A Great lightweight Micro 4/3 telephoto zoom: PANASONIC 35-100 F2.8 II

How did Panasonic manage to create a Great lightweight Micro 4/3 telephoto zoom: PANASONIC 35-100 F2.8 II ?

It is equivalent to the 70-200 at 35mm equivalent.
This focal length is very popular in photojournalism or concerts.

PROS :

Quite unknown and often in the shadow of the Olympus 45 150 F2.8, the Panasonic 35 100 f2.8 II has many advantages: compact, light and resistant to rain, dust and frost.

Usually the Full Frame 70-200mm weight about 1.4 kg, the Panasonic 35-100 f2.8 II, only 380 grs!

O.K..Some may argue that this is not a real “f2.8” but more a f5.6.. This is right for the Depth of field but regarding the amount of light it remains f2.8 !
And if they don’t believe me, they should ask to their flashmeter ! (It will show the exact same result for all sensor formats)

But let’s come back to the lens. The rings are very smooth and the focal length varies inside the lens.

In the center its sharpness is extraordinary from f2.8 at all focal lengths, except at 100mm where it is better to close at f3.2.
To get perfect edges, like many Micro Four Thirds lenses, it is preferable to close at f5.6 to get the best sharpness.

Chromatic aberrations are minimal and the little vignetting can easily be corrected in post processing.

For the Panasonic camera owners, they will benefit from the double stabilization.

CONS :

Expensive
Got to close aperture when using 100mm focal length

CONCLUSION : A really great lightweight telephoto Micro 4/3 telephoto zoom with great qualities.
For those you don’t need such a long focal, i recommend the Olympus 12 40 f2.8 Pro !

Wish to Buy the PANASONIC 35-100 f2.8 ii mm ? ( Amazon Affiliate Link that would help me to continue the adventure…It won’t cost you anything more and i’ll receive a little contribution)