lumix Lens range. Just having Lumix and Leica branding won’t help.
At the present state, low to mid range zoom is pretty much covered, so the call is for High end and enthusiast grade zoom ( which dictate almost always fixed speed in the f/4.0 or faster ). There is urgent need for M4/3 to cover the Tele Macro. Fix focals of various coverage must be provided and here Panasonic must shine away from their usual disposition of designing for M4/3 as M4/3 goes ( compact size, light weight, and soft correction ) People willing to take the burden of using a fix focals these days want the utmost in optical quality and solid build all of which M4/3 need to provide as a system vs fix focals for compact and carry around
Aside as a landscape / wildlife shooter I ask for (myself ) a wide lens that’s truly optically well corrected and optical quality delivered. Speed is non issue I will take a performing 9mm/4.0 anytime over trying to do stitching on the 7-14 , Tele Macro in the 180/200 range ( also double as wild life lens ) and no less a ( relatively compact ) fast Tele something akin to a 100mm/2.0
Jacques CornellOn May. 25th, 2015
Dan,
Thanks for sharing this opportunity to provide direct feedback to Panasonic.
I’m an event pro who switched from a 1D3 & 1Ds3 to a G6 & GX7 18 months ago. Right now I shoot with 7-14 f4, 12-35 f2.8, 35-100 f2.8, 20 f1.7 and 45 f1.8 lenses. I could really use two things: faster primes and more reach at f2.0-2.8.
Panasonic’s 42.5 f1.7 is very appealing, thanks to OIS, close-focus ability, and edge-to-edge sharpness. But, I wish it were faster. The Nocticron is very nice, but I wish it were cheaper. I’d like to see Panasonic make some sub-$1k f1.4 primes with OIS and aperture rings, particularly 17mm and 45mm. They need to be sharp wide-open.
Second, I need to be able to shoot a 3/4 length portrait of someone standing at a podium from 30′ away in low available light. This means 200-300mm at f2.8. As others have already said, a 100-300 constant f4.0 with fast AF and good sharpness all the way out would go a long way toward filling the long-tele gap. However, I also need something – zoom or prime – around 200mm/f2.8 and 135mm/f2.0, and I’m strongly considering getting manual-focus glass because PanOly have whiffed on this. Samyang’s excellent 135mm f2 for $550 shows it can be done.
JayOn May. 25th, 2015
Dan, I thank you for giving us the opportunity to voice our opinion and also like to thank Panasonic for inviting renowned photographers like yourself to guide their product development for future years. I have finally made a jump to microfour thirds for my long lens solution!!! I have purchased the current iteration of Panasonic 100-300 mm . I would be interested in the lenses and teleconverters mentioned by other explorers, as well as a 200-400 f/4 or faster. Looking forward to years of hiking without the feeling of being a mule 🙂
Best,
Jay
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 25th, 2015
Really, it’s my pleasure Jay. We all need to add our voices to show Panasonic there’s a market for quality lenses in the long range and beyond. I’ve been so impressed with the quality of images I’m getting from the GH4 when it has superb optics. We just need some longer zoom sand telephotos and the LUMIX system will be serious contender for all photographers.
Christine CrosbyOn May. 25th, 2015
hi Dan,
If we had a pro version of the 100-300mm f/4 and a 400mm pro option I would jump ship completely from Nikon. As you know, with my neck and back injuries, schlepping heavy gear is a serious challenge. I may have no choice soon but to convert entirely, but I’ve resisted so far because I currently can’t get the wildlife and bird in flight images that I want to create with the current m4/3 lenses we have available from Panasonic (or competitors). If faster/better quality lenses were available in the longer reaches, I would give up my Nikon gear in a heartbeat!
I hope you have success in convincing Panasonic how much we need these options. What an honor that they are giving you the opportunity for this input!
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 25th, 2015
Thanks for such a personal story about why the LUMIX system holds hope for you. Even without serious injury I meet so many people who are tired of carrying such heavy traditional DSLR’s. I’m truly hopeful it won’t be long before we have the long lens/lenses we need for the LUMIX system.until then I’m having tremendous success with the Olympus 40-150mm F/2.8. It doesn’t have Image Stabilization with LUMIX but with the higher ISOs we can shoot it has not been a problem at all. I do hope it won’t be long and we have the proper lens from Panasonic however. Thanks for your input.
ScottOn May. 25th, 2015
This isn’t as a request for new lenses, but rather a request for what, IMO, is a strongly needed firmware update.
I own both of the 12-35mm and 35-100mm f/2.8 G Lumix lenses. I would really, Really, REALLY like to have a firmware update that would allow me to set the focus ring to a “fixed travel” setting so I can reliably focus between two spots by moving the focus ring a fixed amount. Ideally, this would include the ability to set A/B points as focus limits for quick refocusing between two points. This would need to for all of the Panasonic G-series cameras, at the least (G6, G7, GX7, GX8, GH3, GH4, etc.). If nothing else, just the ability to toggle a setting in the firmware (hooked up to a PC?) that would switch from variable speed/travel focus to fixed travel focus would be a huge help!
And if we are wishing, I’d like to see the 100-300mm as a fixed f/4 lens.
And while we are fantasizing, a more reasonably priced 7-14 f/2.8 with image stabilization would be wonderful. 🙂
Whitney DunnOn May. 25th, 2015
Couldn’t agree more with Anders’ points 2 & 3: Panasonic and Olympus bodies and lenses need to work together fully, completely, no questions. In a shrinking camera market they’ll either hang together or hang separately (and the former’s much preferable). If people are going to buy into the m4/3s system, it has to just work.
For lenses, I’d love to see a Mark II of the Panasonic – Leica 25mm. Just add a weather sealed metal body up to the quality of the 42.5 f/1.2 and an aperture ring and call it a day. The optics are already stellar.
I’m not hugely into telephoto, but something like a 100-200 f/2.8 (or even f/4) might make a very nice medium to long option, and versatile to boot: good for outdoors, good for sports, even for some portraiture in a pinch. Again, the quality of the lens needs to be first rate. No more plastic bodies. Match what Olympus has done with their pro zooms.
Eric ValkOn May. 25th, 2015
-A 1.4x teleconvertor that works with the existing telephotos lenses
-An improved version of the 45-200, this is such a handy focal length for wildlife photography, and reasonably portable given the magnification
-A 400mm F5.6 lens (prime or 135-400 zoom). A faster lens will be too heavy. But if it is sharp at wide open, then such a lens is very usable
-A 10mm F2 prime
WesleyOn May. 25th, 2015
I would very much like to have a sharp long telephoto lens for m43, ideally with fast AF. Doesn’t have to be fast, f/5.6 would be fine. Faster than f/4 would probably be too expensive for me, and larger than I would like to carry. A tripod collar would be nice.
The 45-200 isn’t good enough, and the 100-300 isn’t good enough. The 35-100 is too short. The Oly 40-150 is too short.
Also on my wish list is a longer focal length macro, something in the 100mm range.
I am a nature/industry/research photographer. I use m43 for social photography, but the lack of a good long telephoto has kept me from using m43 gear for my work projects. Would be glad to go full m43, hope that happens soon.
SimonOn May. 25th, 2015
I’m wishing for at least a Summicron MK II 25mm, with an aperture ring and perhaps more metal in the construction. Ideally I’d like to see a 20 or 25mm Noctilux though. As others have said to minimize DOF on M4/3 requires bigger apertures than are commonly available especially in autofocus, and I love the Nocticron – it almost lives on my camera and is worth every cent.
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 25th, 2015
Wow, great job folks. Really appreciate all the good ideas. Please keep them coming.
D3xmeisterOn May. 25th, 2015
100-300mm f4 or even f/5.6 at the long end but make it sharp and fast focus and aperture mechanism.
Anders LattermannOn May. 25th, 2015
Since M43 is two stops after on DOF and roughly 1,5 steps on ISO performance, I’d like some fast glass to compensate that. All fast glass available today like the ones at f0,95 are manual focus, so it would be nice with such primes with AF. And zooms as bright as possible.
If the larger aperture makes a lens bigger in size that is rather okey as long as the weight isn’t going to FF levels, so if it is possible to produce such lenses with modern light materials that would be very nice. The size of lenses (and bodys) are of course nice if they are small but it is the weight that is the real problem when one needs to carry around the stuff.
Also the lens must be sharp at the largest aperture so it makes sense to actually use it with that.
Weather sealing so one can actually shot when the light is low and conditions are dramatic, since that is actually when the nicest images are captured.
And cameras must be made to draw out maximum sharpness of the lenses, so please tell them to give us a toggle between the faster 10-bit readout of the e-shutter and a more quality but slower 12-bit mode. Would just be a software change if I understand the technology correct.
Older Panasonics e-shutter does have 12-bit readout if my info is correct, like G5/G6/GX7/GH3 but newer ones only have 10-bits which gives more shadow noise.
Also, in the lack of EFCS (Electronic First Curtain Shutter) I would like a mode where I am able to choose what shutter times I engage the E-shutter in. A hybrid mode that is. So for instance I want to be able to set that from 1 second to 1/320 or whatever, I want the e-shutter and the mechanical shutter I want for the rest of the speeds. Wouldn’t either be so hard to implement, probably just software that needs fixing.
And if I try to turn on the flash while in e-shutter mode, the camera could just ask if I want to leave silent e-shutter mode or not (today at least on my G6 it just ignores if I fold up the flash when in e-shutter).
A proper EFCS implementation with the mechanical shutter or a global shutter would of course be very welcome to reduce any vibrations.
More megapixels if they can be made sharp (meaning that the lenses must cope with that resolution). I only need more megapixels if I can crop the picture when I missed the framing due to fast action or not enough reach on the lens that was on the body at the time. I don’t need more megapixels just to fill up space on my harddrive.
Panasonic is very video centric but their slogan is “Changing Photography”. Yes, video is probably also within that term but we are quite some people that uses the cameras for stills only (I haven’t even checked if the video function in my camera works). The 4K photo modes are on the other hand very welcome and seems helpful and exciting also for stills shooters so if they can draw more such functions out of the 4K video possibilities that would be nice.
Back to lenses and some things that irritates me:
1) Putting a Panasonic lens on a Olympus body gives more purple fringing due to weaker UV filters in Oly bodys. This is bad for the system so please fix in new lenses and have the same strength of UV filters in Pana lenses as Olympus have or get Oly to have stronger UV filters in their bodys. People see M43 as one system and it is competing against APS-C and FF systems. Please cooperate more within the M43 companies and make incompatibles go away and stop nonsense issues like these. In the mean time since we have these problems, put out a series of UV2A filters for the Pana lenses with good multi coating (the ones from Tiffen and Formatt flare rather much due to single coating). And put Anders Ws trick with rear filter holder from the fisheye on the 7-14 lens as standard, will probably increase sales. UWA lenses that take ND filters to photograph waves and waterfalls with long shutter times are there not many of, no matter system (hence why Lee filters have these enormous front filters available). Also sell correctly sized filters for the rear filter holder: UV2A and ND for instance.
2) Oly has a function button on several lenses but it only works on Oly bodies and Pana has an aperture ring on some lenses that only works on Pana bodys. Again, nonsense, please fix asap between the systems.
3) DFD only works with Pana lenses. Go and profile other manufacturers current AF lenses as well (Sigma, Tamron, Oly etc) and also let them put that profile into their lens firmware on new releases as Pana does themselves.
That was my two Swedish Ören (= our “cents”).
Best regards
/Anders
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 25th, 2015
Anders, I agree whole heartedly that the cooperative efforts between both Olympus and Panasonic have seemed to run their course.They both should be fixing the issues you mention in the interest of the Micro Four Thirds group overall. They have a huge hill to climb to unseat the two current top dogs, Nikon and Canon and I personally think they will make even better progress by working together in the spirt of the original MFT concept. All lenses fit and work across all MFT systems. Thanks for adding your voice.
Chris MooreOn May. 25th, 2015
Dan,
Congratulations are in order for your hard work in lightening the photographer’s gear. I have seriously been considering lighter gear and I am considering Panasonic equipment because of your hearty recommendations. I like the idea of both the 100-300 f/4 and the 400 f/4. Giving up 800mm on my Nikons would be hard for the small bird images. That is what has held me back from jumping from Nikon.
I wish you the best of luck with your Panasonic conference.
Bill HOn May. 25th, 2015
I agree on the 100-300mm f4 zoom. Just keep the weight down.
I might like an upgraded 45-200mm f4 zoom rather than a 45-175. Sometimes, wildlife is too close for 100mm m43 lens. I think a 45-200 range would be a fine supplement for the 100-300mm zoom. (I’m aware of the Oly 40-150 but I think it is too short, too expensive and too heavy.)
The Oly 60mm macro lens is my most used lens and it is just great. If Panasonic made a longer macro lens with a focal length in the 90 to 105mm range, I’d buy one. If it was f4 rather than f2.8, I be just as happy. The lens should have a collar/foot for tripod attachment. I have a 4/3 mount Sigma 105mm macro but with a Panasonic 4/3 to m43 adapter, it is a bit heavy. Two other problems with that lens: 1) the weight of lens plus adapter is well forward of the tripod attachment point under the camera body so the lens is not well balanced and is more susceptible to vibration. 2) The focus ring has too little travel. That makes manual focus a fiddly process. Keep the weight under one pound and I’ll be happy.
Fred KurtzOn May. 25th, 2015
Hi Dan,
As you know, I love my pair of Lumix GH4’s along with their 12-35 and 35-100 pro lenses. However, I was forced to purchase the Olympus 45-150 plus 1.4 teleconverter pro lens to get a longer reach. I really wish Panasonic would go that route as they have lost lots of sales to Olympus as evident on the recent Patagonia trip where there were several Panasonic cameras with the new Olympus 45-150. Panasonic has underestimated the demand for this type of lens.
In addition to your list, please add a 1.4 teleconverter for the pro lenses and show them the Olympus lens hood – by far the best in the industry. The lens hood for the Lumix 12-35 needs redesigned so it doesn’t always fall off. I haven’t lost one yet but I know you have.
I would like to see image stabilization in the body like Olympus so lenses would be totally interchangeable. Video is a non issue for me.
Fred
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 25th, 2015
Fred, interesting you too saw the change in our Explorers moving from LUMIX to Olympus. It’s a serious shame but they are moving that way for two reasons. 1). The ability to get a truly professional long zoom in the 40-150mm F/2.8. 2). Image Stailization in the body. What’s super frustrating is how difficult Olympus cameras are to setup and operate and many of our Explorers who have decided to go with Olympus seriously struggle with figuring out how to use them. I’ve had to work hard to figure Olympus out so I can be helpful but it’s not been easy. If Panasoinc gives us the 100-300mm in a professional version, I think LUMIX will regain many of our Explorers.
astrotripperOn May. 25th, 2015
Saw your post on dpr, so here we go.
I’m mostly with you on the long lenses, we do lack high quality options past 150mm. But the idea of f/2 monsters does not convince me at all. That sounds nice of course, but probably makes very little sense in reality. Of course, those would not be for people like me, but really, would a 200/2 or 300/2 had any serious advantage over 400/4 or 600/4 mounted on a Full-Frame camera? They would be shorter, and that’s about it. And demand for such lenses is probably minuscule, making the whole thing rather pointless from business perspective.
Anyway, what I think would be nice to see:
– continuation of the line of very compact, good quality lenses – I love that we have tiny 12-32 and 35-100 zooms and I’m kinda jealous of GM1/5 users. In the future, I’m planning to change my cheap plastic Oly 40-150 for a tiny Panasonic 35-100
– a high quality standard zoom – imagine Olympus 12-50 but sharp in the corners and constant f/4 (or variable 2.8-4.0), 60mm on the long end would be nice as well, but 12 on the short end is more important. I for one don’t care for f/2.8 zooms, I just want a quality option in-between a kit lens and the pro-grade offerings
– fast UWA prime – something in the 8-10mm range, f/2 or faster – for night sky lovers like me
– higher quality 100-300 f/4 model, or even push an envelope and make that 200-400, that would be something other systems do not have (this one is more of a wild wish, as I could probably not afford nor justify buying such a lens)
YouKnowMeOn May. 25th, 2015
Ask them to try to solve the shuttershock problem.
Then I agree on your 100-300 with constant f/4.0 and 400 f/4.0 (or f/3.5, at these focal lenghts they don’t have to be f/2.8) and of course with power o.i.s.
In general: add some long lenses with good optical quality, that is what mft is missing. And stop adding <45mm lenses, we have plenty of those to choose from.
Some nice primes in the 90 – 150 mm range are allowed.
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 25th, 2015
I’ve not experienced any shutter shock issues that I’m aware of. I’ve had some issues with the 100-300mm that I originally thought might be shutter shock but now I’m convinced it’s an issue with OIS and lack of truly quality glasses in the 100-300mm. What equipment and settings are you seeing these issues with?
Thom HoganOn May. 26th, 2015
I tend to agree with the rest of the comments: longer focal lengths are still a bit of a weakness in m4/3. And this is especially true for video, which Panasonic of course has an emphasis on. There really isn’t a good option beyond the Olympus 40-150mm at this point. For example, I’ve got a job doing some video on safari this summer. I’d really like to do it on the 4K GH4. But I’m sort of stuck at 300mm equivalent, which is short.
With the Olympus 300mm f/4 coming, I’m not sure I want something that just zooms in the gap between the 40-150mm and the 300mm. Everyone seems stuck on 100-300mm f/4. I’d be perfectly happy with a 100-200mm f/4, actually. Or f/3.5 as someone suggested. A 100-200mm f/2.8 would be a real significant addition to the m4/3 lens lineup, though that’s starting to get a bit big again.
So what I’d tell Panasonic is this: you’ve got 7-14mm, 12-35mm, 35-100mm, now add the fourth equivalent to Nikon’s pro zoom lineup: 100-200mm. Keep it as fast as possible, but also keep it as compact as possible. One difference between the Panasonic f/2.8 zooms and the Olympus is size. Yes, the Olympii have more focal range, but they also start making the travel kit bigger, too.
While some others have suggested more fast primes, I’m not really seeing a great deal of opportunity there unless you can create even better optics than we’ve already got. The one exception is that we don’t have a fast 200mm or 300mm equivalent (e.g. 100mm f/2, 150mm f/2).
Finally: the obvious missing optic in the m4/3 realm is a tilt-shift lens. This is really needed in the video world, too, both to take out perspective distortions as well as introduce them (miniature mode). One really good TS would be a big and welcome addition to m4/3. I’d vote for something in the 9 to 12mm focal length.
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 26th, 2015
Thanks for the insight Tom. I have to say that I’m still a proponent of the 100-300mm range. It seems to make sense due to the 35-100 being 200mm on long end. 100-300mm would give us more range and also fill in the gap after 200mm from the 35-100mm. There is a trend here to make sure the lenses don’t get too big but even a 100-300mm F/4 would be tiny compared to the Nikon 600mm F/4 I’ve used for almost three decades.
Maybe the small lens option would be a redo of the 45-175mm and not make it any faster optically but give it better glass and faster AF motors. Upgrade it to the quality of the 35-100mm but keep it as tiny and compact as it is due to it’s variable aperture. That upgrade and a 100-300mm F/4 would give both camps what they want.
Thanks for stopping by to add your voice and take part in the community. Good luck on your assignment in Africa.
Gary BrineOn May. 25th, 2015
I would like to see a 9 or 10mm prime. For architectural and astro photography.
I like fast sharp lenses with an aperture ring. Sized to fit with the small GM bodies makes for good travel kits but not if you have to sacrifice quality.
Tom FidOn May. 25th, 2015
I think you’re on the right track here. The long end of the system is a huge opportunity, bizarrely unexploited by PanOly. The Oly 300mm f/4 will be a good start, but it’s late and there are some indications that it will be a bit porky. There’s room for more.
I’d like a pro quality version of the 100-300, or something similar. For my use, it doesn’t have to be fast – f4.5 or 5.6 would be fine. It just needs to be sharper than the existing one, with a smoother zoom mechanism and weather sealing.
A 400mm 5.6 would be great too. There’s a lot of empty space inside teles – how about making a collapsible one?
A fast 300 or 400 sounds sexy but realistically I’m not likely to drag it around. My only interest would be in the teleconverter options that might open up. Maybe a fast 200 with a matched 2x TC?
For all options, a good hood and a focus limiter are essential. How about a software focus limiter, so we can set custom ranges in the menu, or lock in a zone with a function button?
Steve HoodOn May. 26th, 2015
A software based focus limiter like the Sony A99 would be great. Assigning it to a lens switch would give the greatest flexibility. Sigma is also able to change this through their USB dock but there is no reason why this cannot be done through the camera body.
FalkOn Jun. 5th, 2015
I think Daniel is on the right move with going for an update of the 100-300 as a pro grade zoom but as you said the long end does not need to be as fast. That will make the lens bug and expensive. I would be guessing at least 1500$/€ and that is OK for pros but I would rather buy an updated lens where the optical qualities and especially the iris motor and af system are improved for 700.
Maybe the pro should rather be a 100-250 or 200-400 to differentiate more from the consumer lens.
As for a 400mm 5.6: I currently use a tokina 400/5.6 sd lens adapted and like the focal length. Size wise it is a perfect combination on the gh2 with a nice integrated lens hood. It is a bit soft especially at 5.6 but still fun to use. At a similar size with af and sharper a mft prime would be stellar!
Just to throw in some grain. I now the equivalence discussion is overdone but 300 f4 are equivalent to 600 f8 on 35 mm because what counts is the aperture relative to the field of view. But with modern iso performance 600 f8 are very usable.
StephenOn May. 25th, 2015
Good luck with this endeavour!
My only ask is for Panasonic to fix the OIS in their lenses so that they don’t jitter when recording video. I own the Panasonic 35-100/2.8 and even after the latest firmware update it actually ADDS shake to the image. I’ve made a comparison with the LX-100 (which doesn’t have the jitter problem) at the equivalent focal length and posted it on YouTube. It is a pity as Panasonic is quite video oriented and the lens is not cheap! It is lovely for still shots though!
I do love the idea of a 100-300/f4 though! That on a G-series camera and my LX-100 would be all I need 🙂
Daniel J. CoxOn May. 25th, 2015
Stephen, have you had Panasonic look at this lens for any physical issues than might be the problem as opposed to firmware issues? I don’t see any IOS problems with my version of the 35-100mm F/2.8 If you need a contact just drop me a note at photos@naturalexposures.com We’ll get you in touch with someone who can take a look at this. Thanks for letting me know.