Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

[snerkler]

Received my Panny 100-300mm today. First impressions are a bit mixed. AF-C isn't very good at all and get many more misses than hits. Zoom is a bit 'sticky/notchy' when trying to make fine adjustments, and I can't attach a tripod plate as the lens sits lower than the body

However, when I do manage to get a good shot IQ is reasonable and I'm sure I'll get better results when I understand the lens a bit better. Anyway, here's some test shots with its first outing (more on Flickr)

1.

P6030717 by TDG-77, on Flickr

2.

P6030736 by TDG-77, on Flickr

3.

P6030750 by TDG-77, on Flickr

4.

P6030834 by TDG-77, on Flickr

5.

P6030849 by TDG-77, on Flickr

6.

P6030853 by TDG-77, on Flickr

7.

P6030925 by TDG-77, on Flickr

8.

P6030958 by TDG-77, on Flickr

9.

P6030966 by TDG-77, on Flickr

10.

P6030992 by TDG-77, on Flickr

11.

P6031059 by TDG-77, on Flickr

[DavyG]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

They look okay to me, good going with a new lens.

Dave

[snerkler]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

They look okay to me, good going with a new lens.

Dave

Thanks, any tips on getting sharper shots? Really struggled with AF-C, I'm kind of spoilt with my D750 in that regard. Wondering if it's actually better to use AF-S and be quick? AF-C with tracking didn't appear use nor ornament.

Any idea whether the Olly 75-300 has better AF-C?

[PaulB]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

I started a thread regards the tripod mount position and using the 100-300 and was kindly pointed in the direction of a couple of solutions

http://e-group.uk.net/forum/showthread.php?t=37545

There's a link in the thread to Harrison cameras who have the Panasonic adapter for sale, the Roesch mount I was lucky enough to be offered by Simon Bee from this forum

[PaulB]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

The zoom on my copy is like yours, a bit sticky. I have read quite a few poor comments on the mirrorless af-c performance that I only use af-s or manual focus.
I find the lens sometimes hunts for focus in af-s at high zoom levels, if I zoom out a bit and refocus then zoom in it will usually grab focus more easily.

[snerkler]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

The zoom on my copy is like yours, a bit sticky. I have read quite a few poor comments on the mirrorless af-c performance that I only use af-s or manual focus.
I find the lens sometimes hunts for focus in af-s at high zoom levels, if I zoom out a bit and refocus then zoom in it will usually grab focus more easily.

Thanks, yeah I have to say I'm a bit disappointed in the AF performance, I too have found a lot of hunting at 600mm and had to do the same, ie zoom out. I've been thinking about this over night and think I might give the Olly 75-300mm a try to see if that's better. I don't really want to lose the 2/3 stop aperture but AF on the Panny is disappointing. I've found this with both Panny zoom lenses I've tried now, this and the 12-32mm, both hunt/struggle AF at the long end.

[snerkler]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

I started a thread regards the tripod mount position and using the 100-300 and was kindly pointed in the direction of a couple of solutions

http://e-group.uk.net/forum/showthread.php?t=37545

There's a link in the thread to Harrison cameras who have the Panasonic adapter for sale, the Roesch mount I was lucky enough to be offered by Simon Bee from this forum

Thanks for this. Harrisons is my local shop so might pop in.

[mstphoto]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

I've been using this lens and the Olympus 75-300 and have to say the I prefer the Panny.
I normally stick to AF-S and close down a stop or 2
Results so far have been nice and sharp as you can see with my Turnstone image I posted a couple of days ago

Mike

[snerkler]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

I've been using this lens and the Olympus 75-300 and have to say the I prefer the Panny.
I normally stick to AF-S and close down a stop or 2
Results so far have been nice and sharp as you can see with my Turnstone image I posted a couple of days ago

Mike

Thanks, why do you prefer the Panny?

[KeithL]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

Can't be too much wrong with it if you can results as good as this. I found the Oly 75-300 tends to causing AF hunting at the long end unless the light is really good.

[snerkler]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

Can't be too much wrong with it if you can results as good as this. I found the Oly 75-300 tends to causing AF hunting at the long end unless the light is really good.

Thanks. When the results are good they're pretty good tbh, but I got so many missed focus, hunting, failure to lock on and out of 300+ shots only got 15-20 I was happy with.

[damianmkv]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

I've been out at lunchtime for damsel / dragon fly hunts and the 75-300ii is no better at the long end. Its can hunt and is a little soft over 285mm ( or atleast mine is ).

I'd rather have a quicker Panny as you can easily go over iso1250 with the Oly

[snerkler]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

I've been out at lunchtime for damsel / dragon fly hunts and the 75-300ii is no better at the long end. Its can hunt and is a little soft over 285mm ( or atleast mine is ).

I'd rather have a quicker Panny as you can easily go over iso1250 with the Oly

That's disappointing about the AF tbh, seems neither are good then

[damianmkv]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

it really does need good light and it can be very sharp. That said, i was trying to get a damselfly eating a bug today and it just wouldn't lock on. Then the thing flew off

Grrr..

[mstphoto]

Re: Panasonic 100-300mm test shots

Thanks, why do you prefer the Panny?

I think is sharper and faster.
Never found the AF to be a problem but I was shooting static subjects.
I've never tried the E-M1 in tracking mode - I leave that to my Canons (for the moment )

Mike