Panasonic Lumix G II Vario Lens, 45-200mm, F4.0-5.6, Mirrorless (H-FSA45200)

Exceptionally pleased with the results. Using with my GH5 and even off a tripod at almost 400mm (equiv) it can produce crystal clear images with no hint of blur (movement). I say it CAN, if it is super windy and you don't have something to steady your arm or body against, well, it's not ideal, but that's a statement about conditions and usage really, not the lenses ability to do it's job. Sure we'd all like to have the 100-400 (HRS100400), but for about 1/4 the price (and half the range), this produces really nice long range images with terrific clarity. I used this in conjunction w/ B+W 52mm XS-Pro HTC Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating and Manfrotto MVKBFR-LIVEUS Tripod . The former I am very happy with, the latter I like a lot, but I'm not ready to review yet. I used this primarily for landscape and wildlife shots, the rest of the time I was using the Leica 12-60 (HES12060). On my last trip, I took about 1700 pictures so I need to sort through them to find one (with this lens) that I can post with this review. It is weatherproof, making it a good match for a weatherproof body (like the GH5). For those not clear on what weatherproof means, it is NOT waterproof, don't wade into the ocean with this thing. It does however resist dust and moisture intrusion. It is made in Japan, and the action is smooth and the overall feel is quite solid. I could literally write 1000+ words on this, but if you are serious about this lens you will have already watched videos and "pro" reviews on this product (photojoesph is a great resource), amazon ain't the place for that kind of review. With that in mind though, from one man who loooooves his GH5, I really genuinely love this lens, especially when I was up high in the mountains (Colorado). While I did not buy the body and 12-60 from amazon (got mine on a special promo deal Panny was running with Precision Camera), I did purchase this lens from Amazon. It is worth noting, Amazon packed it like sh!t, fortunately though, the box did not look too abused. This was a major concern for me, I needed it NOW and no one locally had one, so this was my only option....are you listening amazon? (lol, of course they aren't). If package throwers (yes this is what they are actually called, whether UPS, Amazon, or FedEx care to admit it) are a concern for you or doorstep thieves are abundant or likely where you are, maybe you should go brick and mortar, I know I would have for the very reason I mentioned, had I the choice. It comes with the usual lens bag, and hood. I feel it is a very good lens. Recommended. (Pls note, this is a review of the gen II lens, so be sure to check that SKU)

The only obvious difference between this Panasonic 45-200mm lens and its predecessor is that it is weather sealed. In all other physical aspects it is identical with my original 2008 version of this lens. My current camera (GH3) can not test its ability to combine optical stabilization with in camera stabilization. I have always found it easy to hand hold this lens so the extra stabilization with a newer camera body will only help in lower light than I usually shoot in. I was able to use it on the beach without a storm jacket to protect it from sand and salt spray which is very nice. Panasonic seems to have a trend toward weather sealed lenses and cameras and that is a very nice development. Keep in mind that Panasonic has another similar lens with a larger maximum aperture. This is the original F4.0~5.6 which is fine for outdoor photography and probably considerably smaller and lighter than the fancier lens.

I bought this lens for my G85. The kit is actually very useful and versatile. But I needed a lens with more reach for when I go to outdoor sporting events. The Vario 45mm-200mm (90mm-400mm equiv.) fills that need. It's not a fast lens by any means, but it does capture detail and autofocus quite well even when fully zoomed in. Indoor performance isn't terrible either. I was pleased with the level of detail when zoomed in, even with a 16MP camera. It's not horribly expensive, and it has stabilization built into the lens as well (which isn't a huge deal for the G85), but it's still nice to have.

This is my first telephoto lens- From what i can tell, at max distance with the power Image stabilization your photos will not look shaky even when hand held. Video wise at max distance you’re gonna wanna use a tripod or have a reallllly calm hand. Pictures come out professional looking, as expected, personally i would into a longer lens for astrophotography, but for sports (cars or football etc) and events this helps alot!

Picked this up used from Amazon warehouse for only $325 and it was in mint condition. I use this lens for surf photography and video with my Panasonic G9 its been perfect so far, 90-400(35mm equiv) focal length at this price?! It's an absolute no brainer! The IBIS paired with the G9 is seriously amazing and have been shooting handheld 70% of the time. Great telephoto lens that won't break the bank.