Panasonic has introduced a new telephoto zoom digital interchangeable lens, the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH / POWER O.I.S. (H-ES50200); the third lens in its LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Series.
“Supporting demand from keen sports and wildlife photographers, the new lens offers a desirable focal length and speed combination - covering a distance from ultra-telephoto to super telephoto, and with a fast F2.8-4.0 aperture,” said Scott Mellish, Product Marketing Manager of Imaging at Panasonic.
“We now have three F2.8-4.0 Leica lenses, 8-18mm, 12-60mm and the new 50-200mm, all with outstanding imaging and exacting body design, including weather sealing. A photographer can carry an amazing focal range of 16mm to 400mm, with fast apertures - all in a lightweight kit with no compromise on quality.”
The 6mm thread allows for the use of ND and PL filters to further enhance the lens’ versatility. Two optional Teleconverters are available, the 2.0x DMW-TC20, which extends focusing distance to 800mm, and the 1.4x DMW-TC14 which extends focusing distance to 560mm.
The POWER O.I.S. compensates for hand-shake, allowing for shooting without a tripod. For powerful stabilisation, the lens works with dual I.S. and the Dual I.S.2 system when mounted on compatible Panasonic LUMIX DSLM cameras.
The H-ES50200 lens offers excellent sharpness and precision for both photo and video recording; while achieving a compact mobility not possible in other camera systems. The rugged and stylish metallic black body is designed to match the latest LUMIX G cameras, including the GX9, G9, GH5 and GH5S.
As with all lenses in the Series, the H-ES50200 has a rugged, dust and splash-proof design, is freeze-proof down to -10ºC and takes advantage of Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology to minimise ghosts and flaring. High-quality video recording capability is also a key advantage of this lens series.
The H-ES50200 lens is compatible with the LUMIX G sensor drive at 240fps to take advantage of the high-speed, high-precision contrast AF. The AF tracking performance in zooming is also enhanced with high-speed frame analysis for focus control.
The new lens incorporates 21 elements in 15 groups, including two UED lenses, two ED lenses, two aspherical lenses and one UHR lens. These lenses and Panasonic’s cutting edge optical technology achieve high-resolution, high-contrast imaging from centre to corner while suppressing distortion and chromatic aberration.
The H-ES50200 is priced at $2,299 and will be available in Australia in June 2018 from photographic specialists and consumer electronic retailers.
