Panasonic announces Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0: Fast & light 100-400mm equiv. zoom

by Jeremy Gray

posted Monday, February 26, 2018 at 1:00 PM EDT

• Click to read more about the Panasonic Leica DG 50-200mm •

Panasonic has expanded its Leica DG Vario-Elmarit f/2.8-4.0 series to three lenses with today's introduction of the new Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH telephoto zoom lens. In 35mm terms, the new zoom delivers a 100-400mm equivalent focal length. The trio of f/2.8-4.0 Leica zooms (8-18mm, 12-60mm and the new 50-200mm) now cover 35mm equivalent focal lengths from 16 to 400mm.

The Panasonic Leica 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH has been designed for a variety of shooting situations, including wildlife, sports (both indoor and outdoor), portraiture and more, and is made more versatile with its built-in Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which provides Dual I.S. or Dual I.S.2 stabilization depending on the camera body used.

With 21 elements across 15 groups, the zoom has been designed with optimal sharpness in mind. It includes a pair of Ultra Extra-low Dispersion (UED) and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses. Further, its autofocus system operates at a max of 240 frames per second with Panasonic's latest cameras, which promises quick and quiet focusing performance. The aperture control features a micro-step drive system, meaning that changes in lens brightness when zooming will be smooth. Further, the lens has been designed to remain stable and centered when zooming, such that your subject won't move in the frame when you zoom.

Physically, the 100-400mm equivalent lens is quite compact. It is 5.2 inches (132 millimeters) long and weighs 23.1 ounces (655 grams). The lens also features a rugged, dust/splash proof design which is also freeze-proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius).

The new Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0 telephoto zoom lens will be available in June and will retail for $1,699.99. The lens is compatible with Panasonic's 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters as well. Read more by clicking below!