So, after thinking about it for a few months, I decided to buy this lens. See my latest camera settings for birding with the 100-400mm here: ruclips.net/video/u_lW3G_w-AQ/видео.html
That lens is amazing. I use it more than any of my other lenses. Considering how much you'd have to spend to get the same results on another platform, I think it's best bang for buck to do what it does.
Thanks for all of your awesome comments. It was wonderfully overwhelming. I will respond to more of them as soon as I can. Just ran out of time today. Best wishes to all of you!
You saw some incredible species in a short time! I have the 100-400 and like others its been my main lens for the 2 years I've had it. Its a fantastic lens and I find the g9 to be underrated in general. I primarily shoot birds and wildlife. I got it before they even came out with the 100-300. It took awhile to get used to the weight. Last summer I took a bear trip and held it for several hours 2 days in a row (I just don't like tripods) and my left shoulder was feeling it after those 2 days. I rested my arm for a week after that. But that's been the only time since I've gotten used to it that I noticed the weight. Like you I just shoot for fun, occasionally on weekends. I'm kind of in the same boat and debating whether to purchase the 200mm or see what comes next or jump ship entirely. I have another year before I'm willing to make that expense so am continuing to debate. I am considering renting the 200mm with a teleconverter first some time over this summer. I may find it gives the edge I'm looking for. I'm looking for a little more reach and better low light performance. Not a lot - just a little. Look forward to seeing what you decide. Very much enjoy your videos!
Hi DM, I feel your shoulder pain. Too many skateboarding injuries for me. That's one of the reasons I'm hesitant. And I'm not a fan of hauling tripods or monopods into the woods, but sometimes I think I should! Glad you got used to it. Saves going to the gym ;) Yes, I'm definitely going to try out the 200mm with the teleconverter too, just to see how sharp it is. But it's also a brute of a lens in both weight and price tag! I'm in no hurry either. Thanks for dropping by for a chat. Cheers!
I also own this lens. If you're looking for the edge in low light, try shooting RAW and then process the videos with RAW based noise reduction in the affordable Denoise AI by Topaz Labs. You'll easily get another 1 stop of acceptable high ISO limit. Skip to 2:55 in this video to see: ruclips.net/video/80aasB7Oaw8/видео.html - this has given me the edge I want and propells MFT into full frame territory regarding ISO performance. It'll save you a ton of money too :)
Marlene your videos and content are just great. They tell what is needed to know by the likes of me, who want to do better. A professional should know about cameras and gear to earn a living, so is in need of everything that's helps all be it a high cost. Your experience using a lot of the equipment I have helps me tremendously along with the fun to be had getting a pleasing photo from any lens that you use is great. If you thought the 150/400mm lens is heavy the 200mm f2.8 will test you but the images will be something to behold. Your Owls are lovely just as you discribe.
Hi Michael, Great to hear from you again. Always nice to connect with my regulars. Yes, I have worried a bit about the weight of the 200mm f/2.8. Plus, it's way out of my price range, so not even sure the $70 rental fee will be money well spent. But I guess I'll know what I'm missing! Cheers!
@@ImageMaven If a special occasion arises that deserves the best with something special, then as David Thorpe once said "their's no better way to spend your money" in truth your skills will be plenty no matter the lens.
2 years later (and I read that you bought the 100-400) and this has been very helpful for me to decide how to step up to the MFT world from my tiny-sensor superzoom (Pany SX70 HS). I LOVE(!!!) the high magnification for IDing birds, but must admit I'm tired of poor detail/sharpness. I think the G9 and this lens (instead of the 100-300) would keep me happy for many years. Thx
Yes get the 100-400. There's a new mark 2 of that lens out now too. So you might find a bargain on the original one. You might also consider the OM-1 camera (mark1) for the same reason. And it's better for birding than the original G9 (but only if you're getting really serious about birding). Also Sony has a great bridge camera the RX10IV but it only goes to 600mm (equivalent) and the Lumix is 800mm equiv. Lots to consider.
Wow Marlene that didn't take long at all, you are hooked on birding! I must admit I shook my head seeing you settle for the 100-300mm. So stoked to see you enjoying all of that extra sharpness and reach, happy hunting!
You had a 'W(Owl)' of a time with the lens and the beautiful subjects; well done. I hired the 100-300 lens for six months, then returned it being very satisfied. I then hired the 100-400 lens for six months and purchased it after one month. I agree with you that the weight of the 100-400 lens adds stability; I think a lighter lens extended to 400mm would be wobbly. The extra 100 and weight, for me, makes the 100-400 lens the winner; if you can afford it. Again, Marlene, thanks for sharing you journey with the owls. Mike in Oz
Hi Mike! The good and the bad of a heavy lens indeed! I'll see how this year goes. Would be nice to have this lens for sure! If nothing else I'll get better biceps. Feeling it on my aching "skateboarding" shoulders though. Great to hear from you again! Cheers from Calgary!
Very nice owl pictures. I bought the lens half a year ago. Of course it is not small but it is always in my back when I am out with hiking boots or the bike or even when I go to the office in summer. The only thing I do not like is the stiff zoom ring.
Hi Christof, seems everyone has the same issue with the zoom ring. Thought it might just be the lens I was using. Thanks for dropping your comment. Cheers!
Greetings from chilly UK, just rewatched this video, I have bought the new mark 2 G9 and going birding tomorrow, so doing my revision. Excited about the phase detection and animal tracking. Going with the 400 lens and mono pod to help with the weight issue🤞
How exciting for you!! Enjoy your new gear. The G9ii still hasn’t arrived in Canada. Hope it warms up for you too. Cheers and have fun with that new focus. 👌
Very interesting Marlene. I have first bought the 50-200 f/2.8-4.0 leica lense with my g9 for wildlife and started to do birding. I found the 1.4 teleconverter brand new aspect at a good discount price and I love birding with this configuration. I thought about buying the pana 100-300 but this was much more expensive than the discount teleconverter. Now I am starting thinking about the leica 100-400, still very expensive, but I could get rid of the teleconverter on my 50-200 to use it more in landscapes or portraits. Your video is very interesting and I may consider the 100-400 more seriosly, but not this year. Thanks a lot.
Sounds like a great setup you have there Mathieu. I have never used a teleconverter. I've never owned a lens that worked with one. Something I should definitely try in future! Thanks for sharing your set up and for watching and leaving a comment!
I bought the 100-400 lens second hand and used it occasionally on a small Olympus until I bought the G9 a year ago. When I first used these two together on a daily basis, I found my upper arms a bit sore, only for about a week. Then, I discovered, to my delight, I quickly gained strength. No more sore arms and upper muscle tone improvement was very noticable. Win. Win. Oh... and, I LOVE the reach I get with this lens! Go for it Marlene... you wont be sorry!
I have the G9 and the 100-300mm II and like this combo very much. However, like you, I have wondered if the 100-400mm might not be a wise purchase. If you have to choose between the GH6 and the longer lens, I urge you to get the GH6. I think it will focus faster and have lower noise at ISO's 6400 and above. This is off the immediate subject, but I really like your down-to-earth approach to photography. Also, it's nice to see there is somebody else who likes birding but doesn't need the biggest, heaviest, most expensive gear to get excellent shots and have a good time.
Hi Rob, It's fun to dream, but I'm not in a hurry to buy the lens or the GH6. Well maybe the lens, just a bit. ;) I'm in this for fun and I really want to see if Panasonic will come out with a photo centric camera this year. That would make me very happy! But I'm still looking forward to the GH6 launch in a couple days. Thank you for watching and commenting. Happy to hear you like my approach. I'm all about the joy. And I get a lot of joy just finding these birds. The photos are a bonus. Cheers!
Thank you! All your videos on the G9 are brilliant and informative, much appreciated. I have just recently switched to the G9 from a 1.5x DSLR, and I am so glad I did. What an excellent camera. I’m a keen birder and always thought I’d keep the DSLR and my huge (!) telephoto lens for that purpose and use the G9 for landscape and travel. But having tried the 12-60mm Leica kit lens out on some Red Squirrels, I am convinced, with help from your birding and review videos, either the 100-300mm or 100-400mm the G9 will suit me for birding and wildlife too! I just need to decide which one to go for!
Hi Suz, Sounds like you're on new creative path with your new camera system. It takes some getting used to. But sounds like you're committed to figuring everything out. Both lenses are great. Depends on your budget and how much weight you want to carry. I've recently purchased the 100-400mm which I announced in my latest video (maybe you've see the video already). I have no regrets getting the 100-400mm but I had to modify a bit of my carrying methods. A smaller person with a heavy camera can be a challenge on long photo walks. Have fun birding. I always say half the fun is finding the birds to photograph. And thank you so much for the "Coffees". Cheers!
This latest video of yours was a two way treat -- fantastic (and sharp) owl pictures -- and a lens monologue that elicited quite a bit quite a bit lens discussion. I've been shooting M43 since late 2012 starting with the Olympus PL5 and later the E-M1, E-M1 II, the Lumix GX8 (briefly) and, since 2018, the G9. Over the years I've built up a stable of M43 lenses (9 Lumix, 10 Olympus) and have never encountered any cross vendor issues -- one of my favorite shots (a sunset) was taken in April 2013 with the PL5 and the Leica 25 f1.4.. The G9 is far and away the best M43 all arounder that I've experienced. The Leica 100-400 is a ways out in my budget so I'll be following your future testing adventures. Thank you for investing the time to share your M43 experiences.
Hi David, Thank you for watching and sharing your cross vendor experiences. You have a lovely set of gear there. This video definitely stirred up the comment section. That's great to see. I love this passionate G9 community. Keeps me on my toes that's for sure. I'll wait a few months before committing to the 100-400mm lens. In the meantime I'll use my 100-300 and see if I feel the same way about my photos. The joy is in the finding the birds. I need to remember that. Cheers!
Well, you are rocking that lens, super photos and video and very neat bird species. Good for you. When you take it back to Dave, you could mention that it is now a used lens and you could maybe get a few bucks knocked off. I like the G9 with the 100-400 as well and I also have thousands of shots but I find that I have to jack up the iso. I am super hoping that they come out with the Gx10. Something a little more portable for my 15 mm and the leica 12-60. Maybe ask Dave when you are getting a deal on that 100-400. As usual, thanks for posting. Always informative.
Well Dave was with a customer when I went to drop off the lens the other day. But ya, a used rental lens might be had for a good price. I'll keep my eye on that. ;) I did have a look at their used selection of gear, but nothing Panasonic in the showcase. I live in hope. Thanks for stopping by to chat Lloyd!
The Pygmy Owls are so cute, very similar to the Little Owl we have in the UK. I’m glad you got to experience the PL 100-400 lens, I’ve had mine 3 years now and don’t find the weight an issue since changing the standard G9 strap for an Op/Tech Sling which was quite cheap, £25 ‘ish, it’s neoprene so has a little give, or flex, plus is shaped so fits better across shoulder for me, it really does seem to take the weight off. If I’m going to be sitting, or hunkered down for a while I’ll use a monopod too. I still get frustrated by the stiff lens zoom, it’s horrible!
Hi Sue, Great to hear from you again. I'll definitely check out that camera sling. Thanks for the tip. I see that The Camera Store sells their products too, so I can get it locally. Yes, I do have a monopod, but haven't successfully gotten it into my workflow yet. It seems to always stay in the car. I need to work harder on that! Thanks for the chat! Cheers.
An amazing catch on those different owl species. I've only had my G9 and 100-400mm lens for a month now but after the initial learning curve I'm very glad I made the purchase. I find the lens hunts a bit full-out at the 400mm setting but if you pull it back slightly to 350 it's keeper rate increases dramatically. At 400mm sometimes it needs an autofocus nudge with the joystick to help guide its attention onto the subject (I use the animal/human track feature with center square focus) but even those images are very sharp. Considering its 800mm equivalent focal length, this lens is a remarkable achievement.. For future comment, I wonder what your subscribers would like to see in a G9 Mk2? As is, the G9 will be a tough act to follow. Congrats Lumix!
I've been using the 100-400 for about 3 years and become very familiar with its hunting habits. I've come to program a front button to use the near or far focusing which makes it much quicker at focusing.
@@karlrichards Thanks for the tip. Focusing speed with the 2.4 software upgrade hasn't been an issue but I'll try your suggestion. I use the three custom settings for ascending ISO and motor drive speeds for bird photography, leaving the PASM modes to general photography and the mechanical shutter. I also use the Quick Focus feature but I'm careful to turn the camera off when no action is imminent. Have you tried tweaking the Auto White Balance settings? I think the color green could be a little more vibrant BUT I'm still getting used to the camera.
Thanks very much for your thoughts about this lens, …., now that I am thinking in getting a budget telephoto lens for birding, this video helps a lot….I will get the 100-300 which is more than adequate to my needs ….and pocket😊….Thanks for your thoughts
Firstly, thank you for all your videos Marlene. They have been a huge help to me with getting the best from my G9. As for the 100-400, I too would like to own it. A friend shoots with it on his Olympus E-M1 III. I've used it a few times on the G9 and wow. It is next level compared to my 100-300 II. But too pricey to justify for me, even secondhand. All I would say about the GH6 is maybe hold off. Panasonic have announced that future models will use phase detect AF. And for fast moving tracked subjects that will be a big change. Hopefully a G9 II will be the first to get that new sensor.
Hi Russell, Yes it's a big jump in price from the 100-300 to the 100-400. There is great software available to help with upsizing and also sharpening. That's a much cheaper option and honestly for most people that's all they need for social meida posts. If you get a good original image you can do a lot with it. I'm definitely holding off on the GH6. I'm also hoping the G9 Mk2 has PDAF. We shall see. Things arrive very slowly in Canada these days so I expect I won't have that in my hands for at least another year. I've also been waiting impatiently for the Leica 9mm f1.7 prime for several months now. I'm almost ready to give up and go off-brand. I guess I need to be thankful for the gear I have! Thanks for stopping by for a chat. Cheers.
I'm new to the m43 world, having just picked up a used g9 and used Leica 100-400mm. I really like both, and just sold my ~ 3kg tamron 150-600mm EF (full frame) lens. For me, the Leica 100-400 is a step up in quality & telephoto range (although I could have shot the 150-600 on an APS canon body, in which case it would have zoomed to 960mm eq). But I didn't want to shoot with that massive lens. I shoot mostly hand-held, on nature hikes. I've toyed with the idea of adding the panny 100-300mm to the collection for the reasons you love it: lighter & more portable for nature hikes. But I doubt I will, as there is just too much overlap in functionality between these two lenses. If I were you, I'd only add a lens or body (a) if there's something that you're trying to achieve but just feel limited with your current gear (do you *need* the extra reach or sharpness; does the g9 sensor not satisfy your needs?); or (b) if you don't want your gear to get too outdated (i.e., trade up while your body still has value in the used market). If / when I trade up, I would trade up to a near mint condition used body, so wait a couple years after the new release. Again, this assumes that the upgrade is incremental and won't make that much difference to your final images. If there's a quantum leap in some feature that you value, say low-light performance, then it's easier to tell yourself it was worth it.
Hi Mark, Very good reasoning here. Especially about the overlap. I will be on the lookout for a good deal on a used 100-400mm as I expect there are some folks who have gone to the Lumix (or other mirrorless) full frame sensors. Ironically I sold all my FF Canon gear to go to M4/3 mirrorless about 8 years ago now. Thanks for stopping by to chat. Cheers!
Your comments about the lenses and the new Gh6 are to the point. It plays a big role whether you are taking photographs or filming. The G9 is great, but I think that if such a film-heavy MFT camera comes out with the Gh6, Panasonic won't have forgotten the photographers either. The lack of chips probably makes everything a bit more unpredictable, but I'm also following what's happening with a lot of interest. I liked the video very much, especially the owls, which as a European I only know from the zoo. Congratulations! However, when I see the crowd of photographers, I have to conclude that it's no different for you than it is for us. We have similar crowds at a bee-eater site, I described it in some of my videos.... Keep up the good work and good luck when "road-side-hunting" with the camera, Marlene! Best regards, Rolf
Hi Rolf, I hope you're right about a new photo-centric Lumix camera! I'm in no rush. I hope you get to see some owls in nature some day. They are breathtaking! That Great Grey Owl on the side of the road was huge! Even the more common ones, like the Great Horned Owl, are special to see. Luckily I don't always shoot with that kind of crowd. It's much nicer with one or two friends. And I don't mind going alone either, as long as I feel safe. Thank you for watching. I'll check out your videos next!
@@ImageMaven Thank you for your detailed answer. At the moment I sit almost daily with the tawny owls, which have started breeding. I'm looking forward to seeing the clumsy youngsters clambering around in the trees. In any case, I am happy when you give your qualified opinion on my videos! Best regards, Rolf
Well, I was in the same boat. I'm a professional real estate photographer, but I'm NOT a professional wildlife or sports photographer. I do that just for fun. I first bought the 100-300 v2 and loved it. That lens helped me to decide that I enjoyed shooting wildlife, especially birds, but I wished that I could get closer to the subjects before they flew away. I finally decided to trade the 100-300 in for a 100-400. I love the new lens an am still amazed at the stabilization and how I can shoot distant objects handheld at 400mm. It is a better lens, although I agree with your dislikes. I wished that I had kept the 100-300 too because there are a few times when it would be more convenient to carry around but decided that would be too much self-pampering for something that I do occasionally for a hobby when the 100-400 can do everything the smaller lens can do and more, and I'm not exactly rolling in the $$$. So yeah, I gifted it to myself. Sometimes we give ourselves permission to do that. Because we are worth it.😊 Even my wife, who is really good at helping me stay realistic and practical 😉, didn't say anything. I read a description of the OM-1. It sounded a lot like the G9. The GH6 interests me, but if I buy a new camera I will probably go full-frame for my business. Maybe something mirrorless and new but affordable like the Nikon Z6. Some companies that are looking for contract real estate photographers require full-frame and, even though I think they don't realize how good the G9 quality is, their perception is my reality, so it would just give me more options. Sorry I wrote so much!
Never be sorry for writing. Always great to hear what people have tried and what works best. I'm sorry it took so long for me to respond! I had the most comments ever on a new video and I'm still going through them. I like to connect with everyone who takes time to write me, especially my long time loyal Lumix camera people, as I know it's an effort for people to write to me. Those loyalists such as yourself, have kept me going through hard times when I just wanted to give up on RUclips. I hear what you say about perception vs. actual quality of images. FF is overkill for most people, especially if you're only ever posting online. I worked in corporate industrial photography for several years, and the engineers on the projects often had better gear than me and they always wanted to chat about it too! So I know that a big boss camera system allows us to charge more and makes clients feel they're getting the best. And that in itself may be worth it.
I had the 100-300 II and traded it and a couple of Pentax lenses with KEH for an excellent condition 100-400 at a price I could afford. Love the lens and with the newest software from Lumix it performs very well. I do have a monopod with a head that helps with the weight if you are using it for an extended period of time. Great day for Owls that you had.
Hi Larry, Very nice trade/purchase you made there. Yes, I have a monopod, and should have used it. I will try it more often in future. I know it would have made a difference, if nothing else to my sore shoulder and neck. Yes, great day for owls! My best ever. Cheers!
Hi Marlene, cheers for the footage. I recently bought the 100-400 mil and wonder whether to buy the 1.4 Leica converter or purchase a Sigma converter. However, glad to hear that the 1.4 works that well. I am a bit struggling though with my camera set up, regarding wildlife/Bird photography. Could you share some thoughts on the best AF set up for this kind of photography? iAF or AF, field settings or zone? Love to hear what your ideal set up is for fast moving subjects. Thank you for your time!
Hi Karin, I don't know if the 1.4 Leica converter actually works with this lens. I believe it's for the 200mm fixed. You might want to check that out before purchase. I have a couple videos on setting up focus for birding. But reality is, the new G9ii has much better focus for birding. Haven't tested it myself yet, but hope to in the near future. I will look up those videos later today and post in the comments for you. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, actually this guidebook (top of the page) is what I used to work on my AF skills with the Lumix G9. Should answer all your questions better than I can. Cheers! www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/technologies/af.html
@@ImageMaven hi, sorry for responding this late. Yes, the Leica converter is definitely OK for the 100-400mm lens. As a matter of fact it is the only Leica lens that can be used with it (for now?). Thanks for thinking along anyway!! Ps do you advise a monopod or tripod for bird photography? 😬 Have a wonderful evening!!
How did I miss seeing this video when posted?? Very envious of your success with bird photography,,mostly because I've been laid up with back problems. Your getting to use that 100-400 Pana-Leica was a treat I'm sure. I did however get to share a similar experience this month . While I'm grounded for awhile I was able to try out a similar kit with the new OM-1 and the Olympus 100-400 with the 1.4X teleconverter on a set up trained on a backyard bird feeder. The comparison is interesting..the Olympus is not one of their PRO lenses,, but works with the teleconverters made for those lenses,,and the results were very good. The Panasonic would have all the weather resistant properties of that series,,, as well as that "pop" the Leica line is known for. So now you have me curious.. seeing as how you are so completely familiar with the G9,,, what would be your wish list for a G9 replacement?? Also, did you consider a monopod?? I have found a monopod not only useful for stability,, but also as a support as I walk through outdoor environments with my mobility issues..Thanks for all the great content
Hi Clint, Great to hear from you again. Well to finish off this story, I did indeed purchase the 100-400mm lens a few months back. I really love it and am used to the weight. If you haven't seen that video yet, here it is: ruclips.net/video/u_lW3G_w-AQ/видео.html As far as a G9 replacement.... I hope one comes soon. My G9 is nearly 5 years old. Of course I could pick up a new one for a song, but I'd love to see what's next. I have seriously considered the GH6, but I'm not a videographer beyond my own RUclips channel. The GH6 is geared too much for video. But the processing engine interests me. I hope that a G9 replacement will have that, as well as faster, better focus. I have a monopod, but I find I don't use it much. I find that it's too slow to set up for the type of birding I do. If I'm shooting birds in a nest, or a snowy owl that's on a fence post, of course it's perfect. But for smaller birds that come in and out of frame in 10 seconds or less, it's not the tool for me. But I still throw it in the car every time I head out for a country drive - just in case. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Oly setup. I definitely would love to test out the OM1 (or other high end OM camera) for birding. But as you probably figured out, I'm pretty loyal to Lumix cameras and I see no huge reason to switch brands at this late stage, especially as photography is no longer my main source of income. Have a great day Clint!
I really enjoyed watching your video, and I like your presentation style (and battery drain note). I have a G9 + 100-300mm ii. My next upgrade will be Topaz Photo AI. If you still have your G9, a video comparing the G9 mark 1 + 100-400mm with the G9 ii + 100-300mm. ie which to upgrade: camera or lens :)
I likely won’t do a video on that topic but if you can afford it, get the G9ii. You might even find a good used one these days. And the 100-400 might be kicking around too as it was recently upgraded to a Mark 2 version so the original could be had for less. Still is a sizeable investment though. But the G9ii is a great camera. I’ve also had great success with the OM-1 with the 100-400mm lens. And you could probably pick up a new OM-1 (original version) for less now too.
Wow, amazing pics as always Marlene! I use the G9 and the 100-400 for birding and I really like the combination of sharpness, reach and relatively low weight. I am really excited to see what the GH6 will have to offer. A new sensor with some more megapixels would be good, especially for cropping pics.
Hi Anders, Glad to hear you like the G9 and 100-400 combo. I still feel it's a bit too heavy for me, but hopefully I will get used to it. I heard the GH6 has a new 25MP sensor. So a bit bigger file size. Thanks for stopping by!
Great shots! I really like the Pygmy Owl. If you’re anything like me you will end up buying the lens. Once I try something and like it then it’s just a matter of time because when I am using a less capable thing (whatever that is) then I will be thinking about how much better I could have done if I still had it. For a while I rented gear before buying but then I noticed that I was buying it all anyway so the rental cost was just adding to my overall cost. Not saying people shouldn’t try before they buy but in my case I’m not sure it’s the way to go. I have this lens and I love it. I also do some full frame birding so I consider the 100-400mm a super light lens. It’s all about perspective. If an M43 system can compete in autofocus with my Canon R6 then I will sell the R6 in a heartbeat. Great camera but I love the G9’s size and ergonomics.
Ha ha. Yes that sometimes happens to me too, Rod. Agree that compared to FF systems, this is a lightweight lens. I hope that the G9 successor, whenever it arrives, lives up to our expectations. Maybe you'll get to leave your FF gear at home. Cheers, and thanks for stopping by.
My heart is full seeing all of these bird species in the wild. Photographing them is icing on the cake. The OM1 looks interesting. Good thing is that you can use all of your Lumix lenses with it. I guess now you have to do what makes your heart glad too! :)
@@ImageMaven I have to say I’m more than a little envious of your sightings and photos as well as the fact that you live in Canada, top of my list to visit. I hope when I finally do, some of your luck rubs off.
Thanks for the video Marlene. Glad to hear it is sharper than the 100-300. I have the 100-400 and the weight and size is sometimes annoying, but glad I have it when it lets me zoom in closer.
Wow, what a birding weekend and you did them justice with some top photos. I have the 100-400 but I need to get out more with it, I tend to use it for motorsport, the reach is amazing and long handheld the combine IBIS & OIS is amazing too, I often use one of the legs from a tripod which doubles up as a monopod to balance as I wait for the action (motorcycle racing), and like you I feel a little out of place with the M43 but I stand proud none the less! Yeah GH6 looks and sound a fantastic hybrid, like you Marlene I’m very interested in the possibility of a G10, after all the G9 is a pretty nifty video camera anyway and will make a great second camera too. Don’t want to trade her in, I love my G9, she’s served me so well and there’s plenty of life in her yet. Hey hope your doing okay Marlene, take care. 💐
Hi Andrew! I was so fortunate to find so many great species during the few days I had that lens. Yes, we G9-ers might feel a bit out of place among the long lens shooters, but we have a real "reach advantage" for the cost of our gear when it comes to ultra telephoto lenses. I'm flip flopping about the GH6. I'd much prefer to wait for whatever comes after the G9 as well. Let's hope we are both rewarded on that front. In the meantime, I'm not giving up on my G9 either. Great to chat with you. Cheers!
I returned to M 4/3(sadly JUST before the G9 II was announced, I probably would have waited for it), and I picked up a used 100-400. I'm also just an enthusiast but having sold off some FF Canon gear, I had the money and a skewed perception of 'heavy' and 'expensive' lol
you are speaking for me, exactly it is very expensive here in Australia, but i am going to new Zealand in march 24 and would like this lens, i guess i have 15 months to make a decision, and save up, i might look into renting one though
Yes rent or borrow from someone you know. And hopefully get a rebate on your rental cost if you decide to purchase. I did eventually buy this lens. I love it but I still feel the weight of it when out birding for a long time. Might get myself a small monopod just to help with supporting it, as my shoulders do get strained some days, especially in the cold winter months. The 100-300mm is a good second choice. Much more affordable and much lighter. Cheers!
When I first got the lens I also found it heavy compared to my other lenses. But now I barely notice it. Just a matter of getting used to it I suppose. Totally agree with your camera: you should get it :)) The main problem with the 100-400 is that you need a second camera because you don't want to miss a wildlife opportunity. If ever there is a G9 successor it will be another year before we get it. And if there's none the OM-1 is a good candidate.
I also thought it was really heavy at first also but like you, I barely notice it now. My Sony 200-600 on the other hand will never feel light no matter how much I use it... 😂😂
I seldom now change the lens on my G9 from the 100-400. I got myself a little GX9 and picked up a secondhand Olympus F2.8 12-40. I love the lens and don't find the loss of the 2nd stabilisation a problem and the similarities mean I can switch quite easily and get them both (just) into a my backpack.
@@DaveandGinny972 Same for me :) I have a GX9 for other purpose when the 100-400 is on the G9. I have them on straps. This is a waiting combo. I don't have as much pleasure shooting with the GX9 as I have with the G9. I will get the OM-1 or GH6 instead. Or the G9 mk ii, I will not hurry.
@@DaveandGinny972 I too have the G9 and the GX9. The G9 with the 100-400mm ( birding and sports) or the 14-140mm (mostly for sunsets) and the GX9 with the wide angle 7-14mm (mostly for sunsets).
Great video and images. You pointed out the issue that most concerned me about the 100-400, which is the stiffness of the zoom ring. That’s why I purchased the 100-300. I just rent the 100-400 when I need the extra range.
Hi Jerome. Yes, I spoke to a couple of others who use this lens and they both said the lens had a very stiff zoom ring. I thought it was because I was shooting in sub freezing temps most of the time. Not the smoothest for zooming into your subject on video. Thanks for watching! Cheers.
@@ImageMaven A stiff zoom action was a common complaint witht this lens but not all. Mine was unusable for video when it arrived and I took advice from a moderator on the Lumix forum who told me to send it back which I did. The replacement was silky smooth! As for it's weight - next time you find yourself amongst a gaggle of birders ask who's got a DSLR with a 600mm Canon lens and ask to hold it for a few seconds!
Hi Steve, Good to hear you sent it in for service and it came back smooth! Yes, I go birding with a young gal who has a huge Canon dSLR lens. I'll stick with my small compact Lumix stuff, especially now that I'm pushing 60. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Cheers.
That's great to hear John. I didn't have this lens long enough to test many subjects. I guess I'll have to rent it again! Canoe Slalom sounds like fun. Is it done in a river or a lake?
@@ImageMaven on rivers, Marlene. The paddler negotiates the slalom gates, 25 gates, as they paddle down a 300 metre course of rapids, the World's best do it in about 88 seconds! Google Peter Kauzer, he is one of the best!
Thanks Marlene well I love my 100-400 and use it in the bush in Africa and for birding too here in and around Cape Town - I find the attrition rate can be high as the focus often struggles, pre-burst on the G9 is fantastic for small birds. All in all, I'd say, especially if you are not really interested in video - neither am I - that a new sensor G10 ?? hopefully, would be the way to go. One gets used to the weight of the 100-400 and the ring will ease up in time. It's worth the price and if you do buy check that you don't get one with a very tight ring - I am told they vary. cheers paul
Hi Paul, Great to hear from you. I'm sure you get a lot of interesting and exotic birds and wildlife too, in your part of the world. Yes, I've used the pre-burst for small birds. Even made a video about. But doing that sure fills up the memory cards fast! Yes, hoping, hoping for a G10-something with a new sensor. If it happens, I will likely jump on it. Cheers, and thank you so much for commenting.
I love the combination g9 and pl 100-400mm . I sold X-H1 and premium fujinon lens . I switched to mft Panasonic from FF Canon and crop Fuji . Thank you.
Interesting gear pathway Dmitry. At one point, I was looking at Fuji mirrorless, but I needed better video capture for my RUclips videos. I went from Canon FF to Lumix about 9 years ago. The 100-400 was sure nice to use for a few days though. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
Oh, and kudos to you for your great pictures. And I agree with everything you said about the 100-400. I've used it for several years. Of course don't forget to loosen the Lock solar, but even then the zoom action is pretty stiff.
Hi Marlene I love mine and really find it yes heavy but quality. The focus is very fast and the lens seems contrasty compared to the 100-300. I am getting used to mine and have enjoyed it👍you should still get one!
Its my most used lens. What i like is the flexebility. Try it out for Butterflys or other insects. You con go very close. Wayting for the GH6 is a very good option. The first tests of the OM1 are very good. I think the GH6 goes in the same direction.
Hi Ben, Yes, I will definitely need to rent it again and try other subjects. I should do that with my 100-300 as well! Waiting to see what happens with the GH6 and other new things this year... Kind of exciting.
I had to buy both. Got the 100-300ii first which I use the majority of the time. It is plenty good enough. But bit on the 100-400 when a good used deal came up. When I go out specifically to photo birds it is definitely worth carrying the extra weight.
@@ImageMaven Now I've used the 100-400 with a heavier camera than my Gx9 I can see that it makes which lens to take a more difficult decision. With the gx9 it was at the end of my easy to carry range 😀. With the wrist strap I could walk around with it swinging from my fingers. With the G9 it keeps going back in my backpack to give me a break. No question the extra 100mm is worth it but the setup is substantially heavier. I think also my 100-300mm is very sharp, so the other lens doesn't blow it away. I'm very happy with the 300. It definitely will see more action on the G9. It's great to have the 100-400 but many times you will come back with photos the 300 would have got for you.
I purchased the 100-300 from viewing your videos back in Dec 2021. Great shots from that lens. However, I purchased a used 100-400 for $800 the day you announced you were trying the 100-400. It certainly easier on the wallet buying used and it was like new condition. I am very pleased with the new lens however the weight is not much of a factor for me as it is you. Also regarding the GH 6, looking at the leaked spec sheet, with the new sensor, it has native 100 iso with 50 iso extended. It will also take 100 megapixel shot. Not sure it is hand held or not.
Wow, Brian. If I can find this lens used for that price, I'll definitely jump on it! I'm sure there are people switching to FF mirrorless who might want to sell. I'm interested to see what else the GH6 brings to M4/3. It's time for something new. Thanks for stopping to chat! Sorry for the delay in replying. Been a boatload of comments on this video.
Great video and wonderful birds you captured. Buy the lens used. I buy all my lenses used so I can easily sell them for close to what I paid for them. If you are patient you will find a good deal. Best of luck whatever you decide.
@@ImageMaven I have bought a lot of lenses from the Fred Miranda site. It a bit of time and work to build the credentials to buy and sell on the site but it is well worth it. DM me if you want more info.
Hi Marlene, so pleased to see you out with the 100-400 and what fantastic captures of the owls. They look so sharp and I'm wondering whether you cropped at all and by how much? I've had the 100-400 for a few years now and the focus ring does ease up a little with use. Heavy? haha...I'm 70 this year and trek with mine for miles along our coastline here...still hunting down Short Eared Owls. Moving from a Canon with a big lens the G9/100-400 felt lightweight! I'm so happy now with my set up that I almost don't want the G6 to be any good! I await to see what you think of it with interest. Thanks for another great video, Dave.
Hi Dave, Yes, some photos are cropped, depending on how close I was able to get. I try not to disturb the birds especially when they are hunting. But the video clips are not cropped, so you'll get a better idea of how much cropping I had to do. 4K video does pull them in a bit though. I should make a little post or short video about that. I hope to see some Short Eared Owls yet! I have seen and photographed them hunting from afar, but nothing close up. I moved from Canon FF several years ago, and Lumix M4/3 was so small, light and cheap at the time, I was in heaven. If I do get the 100-400, I'll hopefully build up some new biceps as a result. I'm 60 on my next birthday! Gah, how did that happen?
Hi Marlene, I did a bit of wheeler dealing and upgraded to the 100 x 400 it’s a bit heavier than the 100 x 300 but when you consider the Leica optics and range ( 800mm ) full frame it’s a no brainer, enjoy it and great shots.
@@ImageMaven They are the same system - mFT, so you can use any glasses from your G9 for OM-1. I sold almost all of my mFT system gears, Olympus E-M1 Mark III and Mark II bodies, and lenses covers from 7mm to up to 400mm, including the Leica/Panasonic 100-400 zoom after I moved to FF: Lumix S1R body and a fixed lens compact Leica Q-P. The OM-1 is so good, I was thinking that I might sell my Leica Q-P, come back to OM-1 with a few lenses for travel light.
Need some advice with a focusing issue with Leica 100-409 on LUMIX G9. Many times when a bird is in the foreground, the focus locks on the background instead. Using animal detect in AFS. It works fine for a bird on a branch far off, but if a robin is on the grass some feet off, focus is going to a tree or flower in the background. I tried AF near, but same thing. I don’t think the bird is too close for minimum focus distance. Any advice? Forums haven’t helped except to say it happens to them, too.
Hi April. Sorry you're find this frustrating. I feel your pain. All cameras experience this from time to time. Likely the lighting and contrast in the scene has something to do with it too. Experiment with your target focus area. Try making it smaller or larger. And just double check that if the bird is fairly close, that you're on "Full" on the lens focus range switch. Don't give up!
Very nice shots of the owls! That must have been a great experience. Looks like you have some fun choices ahead. If you can't wait for a G10 the new Olympus OM-1 seems very good. The stacked sensor provides only 20mp but looks very good. But the Panasonic lenses may not always work the best with Olympus cameras. Exciting times for camera technology. Recently retired, I may not ever be able to afford a flagship camera again but it is fun seeing what technology comes up with.
Hi Steven, Yes, finding all those owls was amazing. I never thought in my wildest dreams that would happen over 2 days actually. And such a bonus that I rented that lens for the occasion. And great weather. This weekend plunging back down to -15 C and colder. So I feel very fortunate! Yes, I've seen the reviews on the new OM-1, but I'm not ready to jump off the Lumix ship anytime soon. But I expect others will, unless Panasonic can come up with a very good G9 successor this year. Always great to hear from you. Sorry for the delay in responding. I was overwhelmed with comments on this video, and I like to get back to everyone who writes me. Cheers!
@@ImageMaven I agree, you need good reasons to jump ship from a camera company you have invested in. Really looking forward to see what you end up with.
Hi Marlene, I am wiggling too, several times on the brink of buying, but hesitating for the same reason. Also thinking of buying the S5, but then again more weight and more expansive lenses. As a Photographer I should never buy the GH6 because it is a videocamera with still photo advantages. I would go for the next generation G9, because nowadays the G9 is in still photography very competitive to all newer other brands...But still my opinion. I love your explanations on RUclips, because they give answers from experience and not the theory of it. Greetz from Guus from The Netherlands...
Groetjes Guus, I appreciate what you say about the G9 still being very competitive. And there's nothing wrong with my camera. It works for me, and there still seems to be regular firmware updates. But after using it for over 4 years, maybe time for something new. Maybe that's this lens. I was a full frame Canon shooter for many years and don't regret getting rid of all that gear, the cost and the weight of it all, so I won't be looking at the S5 or other FF Lumix. Thank you for your thoughts. Very nice to chat with you. Cheers!
Congrats, Marlene. 100-300mm is not bad but with Leica you gain extra 200mm (full frame). And still you may add inbuilt teleconverter. But I agree, it is heavy, in the wallet too!! If you are still uncertain, just wait a while with your purchase. Thanks for your great photos 👍
Hi Jerzy, Yes, that extra reach is so nice!. I'm going to wait a bit before purchasing. I can always rent it if there's something I just don't want to miss, especially with the bird migration. Thank you for watching!
I love my 100-400 Marlene…. I use it for all wildlife including butterflies & insects where I can’t get at the with a macro. Over distant I clip my rig by the lens to a belt to spread the weight. Awesome images by the way…. Showing you can compete with the big guys….🙋🏼♂️
Yes, I need to start shooting smaller species. I've done that with shorter focal length lenses, but not this one. Hopefully my flower garden will bring some nice butterflies and insects. Thank you for your kind words. Cheers!
I also recently got this lens - way better than the 100-300. To me the glass is more important than the camera. I've seen fantastic photos from older m4/3 cameras and this lens. It is a bit chilly to hold - I got a Lenscoat for it off Ebay and that protects it and me! I often put the tripod foot on and use a monopod. It's a breeze to carry that way. Good thoughts - it will be interesting to see where you settle on this one. I chuckle at those folks with their gigantic 600-800mm lenses and huge tripods. I've been there and done that and don't see that much difference between my photos and theirs - plus, it's far more fun using this camera and lens than any big DSLR and big lens I ever had. Happy shooting and thanks for sharing!
Hi Bob, Thanks for the tip about the Lenscoat. That's a new one for me. I have a monopod but for some unknown reason, I'm not that inclined to take it with me when birding. Perhaps I need a smaller one! Good to know that you think M4/3 is more fun than carting around huge lenses. Because I think so too. Thanks for stopping by to share and chat with me. Cheers.
HI Marlene! I can only speak for myself... but I am so happy with my G9's (plural) and the 100-300. As a stills photographer, the GH6 was a non-event for me. What I look forward to is more computational photography features.
Hi Jack, I’m still very happy with my G9 and 100-300 as well. It will be interesting to see what Panasonic does next. Hopefully something photo centric with the lovely sensor of the GH6. Cheers.
Marlene, still honing in on sharp focus on my new lens. Had to get a replacement from Panasonic and seems all good. The focus presets in the camera I'm trying. Which is the "wildlife set", is it setting 3 or 4? Do you find these presets work well, or do you tweek the setting further for birds and especially for in flight? thanks,
Wow, that's a bother, getting a replacement lens! Are you using the Mark ii version so the 100-400 or the original. I'd love to get my zoom ring loosened up a bit. It's especially bad when shooting outdoors in the cold. I used to stress out about this focus stuff a lot more than I do now. Maybe it's the fact that I'm using the G9II. But if you want a deep dive, check out the settings recommended in the LUMIX AF Guide. I did make a video about it a couple years back. Here's the link to the guide - which I will also drop into the video description: www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/technologies/af.html
Great Video. Thank you. Switching from Canon to Pana Lumix S5 II and 2 bodies, would you recommend 2x S5 II and also with Sigma 60-600mm for Tele or 1x S5II and 1x GH6 with 100-400mm as Tele and for video and photo?
That sounds like a great kit for birding. I haven't used either of those bodies or that Sigma lens you're interested in, so I'm probably not the best person to answer your question. I'm currently on the G9 with the 100-400mm but hoping there is an upgrade to the G9 coming in 2023. We shall see!
Hi Marlene - you are stuck with the Panasonic side of mFT - so am I. However, watching the Reviews of the new OMD1 makes me think of changing the vendor (or mixing). I had same idea waiting for a better sensor, faster AF, more ISO, ... a G10 would be great, but is not there on the horizon. GH6, don't know... Did you ever think of adding some Old gear to the mFT park?
Hi Markus, Yes I'm in M4/3 for the long haul too. I'm a Lumix loyalist, so probably won't jump to the OM1. If you mean older manual lenses from other brands and such, I haven't really had the need or the curiosity to incorporate that kind of old gear. But I'm open to suggestions. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!
Never had a problem with battery but bought a backup ,only used it once. Love the 100-400, it’s light compared to my canon mirror 100 -400 with extender
Even as you always say, “ I’m more on photos than videos” your birding videos are excelent!! ( your photos too...😉 About your decision what too buy, hum..., hold and wait until all the “cards” are shown. Have you try the Olympus M1 iii ? I do have g9 and Oly, and for photos Olympus are my favorite one.
Hi Andres, Glad you like my videos (and photos). I do enjoy making them. Yes, I'm going to hold em for a bit here. I likely won't go Oly at this time. But can't wait to see what Lumix has for us this year. Thanks for dropping your comments. Cheers.
i'm currently trying to decide between this lens and the 50-200 (to eventually pair with a 2x TC)...thanks for making the decision harder, nice video & excellent shots. still leaning towards the versatility and slightly smaller size of the 50-200 leica at the moment, but the 100-400 range certainly would have been useful lately. i've been seeing lots of red-tailed hawks around southern maine lately that my 45-200 has struggled to capture (the GX8 AF hasn't helped), though a few weeks back i did have an amazing encounter where I had to zoom out on a hawk that landed on a bridge railing about 10ft away from me. hoping i find some owls soon too!
How exciting to get a close up shot. Sadly I'm unable to find a 50-200mm to rent locally. But I do plan to rent the 200mm with the teleconverter. But I heard that it's even heavier than the 100-400, and also twice the price! Yikes. I had the GX8 for a few years and got the G9 after. I did like it for skateboarding photos. Nice compact camera, especially when paired with my 7-14mm zoom. Thank you for watching! Sorry it took so long to respond. I have been overwhelmed with comments on this video. I guess that's a good problem to have. Cheers.
I'm not a professional either and so I would never have bought the 100-400, but it was gifted to me. That's why I have both lenses and since I have the 100-400, I basically never touched the 100-300 again. Just testing both side by side, I saw, that the stabilization with the G9 on the 100-400 is faaaaar superior. Long winded way in saying, I agree with you. ;)
Marlene, I just got the mkii verson of this lens and really like it so far on my g9. Have you ever noticed a faint gear turning sound when zooming in or out? Nothing seems effected or not working , and the more I zoom it seems to subside. Thanks,
Not that I’ve noticed. But the original version which I have, is so stiff that all I hear is my grunting and complaining as I’m trying to zoom into my subject. I usually just pull the end of the lens out as only the zoom ring itself is stiff. The barrel isn’t.
Like I said before, this 100-400 is my most used lens. If I drove and could transport a full frame lens around I would but this is a nice compromise. Fits nicely in a backpack and I don't need to carry anything else, win win. I'm trying to get my hands on the 50-200 Leica as I'm getting more into landscapes from a distance.
Hi Karl, Full frame is out of my scope for several reasons as well. The 50-200mm Leica is a very versatile range, and faster, which is always nice. I wonder how they compare with sharpness? Thanks for your comments.
@@ImageMaven I have the PL 50-200 f/2.8-4 and it is an excellent lens on the G9. I purchased the TC 1.4 used to try it with birds and though you drop to f/5.6 @ 280mm it produces very good photos of stationary birds. Birds in flight keepers drop to about 50%, of course I am not an expert in this arena. The lens/TC combo only weighs about 27-28 oz. so it is very light and I get a very versatile 50-200mm lens plus a birding kit. For some reason the TC-1.4 is only available new when you purchase the 200mm f/2.8 in the US. The 50-200 is as smooth as silk. My standard BIF kit is a Nikon D500 & 500 PF but though very light for this kind of rig it is still weighs 81 oz combined but is very effective. I liked your 100-300 photos. From the comparisons I have seen the the quality of the 200mm vs the 50-200 is not that much better at maximum focal length with or without the TC. I would love to own the 200mm but it is heavier than my kit and it is very expensive. I try to keep my G9 kit as light as possible as as I use it for travel. The 100-400 has tempted me but then there is that weight thing for travel again. I really enjoy your channel and have appreciated your many educational G9 videos. Thank you for your efforts.
Hi Gary, There are a few folks talking about the 50-200 as well as the 200 f2.8 here on this comment stream. In time I'd like to try both those lenses. I think I can rent both locally so that's a bonus for me. Thanks for chiming in! I appreciate everyone's input. It makes for an interesting and lively conversation indeed!
@@ImageMaven I've used the 200mm 2.8 and it's a beautiful lens, however I found it to be more of a fashion statement. Great image quality and good light transmission, you should definitely have a play. The only problem I found which I didn't like was that it was very heavy and makes the 100-400 seem lightweight.
The GH6 is incredible!! I'm like you, I just like to shoot.. I just bought the 100-400 today, will come in 2 days from Amazon. My 100-300 crapped out on me, so I upgraded it. I currently use the Leica 10-25 and 12-60 on it. Those lenses will spend more time on the G9, but I find the GH6 way easier to handle, with as odd as that sounds. My photos are definitely a lot better. Even with the Olympus 40-150.. you know, the $200 lens?? Works excellent on the GH6 and I was getting better quality than my 100-300.
Thanks for sharing your amazing shots of the owls. Given a free choice I always take my Leica 50-200 lens instead of the heavier Leica 100-400. I carry the tiny, 1.6x Teleconverter in my pocket in case I need it. BTW: I recommend you wear your camera strap on the diagonal, around your neck but only over one shoulder. The weight just vanishes compared with the usual "pain in the neck" symmetrical arrangement. I guarantee you'll soon forget you are carrying a G9 camera and long, heavy lens. Make the strap a bit longer and you can wear it like a gunslinger! ;-)
Hi Tricyklist, A few folks have mentioned teleconverters to me for various lenses. I need to investigate this more. I also have the 35-100 f2.8 and I wonder if I can get a tc for it? What brand is yours? I know that not all lenses can use them. Yes, I use my camera strap diagonally when walking. And I have a good recommendation for the Op/Tech neoprene strap that's supposed to be much more comfortable. Going to check one of those out this coming week at The Camera Store. Thank you for sharing all of your great tips. This community is so kind to me! Glad you like the owls. Cheers!
@@ImageMaven You need a deeply recessed rear lens to allow the TCs to fit. The Leica 50-200 is fine with the TCs. 1.6x and 2x. The 12-60 and 100-400 Leicas are not.
Hi again @tricyklist Just an update, I got this lens recently, plus I now carry my camera across my chest! Thanks for the suggestion. I barely feel the weight. If you want to see how I use it for birding, you can watch it here: ruclips.net/video/u_lW3G_w-AQ/видео.html
Those are some amazing photos and video of Owls. Great backgrounds and compositions. I suspect the GH6 brings a innovative video type ISO/ND element to the exposure of video and photo. Thus, I suspect it will be along while before a new Lumix PhotoFlagshipHybird is realized. However, the latest 2 long lenses (ELMARIT) were released around the time of the G9. And the good old ELMAR 100-400 is a few years older. Thus, I'll wait for a camera more like the G9, or a new super-tele Lumix is likely to build for this new GH6 type ISO technology, which should be compatible with camera's older than the GH6. Nevertheless, Keep up the great videos of the wildlife there in Canada. By the way, this lens can do high quality 4K video using Program Exposure, and allow the camera to make changes to the complexity of shutter speeds needed with various apertures. And, if you use a tripod, the ranges beyond 250mm will be very stable with Dual IS while touching the camera and panning.
Yes, I actually had my video set up to shoot 4K in Program Mode when using this lens. And (don't tell anyone) I used the simple red button once in awhile too. Thanks for adding that info though. I don't know very much about video beyond the basics. Kind of still experimenting in that area. And thanks for the tip about tripod use. I love all the contributions you and others make to the conversation. Cheer!
Quite happy with the 100-400, especially with the extra reach to 871mm equivalent. I don't use the zoom ring. It's a lot easier to find the bird at 100 and simply pull the lens out which spins the zoom ring.
Hi David, Yes, I pull the lens out too. But I have to say when it's really cold, even that is harder to do. I usually keep it around 200mm when scoping just so I don't have to pull too much. Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Great video, I know that the 100-400 is a little heavier than you are used too but it's still a good "carry all day" lens. I am happy with my G9 but I will check out the GH6 and the OM-1. I would like to see a G9 replacement with a new sensor but there don't seem to be an rumours of it at the moment. Keep up the good work and look forward to spring migration
Hi John, I definitely noticed the weight difference on my neck and shoulders. I sometimes think the 100-300mm is too heavy also. I took it on a few day-long hikes last fall and wished I'd left it behind. But that's probably because I didn't use it. But yes, I do like that 100-400. I will see how things go this year with new gear on the market. I'd not likely get the new OM-1 as I'm a Lumix Loyalist right now. Might rent the 100-400mm again or the 200mm f2.8 for the spring migration. I know a few spots where there are 100% chance of seeing lots of nice birds during migration. Cheers!
@@ImageMaven just a suggestion, I fine that standard straps are always a pain in the neck! Personally I use a blackrapid strap where the weight is on a shoulder not the back of your neck. Hope this helps
In my situation I am sticking with my 100-300 since I do not bird nearly as much as you do. If I were going to replace the 100-300 I would probably buy the 50-200 with 2x TC because of portability. But we all have different use cases. BTW I have GX9 and G80(85) and just before Easter a camera store in Sweden (not near to where I live) was selling a G9 at almost 40% off so I took the plunge. My original plan was G9 in 2023 since I figure a G10 or G9ii would be out then and the G9 would fall in price. So I have started to binge watch your channel content about the G9 per se and other YT channel content focussing on the G9. So far I find stabilization better and usually pair it with my P Leica 12-60.
Hi Joe, Sounds like you got a great deal on the G9 and you are enjoying it so far. I didn't know that 50-200 works with the 2x TC. I will have to look into that too. I still haven't decided on the 100-400mm lens. Waiting instead for the G9 successor. Hopefully that's going to happen in 2022. But not holding my breath. Cheers!
great lens with a G9 - massive compatibility issues with Olympus cameras. That main issue being it doesn't produce sharp on in focus images at fast shutter speeds on Olympus bodies. Works great under 1/1000 shutter speeds.
I went for the glass! But if there's a G10 or equivalent, I'll probably go for that too. I figure I can make the camera cost back in RUclips videos about the new camera.
Wow, Marlene, you've done it again. It's like you read my mind, I've been wanting a comparison between the 100 to 300 mm and the 100 to 400 mm for a while now. Cost and weight and size were all factors for me to be happy with my 100 to 300. I love watching your videos thank you for taking the time to make them. They answer many of my and I'm sure other people's questions. As far as a G9 successor I would love if that were to happen I can't say I would buy the GH six in fear that Panasonic would then come out with a G9 successor. With my luck, it would even be backside-illuminated. So, does the 1 to 400 mm below the 1 to 300 mm away? Or can I get the extra sharpness I need in post? Thanks again cheers
Hi Don, Does it blow the 100-300 away? At first blush, yes. But some things can be done to enhance the photos in post. I'm playing with Topaz Sharpen Ai and Noise Ai, as suggested by one of my kind supporters here on RUclips. Now being Ai, they do have their slower moments and that is frustrating, but I keep telling myself that a lot is happening under the hood. Not sure yet if I want to spend over CA $200 on that software bundle, if the photos are just for me. The thing I least like about the 100-400 is the stiff zoom ring. And others have said the same thing, and some have even sent the lens back to Panasonic for a lube job. Second is the weight, but people have said I'll get used to it and might even get nice pipes in the process. I'm okay sticking with my G9 for now too. But always curious to pose those kind of questions to my viewers. The GH6 is likely too video-centric for my needs. But I'd love to test it out just for fun. I'm really really hoping for a true hybrid G9 successor in the future as I'm sure many are. So for now, I'm gonna hold-em and see what's coming. I'll be watching the big GH6 reveals closely this week. Great to hear from you again! Cheers.
@@ImageMaven Hi Marlene, I have tried the Topaz software the ones you mentioned and they are worth the investment without question. Low light high ISO noise is no longer our crutch, they both really rock. I also use Luminar Neo as you know, but PS 2023 as well. I have a new venture with photo art , my new Phot Art Gallery online. Comprised on 6 individual photograhpy artist myself included. When the site is up and running I will surely send you an invite to the gala opening. Cheers hope your well. My best, Don
Ha Mark! If money was no object... perhaps. Curious to see if there will be a photo centric successor to the G9. But might be a long wait for that! Thanks for stopping by.
John Curtis QLD Australia 2 Cents Hi Marlene I really enjoy your informative and inspirational videos shooting birds with the G9, I was intrigued by your recent video using the borrowed Leica 100-400 and your thoughts concerning the purchase of such an expensive lens. You also mentioned the upcoming GH6 with all its fabulous spec may be an alternative to an expensive lens. I have researched the spec on the GH6 and it is a considerable improvement on the GH5. When the G9 was announced it was touted as a stills upgrade oriented GH5. The firmware upgrades have kept the G9 viable for 2022. I cant help but wonder, will there be a G9mkii with 26 megapixels ??? there may also be some superzoom upgrades and so onnnnnn In the meantime the G9 has everything that matters to me. I shoot mainly stills and occasional video I own the Pano 100-400 and I fully understand your hesitancy, it is heavy and the barrel is stiff & cumbersome to use. ( I did manage to secure this lens at a heavily discounted price) I also own an Olympus 75-100 (Not fast at F4.8-6.7) it is very light, easy to use and extremely sharp. This lens does not have Ibis, though because it is so light this is not an issue for me. If I am doing a casual walk of a fair distance the Olympus is my go to lens. (also purchased at a heavily discounted price) If I am stalking birds in familiar birding spots, I like to get down close and personal at long range and at ground eye level, the Leica with its combined stabilization and animal/bird tracking is perfect for this purpose and allows me to snap very sharp shots (hand held) that would not otherwise be possible with 75-300. (see utube Paul Bawby , Terry Lane & Robin Wong ) An Ozzie of 75ys I have had a camera of various sorts since the age of 7 (Box Brownie) in the dark room solo at age 9. My father was a professional Photographer and taught the skills necessary for this task. My cameras since then have included various Kodak, Yashica, Pentax 35s & 645 - 6x7, Bronica EC & ETRS and Canon Eos film from mid 80s incl Eos 5 & 3. I was hesitant to go digital and waited for the dual pixal auto focus before making the switch. I still own the Eos 3 (film with EF lens mount) Eos 70d, Pano G7 & Bronica ETRS. Most EF lens can be adapted incl af to fit the MFT cameras, I have both versions Viltrox af adapters. A trip to USA for 2 weeks in June of 2018 resulted in the purchase of a Panasonic G7 for video to supplement my Eos 6d stills. The G7 produced incredible 1080 & 4k video and the Canon produced great stills (as expected). My wife attended the International Veterans Table Tennis comp in Las Vagas as a competitor (I was the designated Camera Man) There were times when the Canon gear was too heavy to lug around on casual walks so I often took the G7 instead and used it for both video and stills. It wasnt till I arrived back in Oz after the event that I uploaded the g7 stills when I realized the quality of resolution from the G7 was mind boggling, colour science was also spot on I pixal peeped each frame on the PC to reach this conclusion. I have been handling non stabilized hand held cameras for years so camera shake was not an issue. 16 megapixels was more than enough to produce astonishing stills and video results. I started researching the MFT system as an alternative to carrying a lot of heavy gear , along with yours and other video. Toward the end of 2021 this resulted in me investing in Panasonic G9 and kit lens 12-60(heavily discounted approx 40%). Any shortcomings with noise etc can be easily sorted out in post, I use Luminar and Paint Shop Pro. My film darkroom equipment Included various LPL, JOBO & Ilford items. I am not a pro and can therefore wait for discounted specials to come my way. Coming From Canon Eos EF I also researched Canon RF mirrorless and concluded that although the technology in the latest offrings and lens was really very good, the investment in bodies and lens was not within my meagre pensioner income reach. Even though Panasonic Lens are a little pricey, they are a fraction the cost of equivalent Canon RF Bodies and lens!!!. maybe one day!!! I wanted to establish my credentials before offering my .........2 CENTS (I am hesitant to post my images on the internet, though will email some samples if requested)
Hi John, Thanks for sharing all of your background in Photography, and your experience with Lumix cameras. Sounds like we share a similar path moving from box camera, medium format to Canon film cameras all the way to digital to Lumix, and from the darkroom to digital editing. I did my masters degree research in the photo industry in 2002, 2003, and found that many photographers left the profession with the shift to digital photography in the early 2000s. They just didn't want to deal with all the technology changes. Glad you've stuck with it and sounds like you have been a very active member of the community. I agree that the FF systems are too expensive. For now, I'm sticking with the Lumix M43. Cheers!
Hi Marlene, Thank you for prompt reply amid all your wonderful content and your remanence to the film days, keep up your great work and stay safe, kind regards, John Curtis @@ImageMaven
I've had my 100-400mm lens for 5 years and love using it. I used to own a GH4 then GH5 and now a GH6. I am happy to say that the images with my 5 year old 100-400mm lens on my new GH6 are far superior to the GH5, and I was very impressed with the images from that camera. I love my Lumix 100-400mm lens. However a couple of days ago I learned about a Leica 200mm f2.8 prime lens which comes with a 1.4 times tele converter. And now I'm drooling over that incredibly expensive lens.
Thanks for all this Frank. I plan to get the G9 successor if/when it comes out. Hoping it has some of the great photo features, AF, sensor, and processor of the GH6. And if all goes well, I may even pick up a 100-400mm. And I have also drooled over the 200mm prime which looks amazing, but heavy on the bank account and the neck strap. Thanks for stopping by to chat! Cheers.
@@ImageMaven It took a long long time before Panasonic released the GH6 because of supply and technical issues which were compounded by COVID. I’m going to guess that it will be at least another year before the G9 successor is hinted at. All I can say is that the focusing capabilities of the GH6 are incredible compared to my competent GH5. It almost like magic watching focus lock onto flying birds in an instant or watching focus lock onto the eye of people, animals and birds for pin point shots. I’d be honoured if you took a look at my Flickr Account of an owl in flight I took with a moment to lock focus and take the shot. Sadly RUclips does not allow links, however I am called Mr Lemming and the photo is called “Owl on the prowl”. It’s been a pleasure chatting and watching your channel.😀
@@ImageMaven Hello again, I thought I’d let you know that I’ve just bought a second-hand G9 to go with my GH6. I was shocked and stunned to discover that the G9, which is several years older, takes far superior images to my GH6. And I thought those images were good. It’s like night and day at how good my G9 is with a 100-400mm lens, or any lens for that matter.
@@frankinblackpool Hi Frank! Look at you go! Tell me what you mean by "superior". What sorts of things are better with the G9? I'm thinking of renting a GH6 actually and I'd love to see the differences in image quality first hand. I heard from a GH6 user that they thought it was better for birding than the G9. Anyhow, thank you for checking back in to tell me your news! Cheers.☺
@@ImageMaven Good morning. From my observations of a few days, the G9 has better detail all over, and handles low noise far better than the GH6. If you only had a GH6 you would be happy but with a G9 I have a massive improvement. I can show you two examples of a wren taken with both cameras. They are on my Flickr account of the1lemming and they are called: Wren in the snow Blackpool Stanley Park. Little wren Stanley Park. They were taken at different times of the year but both with the same lens. Hope this is useful for you. RUclips will not allow me to do web links
The GH6 is tempting, I have a lot of Panasonic and Olympus lenses, including the 100-400, and the 300 mm F4 Olympus. (very heavy and expensive, but even sharper than the 100-400). I'm actually considering the OM-1 as well. The DP review guys love the GH-6 for video and the AF is much better than the GH5/G9 but the OM-1 exceeds my G9 in video and the AF is being compared to the flagships from Nikon, Canon, and Sony. I have a bad feeling this GAS attack is going to find me with both...
Hi Mark, I'm holding out for the G9 successor. Hopefully that happens sometime in the next 12 months. But in the meantime I can get good photos with the G9. I'm still happy with it. But looking forward to a new camera body as I've been using my G9 for over 4 years. I'll pass on the GH6, unless I get a great spanking deal on it. The video features of the GH6 are not what I'm looking for as I don't do any client video work. Hope your GAS attack ends well. ;)
I got the G9 a little bit more than one year ago and the 100-400 last summer... I love the combo but I have some AF issues when birding so I'm thinking about upgrading within the next... 18 months. I'm definitely not buying the GH6 because it has almost no improvement for stills and also some regressions (no 6k photo, no vertical grip, lower AFC burst...). I really hope a G9 successor comes out, and if not I'll be looking towards OM Digital solutions as the new OM-1 looks very interisting on many levels. But I'll be very sad and disapointed if I must abandon Lumix.
Hi Rafa. Don't give up on the G9 and your 100-400mm. What kind of issues do you have with AF? With practice I have learned how to focus while birding. But ...I do think the GH6 has several advantages for photography. Better sensor and better processor to name two. Not sure if the GH6 is for me, as I find it pricey, but I'm looking forward to testing it out. Ideally Panasonic will release a G9 Mk2 with the same sensor and processing. That's my hope! Thanks for stopping by to chat!
@@ImageMaven Well the animal detection kind of sucks in my experience... Sometimes it just doesn't get what it should, or it gets at first and then loses it with no reason and even if the surounding elements are not really messy and the subject is not moving too much... It gets worst with moving targets and messy environment of course. To me it works let's say 65-70% of the time which is not bad but I miss too many shots and I don't see a huge improvement compared to my good old GX8... But yes I admit maybe I need to practice more and optimize my settings...
@@rafa.p8384 I find in flat light (overcast and snow on the ground) when I'm far away from a flying bird, I'm having problems with Animal detection. In that case I use custom multi and AFC and I'm getting a good hit rate with BBF. My latest Community post has an example of this with a flying owl.
Marlene, I use the 100-400 lens with my G9, mostly for bird photography as well as other wildlife. Although it's a great combination there is one thing that drives me nuts and that is auto-focusing does not work well if at all in shadowy or low contrast conditions. Even though I could over-ride the camera with manual focusing that is hardly easy given the heft of not only the lens but also the camera. Have you had this problem and, if so, how did you work through or around it? P.S. Love your videos.
Hi J L. Yes, I've had this problem. Many lenses/camera systems struggle in low light low contrast conditions. If I try, and realize that I won't get a decent shot, I typically abandon the scene and wait for the bird/subject to reach a better lit location, unless it's a rare or lifer species. I've become more picky and ruthless over the past year, especially with my culling and editing bird photos. Now I know what they'll look like on screen and in print pretty much when I'm shooting. It's part of the challenge of birding, especially in late day or winter light. But of course we all need to practice shooting in all conditions, and that makes us better photographers. So keep at it! Thanks for stopping by. Always nice to chat!
The GH6 is compelling now that the specs have been released … um … leaked. I walked away from MFT (Olympus) and switched to Canon FF. I wasn’t second guessing that with the new OM-1 release. The camera is as I suspected it would be. The GH6, on the other hand, makes me very curious if the new sensor will end-up in a G9 successor. If that happens, I will be very torn as to what to do. I enjoyed the video, thank you. Congrats on the 4 in 4 days!
Hi Daniel, Yes, I'm really hoping for a G9 successor with a new sensor in 2022. But I have a feeling it will be a longer wait. I sold all my Canon dSLR FF gear after making the switch to Lumix 9 years ago. Wasn't that suitable for RUclips videos back then. But Lumix GH3 did a great job for me. Did you get Canon FF Mirrorless or dSLR? Thanks for stopping by!
@@ImageMaven Mirrorless (R5) I’m definitely happy with my choice but I will always have a soft spot for Olympus and (hold you’re breath) Pentax, my first love. (My back and shoulders have another opinion.)
I had the 100-300 on my G9 and upgraded to the 100-400 for my G9 and regularly get better shots of wildlife than some of my friends who have expensive full frame cameras, so I have no plans to change camp or lenses in the near future 😊
Maybe wait for a new G9 mark II, or perhaps once the reviews of the GH6 are out, it is worth going for? But I do hope they make a range of new cameras below the GH6. A new G9 that is lighter, with less video features, more a camera to take outside, as you do. For myself, I want a GX10 with the same size as my trusty GX9 🙂
Hi Michael, Yes I'd totally go for a GX10 too. It would need a flip around screen to make me really happy though. That's actually what stopped me from getting the GX9. Got the G100 instead. That's what I'm using to film myself in the on-location clips here. But yes ideally, I'd love a G9 Mk II. Great to hear from you again!
Stick with the 100-300. You could also consider the Optimus 100-400 slightly sharper at 400mm. Have you looked at the upcoming Olympus OM-1? Very promising. I will sell you my Panasonic "Leica" 100-400 for a good price, since I use the Olympus 300/f4 with the 1.4 ext almost exclusively. I would even be interested in trading from your 100-300 because I travel a lot, it would be nice to have that might lens. I look forward to the G10, hoping it will have phase detect autofocus and a BSI stacked sensor like the new Olympus.
Oh yes, been watching all the Olympus OM-1 videos this week. But, I'm a Lumix Loyalist, for now at least. Your Oly 300mm lens with 1.4x sounds interesting though! I definitely will be renting a couple of other lenses before making my final decision. In the meantime we all patiently wait for the G9 successor. Thanks for sharing Martin! Cheers.
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So, after thinking about it for a few months, I decided to buy this lens. See my latest camera settings for birding with the 100-400mm here: ruclips.net/video/u_lW3G_w-AQ/видео.html
I have that lens too - absolutely love it for surfing and wildlife, good choice MH!
@@ThinkingPhotography Love it so far for birding too. I'll have to try it for river surfing.
That lens is amazing. I use it more than any of my other lenses. Considering how much you'd have to spend to get the same results on another platform, I think it's best bang for buck to do what it does.
@@TerenceKearns I know!! And not many lenses give you the 800mm equivalent reach.
@@ImageMaven would you say it definitely sharper than the 300mm one? I'm planning to buy 300mm but I may save more for the 400mm
Thanks for all of your awesome comments. It was wonderfully overwhelming. I will respond to more of them as soon as I can. Just ran out of time today. Best wishes to all of you!
You saw some incredible species in a short time! I have the 100-400 and like others its been my main lens for the 2 years I've had it. Its a fantastic lens and I find the g9 to be underrated in general. I primarily shoot birds and wildlife. I got it before they even came out with the 100-300. It took awhile to get used to the weight. Last summer I took a bear trip and held it for several hours 2 days in a row (I just don't like tripods) and my left shoulder was feeling it after those 2 days. I rested my arm for a week after that. But that's been the only time since I've gotten used to it that I noticed the weight. Like you I just shoot for fun, occasionally on weekends. I'm kind of in the same boat and debating whether to purchase the 200mm or see what comes next or jump ship entirely. I have another year before I'm willing to make that expense so am continuing to debate. I am considering renting the 200mm with a teleconverter first some time over this summer. I may find it gives the edge I'm looking for. I'm looking for a little more reach and better low light performance. Not a lot - just a little. Look forward to seeing what you decide. Very much enjoy your videos!
Hi DM, I feel your shoulder pain. Too many skateboarding injuries for me. That's one of the reasons I'm hesitant. And I'm not a fan of hauling tripods or monopods into the woods, but sometimes I think I should! Glad you got used to it. Saves going to the gym ;) Yes, I'm definitely going to try out the 200mm with the teleconverter too, just to see how sharp it is. But it's also a brute of a lens in both weight and price tag! I'm in no hurry either. Thanks for dropping by for a chat. Cheers!
I also own this lens. If you're looking for the edge in low light, try shooting RAW and then process the videos with RAW based noise reduction in the affordable Denoise AI by Topaz Labs. You'll easily get another 1 stop of acceptable high ISO limit. Skip to 2:55 in this video to see: ruclips.net/video/80aasB7Oaw8/видео.html - this has given me the edge I want and propells MFT into full frame territory regarding ISO performance. It'll save you a ton of money too :)
Try a monopod?
WoW Marlene…what a wonderful series. The Pygmy owl looks a bit like you. Wisdom and open eyes for everything to see. Good luck🌞
Gerie, I'll have to tell my birding companions what you said! :) Definitely have to have your eyes wide open to find these little guys. Cheers!
Subscribed 😊
Thank you for all your efforts in putting this together.
Thank you so much for watching and subscribing. Cheers.
Marlene your videos and content are just great. They tell what is needed to know by the likes of me, who want to do better. A professional should know about cameras and gear to earn a living, so is in need of everything that's helps all be it a high cost. Your experience using a lot of the equipment I have helps me tremendously along with the fun to be had getting a pleasing photo from any lens that you use is great.
If you thought the 150/400mm lens is heavy the 200mm f2.8 will test you but the images will be something to behold. Your Owls are lovely just as you discribe.
Hi Michael, Great to hear from you again. Always nice to connect with my regulars. Yes, I have worried a bit about the weight of the 200mm f/2.8. Plus, it's way out of my price range, so not even sure the $70 rental fee will be money well spent. But I guess I'll know what I'm missing! Cheers!
@@ImageMaven If a special occasion arises that deserves the best with something special, then as David Thorpe once said "their's no better way to spend your money" in truth your skills will be plenty no matter the lens.
2 years later (and I read that you bought the 100-400) and this has been very helpful for me to decide how to step up to the MFT world from my tiny-sensor superzoom (Pany SX70 HS). I LOVE(!!!) the high magnification for IDing birds, but must admit I'm tired of poor detail/sharpness. I think the G9 and this lens (instead of the 100-300) would keep me happy for many years. Thx
Yes get the 100-400. There's a new mark 2 of that lens out now too. So you might find a bargain on the original one. You might also consider the OM-1 camera (mark1) for the same reason. And it's better for birding than the original G9 (but only if you're getting really serious about birding). Also Sony has a great bridge camera the RX10IV but it only goes to 600mm (equivalent) and the Lumix is 800mm equiv. Lots to consider.
Wow Marlene that didn't take long at all, you are hooked on birding! I must admit I shook my head seeing you settle for the 100-300mm. So stoked to see you enjoying all of that extra sharpness and reach, happy hunting!
Yes Paul, hooked on birding. Every outing is a treasure hunt. Cheers!
You make me love my g9 more with every video.
Great to hear! Cheers!
You had a 'W(Owl)' of a time with the lens and the beautiful subjects; well done. I hired the 100-300 lens for six months, then returned it being very satisfied. I then hired the 100-400 lens for six months and purchased it after one month. I agree with you that the weight of the 100-400 lens adds stability; I think a lighter lens extended to 400mm would be wobbly. The extra 100 and weight, for me, makes the 100-400 lens the winner; if you can afford it. Again, Marlene, thanks for sharing you journey with the owls.
Mike in Oz
Hi Mike! The good and the bad of a heavy lens indeed! I'll see how this year goes. Would be nice to have this lens for sure! If nothing else I'll get better biceps. Feeling it on my aching "skateboarding" shoulders though. Great to hear from you again! Cheers from Calgary!
Very nice owl pictures. I bought the lens half a year ago. Of course it is not small but it is always in my back when I am out with hiking boots or the bike or even when I go to the office in summer. The only thing I do not like is the stiff zoom ring.
Hi Christof, seems everyone has the same issue with the zoom ring. Thought it might just be the lens I was using. Thanks for dropping your comment. Cheers!
Greetings from chilly UK, just rewatched this video, I have bought the new mark 2 G9 and going birding tomorrow, so doing my revision. Excited about the phase detection and animal tracking. Going with the 400 lens and mono pod to help with the weight issue🤞
How exciting for you!! Enjoy your new gear. The G9ii still hasn’t arrived in Canada. Hope it warms up for you too. Cheers and have fun with that new focus. 👌
Very interesting Marlene.
I have first bought the 50-200 f/2.8-4.0 leica lense with my g9 for wildlife and started to do birding.
I found the 1.4 teleconverter brand new aspect at a good discount price and I love birding with this configuration.
I thought about buying the pana 100-300 but this was much more expensive than the discount teleconverter.
Now I am starting thinking about the leica 100-400, still very expensive, but I could get rid of the teleconverter on my 50-200 to use it more in landscapes or portraits.
Your video is very interesting and I may consider the 100-400 more seriosly, but not this year.
Thanks a lot.
Sounds like a great setup you have there Mathieu. I have never used a teleconverter. I've never owned a lens that worked with one. Something I should definitely try in future! Thanks for sharing your set up and for watching and leaving a comment!
I bought the 100-400 lens second hand and used it occasionally on a small Olympus until I bought the G9 a year ago. When I first used these two together on a daily basis, I found my upper arms a bit sore, only for about a week. Then, I discovered, to my delight, I quickly gained strength. No more sore arms and upper muscle tone improvement was very noticable. Win. Win. Oh... and, I LOVE the reach I get with this lens! Go for it Marlene... you wont be sorry!
Bulging biceps here I come! Thanks for this Sharilynn. Made me smile.
I have the G9 and the 100-300mm II and like this combo very much. However, like you, I have wondered if the 100-400mm might not be a wise purchase. If you have to choose between the GH6 and the longer lens, I urge you to get the GH6. I think it will focus faster and have lower noise at ISO's 6400 and above. This is off the immediate subject, but I really like your down-to-earth approach to photography. Also, it's nice to see there is somebody else who likes birding but doesn't need the biggest, heaviest, most expensive gear to get excellent shots and have a good time.
Hi Rob, It's fun to dream, but I'm not in a hurry to buy the lens or the GH6. Well maybe the lens, just a bit. ;) I'm in this for fun and I really want to see if Panasonic will come out with a photo centric camera this year. That would make me very happy! But I'm still looking forward to the GH6 launch in a couple days. Thank you for watching and commenting. Happy to hear you like my approach. I'm all about the joy. And I get a lot of joy just finding these birds. The photos are a bonus. Cheers!
Thank you! All your videos on the G9 are brilliant and informative, much appreciated. I have just recently switched to the G9 from a 1.5x DSLR, and I am so glad I did. What an excellent camera. I’m a keen birder and always thought I’d keep the DSLR and my huge (!) telephoto lens for that purpose and use the G9 for landscape and travel. But having tried the 12-60mm Leica kit lens out on some Red Squirrels, I am convinced, with help from your birding and review videos, either the 100-300mm or 100-400mm the G9 will suit me for birding and wildlife too! I just need to decide which one to go for!
Hi Suz, Sounds like you're on new creative path with your new camera system. It takes some getting used to. But sounds like you're committed to figuring everything out. Both lenses are great. Depends on your budget and how much weight you want to carry. I've recently purchased the 100-400mm which I announced in my latest video (maybe you've see the video already). I have no regrets getting the 100-400mm but I had to modify a bit of my carrying methods. A smaller person with a heavy camera can be a challenge on long photo walks. Have fun birding. I always say half the fun is finding the birds to photograph. And thank you so much for the "Coffees". Cheers!
thank you marlene fore this revieuw i like it i have the 100-300 mm lens i am verry happy white it and i have de g9 great camera
Hi Rob, Yes I'm happy with that combination as well.
Very nice shots. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Thanks for taking a look! Cheers.
Owls are so Magnificent 🦉
Yes, they really are!
Hi again Marlene I have invested in a carbon fibre monopod great to use with it!
Great to hear.
@@ImageMaven Really helps with the weight Marlene it was a cheap one on Amazon UK, I put a ball head on it to photograph birds higher up
This latest video of yours was a two way treat -- fantastic (and sharp) owl pictures -- and a lens monologue that elicited quite a bit quite a bit lens discussion. I've been shooting M43 since late 2012 starting with the Olympus PL5 and later the E-M1, E-M1 II, the Lumix GX8 (briefly) and, since 2018, the G9. Over the years I've built up a stable of M43 lenses (9 Lumix, 10 Olympus) and have never encountered any cross vendor issues -- one of my favorite shots (a sunset) was taken in April 2013 with the PL5 and the Leica 25 f1.4.. The G9 is far and away the best M43 all arounder that I've experienced. The Leica 100-400 is a ways out in my budget so I'll be following your future testing adventures. Thank you for investing the time to share your M43 experiences.
Hi David, Thank you for watching and sharing your cross vendor experiences. You have a lovely set of gear there. This video definitely stirred up the comment section. That's great to see. I love this passionate G9 community. Keeps me on my toes that's for sure. I'll wait a few months before committing to the 100-400mm lens. In the meantime I'll use my 100-300 and see if I feel the same way about my photos. The joy is in the finding the birds. I need to remember that. Cheers!
Well, you are rocking that lens, super photos and video and very neat bird species. Good for you. When you take it back to Dave, you could mention that it is now a used lens and you could maybe get a few bucks knocked off. I like the G9 with the 100-400 as well and I also have thousands of shots but I find that I have to jack up the iso. I am super hoping that they come out with the Gx10. Something a little more portable for my 15 mm and the leica 12-60. Maybe ask Dave when you are getting a deal on that 100-400. As usual, thanks for posting. Always informative.
Well Dave was with a customer when I went to drop off the lens the other day. But ya, a used rental lens might be had for a good price. I'll keep my eye on that. ;) I did have a look at their used selection of gear, but nothing Panasonic in the showcase. I live in hope. Thanks for stopping by to chat Lloyd!
The Pygmy Owls are so cute, very similar to the Little Owl we have in the UK. I’m glad you got to experience the PL 100-400 lens, I’ve had mine 3 years now and don’t find the weight an issue since changing the standard G9 strap for an Op/Tech Sling which was quite cheap, £25 ‘ish, it’s neoprene so has a little give, or flex, plus is shaped so fits better across shoulder for me, it really does seem to take the weight off. If I’m going to be sitting, or hunkered down for a while I’ll use a monopod too.
I still get frustrated by the stiff lens zoom, it’s horrible!
Hi Sue, Great to hear from you again. I'll definitely check out that camera sling. Thanks for the tip. I see that The Camera Store sells their products too, so I can get it locally. Yes, I do have a monopod, but haven't successfully gotten it into my workflow yet. It seems to always stay in the car. I need to work harder on that! Thanks for the chat! Cheers.
An amazing catch on those different owl species. I've only had my G9 and 100-400mm lens for a month now but after the initial learning curve I'm very glad I made the purchase. I find the lens hunts a bit full-out at the 400mm setting but if you pull it back slightly to 350 it's keeper rate increases dramatically. At 400mm sometimes it needs an autofocus nudge with the joystick to help guide its attention onto the subject (I use the animal/human track feature with center square focus) but even those images are very sharp. Considering its 800mm equivalent focal length, this lens is a remarkable achievement.. For future comment, I wonder what your subscribers would like to see in a G9 Mk2? As is, the G9 will be a tough act to follow. Congrats Lumix!
I've been using the 100-400 for about 3 years and become very familiar with its hunting habits. I've come to program a front button to use the near or far focusing which makes it much quicker at focusing.
@@karlrichards Thanks for the tip. Focusing speed with the 2.4 software upgrade hasn't been an issue but I'll try your suggestion. I use the three custom settings for ascending ISO and motor drive speeds for bird photography, leaving the PASM modes to general photography and the mechanical shutter. I also use the Quick Focus feature but I'm careful to turn the camera off when no action is imminent. Have you tried tweaking the Auto White Balance settings? I think the color green could be a little more vibrant BUT I'm still getting used to the camera.
Thanks very much for your thoughts about this lens, …., now that I am thinking in getting a budget telephoto lens for birding, this video helps a lot….I will get the 100-300 which is more than adequate to my needs ….and pocket😊….Thanks for your thoughts
Good choice! That 100-300mm gave me a lot of experience and good photos when I first started birding.
Firstly, thank you for all your videos Marlene. They have been a huge help to me with getting the best from my G9. As for the 100-400, I too would like to own it. A friend shoots with it on his Olympus E-M1 III. I've used it a few times on the G9 and wow. It is next level compared to my 100-300 II. But too pricey to justify for me, even secondhand. All I would say about the GH6 is maybe hold off. Panasonic have announced that future models will use phase detect AF. And for fast moving tracked subjects that will be a big change. Hopefully a G9 II will be the first to get that new sensor.
Hi Russell, Yes it's a big jump in price from the 100-300 to the 100-400. There is great software available to help with upsizing and also sharpening. That's a much cheaper option and honestly for most people that's all they need for social meida posts. If you get a good original image you can do a lot with it.
I'm definitely holding off on the GH6. I'm also hoping the G9 Mk2 has PDAF. We shall see. Things arrive very slowly in Canada these days so I expect I won't have that in my hands for at least another year. I've also been waiting impatiently for the Leica 9mm f1.7 prime for several months now. I'm almost ready to give up and go off-brand. I guess I need to be thankful for the gear I have! Thanks for stopping by for a chat. Cheers.
I would wait for the gh6 and see what it can offer. Interesting question.
I will! I’m not in a hurry.
I'm new to the m43 world, having just picked up a used g9 and used Leica 100-400mm. I really like both, and just sold my ~ 3kg tamron 150-600mm EF (full frame) lens. For me, the Leica 100-400 is a step up in quality & telephoto range (although I could have shot the 150-600 on an APS canon body, in which case it would have zoomed to 960mm eq). But I didn't want to shoot with that massive lens. I shoot mostly hand-held, on nature hikes. I've toyed with the idea of adding the panny 100-300mm to the collection for the reasons you love it: lighter & more portable for nature hikes. But I doubt I will, as there is just too much overlap in functionality between these two lenses. If I were you, I'd only add a lens or body (a) if there's something that you're trying to achieve but just feel limited with your current gear (do you *need* the extra reach or sharpness; does the g9 sensor not satisfy your needs?); or (b) if you don't want your gear to get too outdated (i.e., trade up while your body still has value in the used market). If / when I trade up, I would trade up to a near mint condition used body, so wait a couple years after the new release. Again, this assumes that the upgrade is incremental and won't make that much difference to your final images. If there's a quantum leap in some feature that you value, say low-light performance, then it's easier to tell yourself it was worth it.
Hi Mark, Very good reasoning here. Especially about the overlap. I will be on the lookout for a good deal on a used 100-400mm as I expect there are some folks who have gone to the Lumix (or other mirrorless) full frame sensors. Ironically I sold all my FF Canon gear to go to M4/3 mirrorless about 8 years ago now. Thanks for stopping by to chat. Cheers!
Your comments about the lenses and the new Gh6 are to the point. It plays a big role whether you are taking photographs or filming. The G9 is great, but I think that if such a film-heavy MFT camera comes out with the Gh6, Panasonic won't have forgotten the photographers either. The lack of chips probably makes everything a bit more unpredictable, but I'm also following what's happening with a lot of interest.
I liked the video very much, especially the owls, which as a European I only know from the zoo. Congratulations!
However, when I see the crowd of photographers, I have to conclude that it's no different for you than it is for us. We have similar crowds at a bee-eater site, I described it in some of my videos....
Keep up the good work and good luck when "road-side-hunting" with the camera, Marlene! Best regards, Rolf
Hi Rolf, I hope you're right about a new photo-centric Lumix camera! I'm in no rush. I hope you get to see some owls in nature some day. They are breathtaking! That Great Grey Owl on the side of the road was huge! Even the more common ones, like the Great Horned Owl, are special to see. Luckily I don't always shoot with that kind of crowd. It's much nicer with one or two friends. And I don't mind going alone either, as long as I feel safe. Thank you for watching. I'll check out your videos next!
@@ImageMaven Thank you for your detailed answer. At the moment I sit almost daily with the tawny owls, which have started breeding. I'm looking forward to seeing the clumsy youngsters clambering around in the trees.
In any case, I am happy when you give your qualified opinion on my videos! Best regards, Rolf
Well, I was in the same boat. I'm a professional real estate photographer, but I'm NOT a professional wildlife or sports photographer. I do that just for fun. I first bought the 100-300 v2 and loved it. That lens helped me to decide that I enjoyed shooting wildlife, especially birds, but I wished that I could get closer to the subjects before they flew away. I finally decided to trade the 100-300 in for a 100-400. I love the new lens an am still amazed at the stabilization and how I can shoot distant objects handheld at 400mm. It is a better lens, although I agree with your dislikes. I wished that I had kept the 100-300 too because there are a few times when it would be more convenient to carry around but decided that would be too much self-pampering for something that I do occasionally for a hobby when the 100-400 can do everything the smaller lens can do and more, and I'm not exactly rolling in the $$$. So yeah, I gifted it to myself. Sometimes we give ourselves permission to do that. Because we are worth it.😊 Even my wife, who is really good at helping me stay realistic and practical 😉, didn't say anything. I read a description of the OM-1. It sounded a lot like the G9. The GH6 interests me, but if I buy a new camera I will probably go full-frame for my business. Maybe something mirrorless and new but affordable like the Nikon Z6. Some companies that are looking for contract real estate photographers require full-frame and, even though I think they don't realize how good the G9 quality is, their perception is my reality, so it would just give me more options. Sorry I wrote so much!
Never be sorry for writing. Always great to hear what people have tried and what works best. I'm sorry it took so long for me to respond! I had the most comments ever on a new video and I'm still going through them. I like to connect with everyone who takes time to write me, especially my long time loyal Lumix camera people, as I know it's an effort for people to write to me. Those loyalists such as yourself, have kept me going through hard times when I just wanted to give up on RUclips.
I hear what you say about perception vs. actual quality of images. FF is overkill for most people, especially if you're only ever posting online. I worked in corporate industrial photography for several years, and the engineers on the projects often had better gear than me and they always wanted to chat about it too! So I know that a big boss camera system allows us to charge more and makes clients feel they're getting the best. And that in itself may be worth it.
Nice job Marlene.
Thank you for watching Brian!
I had the 100-300 II and traded it and a couple of Pentax lenses with KEH for an excellent condition 100-400 at a price I could afford. Love the lens and with the newest software from Lumix it performs very well. I do have a monopod with a head that helps with the weight if you are using it for an extended period of time. Great day for Owls that you had.
Hi Larry, Very nice trade/purchase you made there. Yes, I have a monopod, and should have used it. I will try it more often in future. I know it would have made a difference, if nothing else to my sore shoulder and neck. Yes, great day for owls! My best ever. Cheers!
Hi Marlene, cheers for the footage.
I recently bought the 100-400 mil and wonder whether to buy the 1.4 Leica converter or purchase a Sigma converter. However, glad to hear that the 1.4 works that well.
I am a bit struggling though with my camera set up, regarding wildlife/Bird photography. Could you share some thoughts on the best AF set up for this kind of photography? iAF or AF, field settings or zone? Love to hear what your ideal set up is for fast moving subjects.
Thank you for your time!
Hi Karin, I don't know if the 1.4 Leica converter actually works with this lens. I believe it's for the 200mm fixed. You might want to check that out before purchase. I have a couple videos on setting up focus for birding. But reality is, the new G9ii has much better focus for birding. Haven't tested it myself yet, but hope to in the near future. I will look up those videos later today and post in the comments for you. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, actually this guidebook (top of the page) is what I used to work on my AF skills with the Lumix G9. Should answer all your questions better than I can. Cheers! www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/technologies/af.html
Thanks very much for your fast replies! This will help and it is much appreciated 👍🏽
@@ImageMaven hi, sorry for responding this late.
Yes, the Leica converter is definitely OK for the 100-400mm lens. As a matter of fact it is the only Leica lens that can be used with it (for now?).
Thanks for thinking along anyway!!
Ps do you advise a monopod or tripod for bird photography? 😬
Have a wonderful evening!!
How did I miss seeing this video when posted?? Very envious of your success with bird photography,,mostly because I've been laid up with back problems. Your getting to use that 100-400 Pana-Leica was a treat I'm sure. I did however get to share a similar experience this month . While I'm grounded for awhile I was able to try out a similar kit with the new OM-1 and the Olympus 100-400 with the 1.4X teleconverter on a set up trained on a backyard bird feeder. The comparison is interesting..the Olympus is not one of their PRO lenses,, but works with the teleconverters made for those lenses,,and the results were very good. The Panasonic would have all the weather resistant properties of that series,,, as well as that "pop" the Leica line is known for. So now you have me curious.. seeing as how you are so completely familiar with the G9,,, what would be your wish list for a G9 replacement?? Also, did you consider a monopod?? I have found a monopod not only useful for stability,, but also as a support as I walk through outdoor environments with my mobility issues..Thanks for all the great content
Hi Clint, Great to hear from you again. Well to finish off this story, I did indeed purchase the 100-400mm lens a few months back. I really love it and am used to the weight. If you haven't seen that video yet, here it is: ruclips.net/video/u_lW3G_w-AQ/видео.html
As far as a G9 replacement.... I hope one comes soon. My G9 is nearly 5 years old. Of course I could pick up a new one for a song, but I'd love to see what's next. I have seriously considered the GH6, but I'm not a videographer beyond my own RUclips channel. The GH6 is geared too much for video. But the processing engine interests me. I hope that a G9 replacement will have that, as well as faster, better focus. I have a monopod, but I find I don't use it much. I find that it's too slow to set up for the type of birding I do. If I'm shooting birds in a nest, or a snowy owl that's on a fence post, of course it's perfect. But for smaller birds that come in and out of frame in 10 seconds or less, it's not the tool for me. But I still throw it in the car every time I head out for a country drive - just in case. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Oly setup. I definitely would love to test out the OM1 (or other high end OM camera) for birding. But as you probably figured out, I'm pretty loyal to Lumix cameras and I see no huge reason to switch brands at this late stage, especially as photography is no longer my main source of income. Have a great day Clint!
I really enjoyed watching your video, and I like your presentation style (and battery drain note). I have a G9 + 100-300mm ii. My next upgrade will be Topaz Photo AI. If you still have your G9, a video comparing the G9 mark 1 + 100-400mm with the G9 ii + 100-300mm. ie which to upgrade: camera or lens :)
I likely won’t do a video on that topic but if you can afford it, get the G9ii. You might even find a good used one these days. And the 100-400 might be kicking around too as it was recently upgraded to a Mark 2 version so the original could be had for less. Still is a sizeable investment though. But the G9ii is a great camera. I’ve also had great success with the OM-1 with the 100-400mm lens. And you could probably pick up a new OM-1 (original version) for less now too.
Wow, amazing pics as always Marlene! I use the G9 and the 100-400 for birding and I really like the combination of sharpness, reach and relatively low weight. I am really excited to see what the GH6 will have to offer. A new sensor with some more megapixels would be good, especially for cropping pics.
Hi Anders, Glad to hear you like the G9 and 100-400 combo. I still feel it's a bit too heavy for me, but hopefully I will get used to it. I heard the GH6 has a new 25MP sensor. So a bit bigger file size. Thanks for stopping by!
Great shots! I really like the Pygmy Owl. If you’re anything like me you will end up buying the lens. Once I try something and like it then it’s just a matter of time because when I am using a less capable thing (whatever that is) then I will be thinking about how much better I could have done if I still had it. For a while I rented gear before buying but then I noticed that I was buying it all anyway so the rental cost was just adding to my overall cost. Not saying people shouldn’t try before they buy but in my case I’m not sure it’s the way to go. I have this lens and I love it. I also do some full frame birding so I consider the 100-400mm a super light lens. It’s all about perspective. If an M43 system can compete in autofocus with my Canon R6 then I will sell the R6 in a heartbeat. Great camera but I love the G9’s size and ergonomics.
Ha ha. Yes that sometimes happens to me too, Rod. Agree that compared to FF systems, this is a lightweight lens. I hope that the G9 successor, whenever it arrives, lives up to our expectations. Maybe you'll get to leave your FF gear at home. Cheers, and thanks for stopping by.
Do whatever makes your heart glad 😁. I’m teetering on the edge of switching across from Lumix to the OM1. Good luck whatever you choose
My heart is full seeing all of these bird species in the wild. Photographing them is icing on the cake. The OM1 looks interesting. Good thing is that you can use all of your Lumix lenses with it. I guess now you have to do what makes your heart glad too! :)
@@ImageMaven I have to say I’m more than a little envious of your sightings and photos as well as the fact that you live in Canada, top of my list to visit. I hope when I finally do, some of your luck rubs off.
Thanks for the video Marlene. Glad to hear it is sharper than the 100-300. I have the 100-400 and the weight and size is sometimes annoying, but glad I have it when it lets me zoom in closer.
Yes, sharper and closer are both bonuses! Thanks for watching Mike!
Wow, what a birding weekend and you did them justice with some top photos. I have the 100-400 but I need to get out more with it, I tend to use it for motorsport, the reach is amazing and long handheld the combine IBIS & OIS is amazing too, I often use one of the legs from a tripod which doubles up as a monopod to balance as I wait for the action (motorcycle racing), and like you I feel a little out of place with the M43 but I stand proud none the less! Yeah GH6 looks and sound a fantastic hybrid, like you Marlene I’m very interested in the possibility of a G10, after all the G9 is a pretty nifty video camera anyway and will make a great second camera too. Don’t want to trade her in, I love my G9, she’s served me so well and there’s plenty of life in her yet. Hey hope your doing okay Marlene, take care. 💐
Hi Andrew! I was so fortunate to find so many great species during the few days I had that lens. Yes, we G9-ers might feel a bit out of place among the long lens shooters, but we have a real "reach advantage" for the cost of our gear when it comes to ultra telephoto lenses. I'm flip flopping about the GH6. I'd much prefer to wait for whatever comes after the G9 as well. Let's hope we are both rewarded on that front. In the meantime, I'm not giving up on my G9 either. Great to chat with you. Cheers!
nice video clip and good images bird
Thanks for the visit!
I returned to M 4/3(sadly JUST before the G9 II was announced, I probably would have waited for it), and I picked up a used 100-400. I'm also just an enthusiast but having sold off some FF Canon gear, I had the money and a skewed perception of 'heavy' and 'expensive' lol
I don't regret selling my Canon FF gear. Give me light and nimble any day. Saves me on physiotherapy too. Enjoy your G9 and long lens.
you are speaking for me, exactly it is very expensive here in Australia, but i am going to new Zealand in march 24 and would like this lens, i guess i have 15 months to make a decision, and save up, i might look into renting one though
Yes rent or borrow from someone you know. And hopefully get a rebate on your rental cost if you decide to purchase. I did eventually buy this lens. I love it but I still feel the weight of it when out birding for a long time. Might get myself a small monopod just to help with supporting it, as my shoulders do get strained some days, especially in the cold winter months. The 100-300mm is a good second choice. Much more affordable and much lighter. Cheers!
When I first got the lens I also found it heavy compared to my other lenses. But now I barely notice it. Just a matter of getting used to it I suppose.
Totally agree with your camera: you should get it :)) The main problem with the 100-400 is that you need a second camera because you don't want to miss a wildlife opportunity.
If ever there is a G9 successor it will be another year before we get it. And if there's none the OM-1 is a good candidate.
I also thought it was really heavy at first also but like you, I barely notice it now. My Sony 200-600 on the other hand will never feel light no matter how much I use it... 😂😂
I seldom now change the lens on my G9 from the 100-400. I got myself a little GX9 and picked up a secondhand Olympus F2.8 12-40. I love the lens and don't find the loss of the 2nd stabilisation a problem and the similarities mean I can switch quite easily and get them both (just) into a my backpack.
@@DaveandGinny972 Same for me :) I have a GX9 for other purpose when the 100-400 is on the G9. I have them on straps.
This is a waiting combo. I don't have as much pleasure shooting with the GX9 as I have with the G9. I will get the OM-1 or GH6 instead. Or the G9 mk ii, I will not hurry.
@@DaveandGinny972 I too have the G9 and the GX9.
The G9 with the 100-400mm ( birding and sports) or the 14-140mm (mostly for sunsets) and the GX9 with the wide angle 7-14mm (mostly for sunsets).
Great video and images. You pointed out the issue that most concerned me about the 100-400, which is the stiffness of the zoom ring. That’s why I purchased the 100-300. I just rent the 100-400 when I need the extra range.
Hi Jerome. Yes, I spoke to a couple of others who use this lens and they both said the lens had a very stiff zoom ring. I thought it was because I was shooting in sub freezing temps most of the time. Not the smoothest for zooming into your subject on video. Thanks for watching! Cheers.
@@ImageMaven A stiff zoom action was a common complaint witht this lens but not all. Mine was unusable for video when it arrived and I took advice from a moderator on the Lumix forum who told me to send it back which I did. The replacement was silky smooth! As for it's weight - next time you find yourself amongst a gaggle of birders ask who's got a DSLR with a 600mm Canon lens and ask to hold it for a few seconds!
Hi Steve, Good to hear you sent it in for service and it came back smooth! Yes, I go birding with a young gal who has a huge Canon dSLR lens. I'll stick with my small compact Lumix stuff, especially now that I'm pushing 60. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Cheers.
Thanks Marlene for all the videos. I have this lens on my G9. Use it for Canoe Slalom Sport photography, and it does a great job.
That's great to hear John. I didn't have this lens long enough to test many subjects. I guess I'll have to rent it again! Canoe Slalom sounds like fun. Is it done in a river or a lake?
@@ImageMaven on rivers, Marlene. The paddler negotiates the slalom gates, 25 gates, as they paddle down a 300 metre course of rapids, the World's best do it in about 88 seconds! Google Peter Kauzer, he is one of the best!
That sounds crazy and fun to watch!
Thanks Marlene well I love my 100-400 and use it in the bush in Africa and for birding too here in and around Cape Town - I find the attrition rate can be high as the focus often struggles, pre-burst on the G9 is fantastic for small birds. All in all, I'd say, especially if you are not really interested in video - neither am I - that a new sensor G10 ?? hopefully, would be the way to go. One gets used to the weight of the 100-400 and the ring will ease up in time. It's worth the price and if you do buy check that you don't get one with a very tight ring - I am told they vary. cheers paul
Hi Paul, Great to hear from you. I'm sure you get a lot of interesting and exotic birds and wildlife too, in your part of the world. Yes, I've used the pre-burst for small birds. Even made a video about. But doing that sure fills up the memory cards fast! Yes, hoping, hoping for a G10-something with a new sensor. If it happens, I will likely jump on it. Cheers, and thank you so much for commenting.
Beautiful love it
Thank you! Cheers!
I love the combination g9 and pl 100-400mm . I sold X-H1 and premium fujinon lens . I switched to mft Panasonic from FF Canon and crop Fuji . Thank you.
Interesting gear pathway Dmitry. At one point, I was looking at Fuji mirrorless, but I needed better video capture for my RUclips videos. I went from Canon FF to Lumix about 9 years ago. The 100-400 was sure nice to use for a few days though. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
Oh, and kudos to you for your great pictures. And I agree with everything you said about the 100-400. I've used it for several years. Of course don't forget to loosen the Lock solar, but even then the zoom action is pretty stiff.
Yes I found myself checking that locking collar a lot over the weekend. Couldn't believe the zoom was so stiff.
Hi Marlene I love mine and really find it yes heavy but quality. The focus is very fast and the lens seems contrasty compared to the 100-300.
I am getting used to mine and have enjoyed it👍you should still get one!
HI Mark. Just sitting on the fence for a bit. But yes I enjoyed the quality of the images very much!
Its my most used lens. What i like is the flexebility. Try it out for Butterflys or other insects. You con go very close. Wayting for the GH6 is a very good option. The first tests of the OM1 are very good. I think the GH6 goes in the same direction.
Hi Ben, Yes, I will definitely need to rent it again and try other subjects. I should do that with my 100-300 as well! Waiting to see what happens with the GH6 and other new things this year... Kind of exciting.
@@ImageMaven The 100-300 ist very light, thats true. But the closest distance is to big and the longest range is to short. And it is not very sharp.
I had to buy both.
Got the 100-300ii first which I use the majority of the time. It is plenty good enough.
But bit on the 100-400 when a good used deal came up.
When I go out specifically to photo birds it is definitely worth carrying the extra weight.
Oh that sounds perfect. I really hope I can find a good used 100-400mm locally. Thanks for chiming in!
@@ImageMaven Now I've used the 100-400 with a heavier camera than my Gx9 I can see that it makes which lens to take a more difficult decision.
With the gx9 it was at the end of my easy to carry range 😀.
With the wrist strap I could walk around with it swinging from my fingers. With the G9 it keeps going back in my backpack to give me a break.
No question the extra 100mm is worth it but the setup is substantially heavier.
I think also my 100-300mm is very sharp, so the other lens doesn't blow it away.
I'm very happy with the 300. It definitely will see more action on the G9.
It's great to have the 100-400 but many times you will come back with photos the 300 would have got for you.
I purchased the 100-300 from viewing your videos back in Dec 2021. Great shots from that lens. However, I purchased a used 100-400 for $800 the day you announced you were trying the 100-400. It certainly easier on the wallet buying used and it was like new condition. I am very pleased with the new lens however the weight is not much of a factor for me as it is you. Also regarding the GH 6, looking at the leaked spec sheet, with the new sensor, it has native 100 iso with 50 iso extended. It will also take 100 megapixel shot. Not sure it is hand held or not.
Wow, Brian. If I can find this lens used for that price, I'll definitely jump on it! I'm sure there are people switching to FF mirrorless who might want to sell. I'm interested to see what else the GH6 brings to M4/3. It's time for something new. Thanks for stopping to chat! Sorry for the delay in replying. Been a boatload of comments on this video.
Great video and wonderful birds you captured. Buy the lens used. I buy all my lenses used so I can easily sell them for close to what I paid for them. If you are patient you will find a good deal. Best of luck whatever you decide.
Great idea Karen. I have been looking around a bit for this used, but nothing locally right now. Thanks for chiming in!
@@ImageMaven I have bought a lot of lenses from the Fred Miranda site. It a bit of time and work to build the credentials to buy and sell on the site but it is well worth it. DM me if you want more info.
Thanks Karen. I'll definitely check it out. :)
Hi Marlene, so pleased to see you out with the 100-400 and what fantastic captures of the owls. They look so sharp and I'm wondering whether you cropped at all and by how much? I've had the 100-400 for a few years now and the focus ring does ease up a little with use. Heavy? haha...I'm 70 this year and trek with mine for miles along our coastline here...still hunting down Short Eared Owls. Moving from a Canon with a big lens the G9/100-400 felt lightweight! I'm so happy now with my set up that I almost don't want the G6 to be any good! I await to see what you think of it with interest. Thanks for another great video, Dave.
Hi Dave, Yes, some photos are cropped, depending on how close I was able to get. I try not to disturb the birds especially when they are hunting. But the video clips are not cropped, so you'll get a better idea of how much cropping I had to do. 4K video does pull them in a bit though. I should make a little post or short video about that. I hope to see some Short Eared Owls yet! I have seen and photographed them hunting from afar, but nothing close up.
I moved from Canon FF several years ago, and Lumix M4/3 was so small, light and cheap at the time, I was in heaven. If I do get the 100-400, I'll hopefully build up some new biceps as a result. I'm 60 on my next birthday! Gah, how did that happen?
Hi Marlene, I did a bit of wheeler dealing and upgraded to the 100 x 400 it’s a bit heavier than the 100 x 300 but when you consider the Leica optics and range ( 800mm ) full frame it’s a no brainer, enjoy it and great shots.
Hi Mike, Yes, the optics give a clear message to me too. Still pondering.... Thanks for adding your thoughts to the conversation.
I think you should consider the new OM-1 for birding.
I would but I don't want to change systems at this point.
@@ImageMaven They are the same system - mFT, so you can use any glasses from your G9 for OM-1. I sold almost all of my mFT system gears, Olympus E-M1 Mark III and Mark II bodies, and lenses covers from 7mm to up to 400mm, including the Leica/Panasonic 100-400 zoom after I moved to FF: Lumix S1R body and a fixed lens compact Leica Q-P. The OM-1 is so good, I was thinking that I might sell my Leica Q-P, come back to OM-1 with a few lenses for travel light.
Need some advice with a focusing issue with Leica 100-409 on LUMIX G9. Many times when a bird is in the foreground, the focus locks on the background instead. Using animal detect in AFS. It works fine for a bird on a branch far off, but if a robin is on the grass some feet off, focus is going to a tree or flower in the background. I tried AF near, but same thing. I don’t think the bird is too close for minimum focus distance. Any advice? Forums haven’t helped except to say it happens to them, too.
Hi April. Sorry you're find this frustrating. I feel your pain. All cameras experience this from time to time. Likely the lighting and contrast in the scene has something to do with it too. Experiment with your target focus area. Try making it smaller or larger. And just double check that if the bird is fairly close, that you're on "Full" on the lens focus range switch. Don't give up!
@@ImageMaven Thanks. I love the 800 mm reach in such a small package.
Very nice shots of the owls! That must have been a great experience. Looks like you have some fun choices ahead. If you can't wait for a G10 the new Olympus OM-1 seems very good. The stacked sensor provides only 20mp but looks very good. But the Panasonic lenses may not always work the best with Olympus cameras. Exciting times for camera technology. Recently retired, I may not ever be able to afford a flagship camera again but it is fun seeing what technology comes up with.
Hi Steven, Yes, finding all those owls was amazing. I never thought in my wildest dreams that would happen over 2 days actually. And such a bonus that I rented that lens for the occasion. And great weather. This weekend plunging back down to -15 C and colder. So I feel very fortunate!
Yes, I've seen the reviews on the new OM-1, but I'm not ready to jump off the Lumix ship anytime soon. But I expect others will, unless Panasonic can come up with a very good G9 successor this year. Always great to hear from you. Sorry for the delay in responding. I was overwhelmed with comments on this video, and I like to get back to everyone who writes me. Cheers!
@@ImageMaven I agree, you need good reasons to jump ship from a camera company you have invested in. Really looking forward to see what you end up with.
Hi Marlene, I am wiggling too, several times on the brink of buying, but hesitating for the same reason. Also thinking of buying the S5, but then again more weight and more expansive lenses.
As a Photographer I should never buy the GH6 because it is a videocamera with still photo advantages. I would go for the next generation G9, because nowadays the G9 is in still photography
very competitive to all newer other brands...But still my opinion. I love your explanations on RUclips, because they give answers from experience and not the theory of it.
Greetz from Guus from The Netherlands...
Groetjes Guus, I appreciate what you say about the G9 still being very competitive. And there's nothing wrong with my camera. It works for me, and there still seems to be regular firmware updates. But after using it for over 4 years, maybe time for something new. Maybe that's this lens. I was a full frame Canon shooter for many years and don't regret getting rid of all that gear, the cost and the weight of it all, so I won't be looking at the S5 or other FF Lumix. Thank you for your thoughts. Very nice to chat with you. Cheers!
Congrats, Marlene. 100-300mm is not bad but with Leica you gain extra 200mm (full frame). And still you may add inbuilt teleconverter. But I agree, it is heavy, in the wallet too!! If you are still uncertain, just wait a while with your purchase. Thanks for your great photos 👍
Hi Jerzy, Yes, that extra reach is so nice!. I'm going to wait a bit before purchasing. I can always rent it if there's something I just don't want to miss, especially with the bird migration. Thank you for watching!
I love my 100-400 Marlene…. I use it for all wildlife including butterflies & insects where I can’t get at the with a macro. Over distant I clip my rig by the lens to a belt to spread the weight. Awesome images by the way…. Showing you can compete with the big guys….🙋🏼♂️
Yes, I need to start shooting smaller species. I've done that with shorter focal length lenses, but not this one. Hopefully my flower garden will bring some nice butterflies and insects. Thank you for your kind words. Cheers!
I also recently got this lens - way better than the 100-300. To me the glass is more important than the camera. I've seen fantastic photos from older m4/3 cameras and this lens. It is a bit chilly to hold - I got a Lenscoat for it off Ebay and that protects it and me! I often put the tripod foot on and use a monopod. It's a breeze to carry that way. Good thoughts - it will be interesting to see where you settle on this one. I chuckle at those folks with their gigantic 600-800mm lenses and huge tripods. I've been there and done that and don't see that much difference between my photos and theirs - plus, it's far more fun using this camera and lens than any big DSLR and big lens I ever had. Happy shooting and thanks for sharing!
Hi Bob, Thanks for the tip about the Lenscoat. That's a new one for me. I have a monopod but for some unknown reason, I'm not that inclined to take it with me when birding. Perhaps I need a smaller one! Good to know that you think M4/3 is more fun than carting around huge lenses. Because I think so too. Thanks for stopping by to share and chat with me. Cheers.
I still love my 100-400 lens. Now your wish came true and there is the new G9 II. I thinks this will be worth testing 😉
Me too. And now there’s a new 100-400mm as well as the G9ii. Hopefully I get a chance to use them both soon. Cheers!
Looking forward to a G9 ll review!
HI Marlene! I can only speak for myself... but I am so happy with my G9's (plural) and the 100-300. As a stills photographer, the GH6 was a non-event for me. What I look forward to is more computational photography features.
Hi Jack, I’m still very happy with my G9 and 100-300 as well. It will be interesting to see what Panasonic does next. Hopefully something photo centric with the lovely sensor of the GH6. Cheers.
Marlene, still honing in on sharp focus on my new lens. Had to get a replacement from Panasonic and seems all good. The focus presets in the camera I'm trying. Which is the "wildlife set", is it setting 3 or 4? Do you find these presets work well, or do you tweek the setting further for birds and especially for in flight? thanks,
Wow, that's a bother, getting a replacement lens! Are you using the Mark ii version so the 100-400 or the original. I'd love to get my zoom ring loosened up a bit. It's especially bad when shooting outdoors in the cold.
I used to stress out about this focus stuff a lot more than I do now. Maybe it's the fact that I'm using the G9II. But if you want a deep dive, check out the settings recommended in the LUMIX AF Guide. I did make a video about it a couple years back. Here's the link to the guide - which I will also drop into the video description: www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/technologies/af.html
Great Video. Thank you.
Switching from Canon to Pana Lumix S5 II and 2 bodies, would you recommend 2x S5 II and also with Sigma 60-600mm for Tele or 1x S5II and 1x GH6 with 100-400mm as Tele and for video and photo?
That sounds like a great kit for birding. I haven't used either of those bodies or that Sigma lens you're interested in, so I'm probably not the best person to answer your question. I'm currently on the G9 with the 100-400mm but hoping there is an upgrade to the G9 coming in 2023. We shall see!
@@ImageMaven Thank you Marlene and crossed fingers for a G9 II (hopefully also with phase detect af). 👍
Hi Marlene - you are stuck with the Panasonic side of mFT - so am I.
However, watching the Reviews of the new OMD1 makes me think of changing the vendor (or mixing). I had same idea waiting for a better sensor, faster AF, more ISO, ...
a G10 would be great, but is not there on the horizon. GH6, don't know...
Did you ever think of adding some Old gear to the mFT park?
Hi Markus, Yes I'm in M4/3 for the long haul too. I'm a Lumix loyalist, so probably won't jump to the OM1. If you mean older manual lenses from other brands and such, I haven't really had the need or the curiosity to incorporate that kind of old gear. But I'm open to suggestions. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!
Never had a problem with battery but bought a backup ,only used it once. Love the 100-400, it’s light compared to my canon mirror 100 -400 with extender
Hi Roger, Yes, you're right about that weight difference! A good friend is a Canon shooter and I'm shocked at how much weight she carries.
Well done!
As a brand new alternative to a GH6 there is the OM Systems OM-1, it seems to be a very fine camera.
Hi Ed, Yes that's the buzz this week for sure. Not ready to jump off the Lumix ship just yet. Thanks for watching!
great video i just ordered this lens for my GH5M2 :)
Awesome! Enjoy!
Even as you always say, “
I’m more on photos than videos” your birding videos are excelent!! ( your photos too...😉
About your decision what too buy, hum..., hold and wait until all the “cards” are shown. Have you try the Olympus M1 iii ? I do have g9 and Oly, and for photos Olympus are my favorite one.
Hi Andres, Glad you like my videos (and photos). I do enjoy making them. Yes, I'm going to hold em for a bit here. I likely won't go Oly at this time. But can't wait to see what Lumix has for us this year. Thanks for dropping your comments. Cheers.
i'm currently trying to decide between this lens and the 50-200 (to eventually pair with a 2x TC)...thanks for making the decision harder, nice video & excellent shots.
still leaning towards the versatility and slightly smaller size of the 50-200 leica at the moment, but the 100-400 range certainly would have been useful lately. i've been seeing lots of red-tailed hawks around southern maine lately that my 45-200 has struggled to capture (the GX8 AF hasn't helped), though a few weeks back i did have an amazing encounter where I had to zoom out on a hawk that landed on a bridge railing about 10ft away from me. hoping i find some owls soon too!
How exciting to get a close up shot. Sadly I'm unable to find a 50-200mm to rent locally. But I do plan to rent the 200mm with the teleconverter. But I heard that it's even heavier than the 100-400, and also twice the price! Yikes.
I had the GX8 for a few years and got the G9 after. I did like it for skateboarding photos. Nice compact camera, especially when paired with my 7-14mm zoom. Thank you for watching! Sorry it took so long to respond. I have been overwhelmed with comments on this video. I guess that's a good problem to have. Cheers.
I'm not a professional either and so I would never have bought the 100-400, but it was gifted to me. That's why I have both lenses and since I have the 100-400, I basically never touched the 100-300 again. Just testing both side by side, I saw, that the stabilization with the G9 on the 100-400 is faaaaar superior. Long winded way in saying, I agree with you. ;)
I need a gift like that Paul! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the stabilization. Good to know!
Lucky you paul
Marlene, I just got the mkii verson of this lens and really like it so far on my g9. Have you ever noticed a faint gear turning sound when zooming in or out? Nothing seems effected or not working , and the more I zoom it seems to subside. Thanks,
Not that I’ve noticed. But the original version which I have, is so stiff that all I hear is my grunting and complaining as I’m trying to zoom into my subject. I usually just pull the end of the lens out as only the zoom ring itself is stiff. The barrel isn’t.
Just saw your channel,good shorts browing more in your channel, excellent clarity your pic, dnt say that you are not professional anymore
Thanks for stopping by and taking a look around Mickey. 🤟
Like I said before, this 100-400 is my most used lens. If I drove and could transport a full frame lens around I would but this is a nice compromise. Fits nicely in a backpack and I don't need to carry anything else, win win. I'm trying to get my hands on the 50-200 Leica as I'm getting more into landscapes from a distance.
Hi Karl, Full frame is out of my scope for several reasons as well. The 50-200mm Leica is a very versatile range, and faster, which is always nice. I wonder how they compare with sharpness? Thanks for your comments.
@@ImageMaven I have the PL 50-200 f/2.8-4 and it is an excellent lens on the G9. I purchased the TC 1.4 used to try it with birds and though you drop to f/5.6 @ 280mm it produces very good photos of stationary birds. Birds in flight keepers drop to about 50%, of course I am not an expert in this arena. The lens/TC combo only weighs about 27-28 oz. so it is very light and I get a very versatile 50-200mm lens plus a birding kit. For some reason the TC-1.4 is only available new when you purchase the 200mm f/2.8 in the US. The 50-200 is as smooth as silk. My standard BIF kit is a Nikon D500 & 500 PF but though very light for this kind of rig it is still weighs 81 oz combined but is very effective. I liked your 100-300 photos. From the comparisons I have seen the the quality of the 200mm vs the 50-200 is not that much better at maximum focal length with or without the TC. I would love to own the 200mm but it is heavier than my kit and it is very expensive. I try to keep my G9 kit as light as possible as as I use it for travel. The 100-400 has tempted me but then there is that weight thing for travel again. I really enjoy your channel and have appreciated your many educational G9 videos. Thank you for your efforts.
Hi Gary, There are a few folks talking about the 50-200 as well as the 200 f2.8 here on this comment stream. In time I'd like to try both those lenses. I think I can rent both locally so that's a bonus for me. Thanks for chiming in! I appreciate everyone's input. It makes for an interesting and lively conversation indeed!
@@ImageMaven I've used the 200mm 2.8 and it's a beautiful lens, however I found it to be more of a fashion statement. Great image quality and good light transmission, you should definitely have a play. The only problem I found which I didn't like was that it was very heavy and makes the 100-400 seem lightweight.
@@karlrichards Well I definitely don't want to go any heavier!
The GH6 is incredible!! I'm like you, I just like to shoot.. I just bought the 100-400 today, will come in 2 days from Amazon. My 100-300 crapped out on me, so I upgraded it. I currently use the Leica 10-25 and 12-60 on it. Those lenses will spend more time on the G9, but I find the GH6 way easier to handle, with as odd as that sounds. My photos are definitely a lot better. Even with the Olympus 40-150.. you know, the $200 lens?? Works excellent on the GH6 and I was getting better quality than my 100-300.
Wow wow wow Mike. You’ve got me all jazzed up about the GH6. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for sharing your amazing shots of the owls. Given a free choice I
always take my Leica 50-200 lens instead of the heavier Leica 100-400. I
carry the tiny, 1.6x Teleconverter in my pocket in case I need it. BTW: I
recommend you wear your camera strap on the diagonal, around your neck
but only over one shoulder. The weight just vanishes compared with the
usual "pain in the neck" symmetrical arrangement. I guarantee you'll
soon forget you are carrying a G9 camera and long, heavy lens. Make the
strap a bit longer and you can wear it like a gunslinger! ;-)
Hi Tricyklist, A few folks have mentioned teleconverters to me for various lenses. I need to investigate this more. I also have the 35-100 f2.8 and I wonder if I can get a tc for it? What brand is yours? I know that not all lenses can use them. Yes, I use my camera strap diagonally when walking. And I have a good recommendation for the Op/Tech neoprene strap that's supposed to be much more comfortable. Going to check one of those out this coming week at The Camera Store. Thank you for sharing all of your great tips. This community is so kind to me! Glad you like the owls. Cheers!
@@ImageMaven You need a deeply recessed rear lens to allow the TCs to fit. The Leica 50-200 is fine with the TCs. 1.6x and 2x. The 12-60 and 100-400 Leicas are not.
Thanks for the info!
Hi again @tricyklist Just an update, I got this lens recently, plus I now carry my camera across my chest! Thanks for the suggestion. I barely feel the weight. If you want to see how I use it for birding, you can watch it here: ruclips.net/video/u_lW3G_w-AQ/видео.html
Those are some amazing photos and video of Owls. Great backgrounds and compositions. I suspect the GH6 brings a innovative video type ISO/ND element to the exposure of video and photo. Thus, I suspect it will be along while before a new Lumix PhotoFlagshipHybird is realized. However, the latest 2 long lenses (ELMARIT) were released around the time of the G9. And the good old ELMAR 100-400 is a few years older. Thus, I'll wait for a camera more like the G9, or a new super-tele Lumix is likely to build for this new GH6 type ISO technology, which should be compatible with camera's older than the GH6.
Nevertheless, Keep up the great videos of the wildlife there in Canada. By the way, this lens can do high quality 4K video using Program Exposure, and allow the camera to make changes to the complexity of shutter speeds needed with various apertures. And, if you use a tripod, the ranges beyond 250mm will be very stable with Dual IS while touching the camera and panning.
Yes, I actually had my video set up to shoot 4K in Program Mode when using this lens. And (don't tell anyone) I used the simple red button once in awhile too. Thanks for adding that info though. I don't know very much about video beyond the basics. Kind of still experimenting in that area. And thanks for the tip about tripod use. I love all the contributions you and others make to the conversation. Cheer!
Quite happy with the 100-400, especially with the extra reach to 871mm equivalent. I don't use the zoom ring. It's a lot easier to find the bird at 100 and simply pull the lens out which spins the zoom ring.
Hi David, Yes, I pull the lens out too. But I have to say when it's really cold, even that is harder to do. I usually keep it around 200mm when scoping just so I don't have to pull too much. Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Great video, I know that the 100-400 is a little heavier than you are used too but it's still a good "carry all day" lens. I am happy with my G9 but I will check out the GH6 and the OM-1. I would like to see a G9 replacement with a new sensor but there don't seem to be an rumours of it at the moment. Keep up the good work and look forward to spring migration
Hi John, I definitely noticed the weight difference on my neck and shoulders. I sometimes think the 100-300mm is too heavy also. I took it on a few day-long hikes last fall and wished I'd left it behind. But that's probably because I didn't use it. But yes, I do like that 100-400. I will see how things go this year with new gear on the market. I'd not likely get the new OM-1 as I'm a Lumix Loyalist right now. Might rent the 100-400mm again or the 200mm f2.8 for the spring migration. I know a few spots where there are 100% chance of seeing lots of nice birds during migration. Cheers!
@@ImageMaven just a suggestion, I fine that standard straps are always a pain in the neck! Personally I use a blackrapid strap where the weight is on a shoulder not the back of your neck. Hope this helps
In my situation I am sticking with my 100-300 since I do not bird nearly as much as you do. If I were going to replace the 100-300 I would probably buy the 50-200 with 2x TC because of portability. But we all have different use cases. BTW I have GX9 and G80(85) and just before Easter a camera store in Sweden (not near to where I live) was selling a G9 at almost 40% off so I took the plunge. My original plan was G9 in 2023 since I figure a G10 or G9ii would be out then and the G9 would fall in price.
So I have started to binge watch your channel content about the G9 per se and other YT channel content focussing on the G9. So far I find stabilization better and usually pair it with my P Leica 12-60.
Hi Joe, Sounds like you got a great deal on the G9 and you are enjoying it so far. I didn't know that 50-200 works with the 2x TC. I will have to look into that too. I still haven't decided on the 100-400mm lens. Waiting instead for the G9 successor. Hopefully that's going to happen in 2022. But not holding my breath. Cheers!
great lens with a G9 - massive compatibility issues with Olympus cameras. That main issue being it doesn't produce sharp on in focus images at fast shutter speeds on Olympus bodies. Works great under 1/1000 shutter speeds.
Wow. Never heard of that one before. Thanks for sharing.
Go for the glass. Wait for G10 to be released, then find a nice used GH6 being traded in!
I went for the glass! But if there's a G10 or equivalent, I'll probably go for that too. I figure I can make the camera cost back in RUclips videos about the new camera.
Wow, Marlene, you've done it again. It's like you read my mind, I've been wanting a comparison between the 100 to 300 mm and the 100 to 400 mm for a while now. Cost and weight and size were all factors for me to be happy with my 100 to 300. I love watching your videos thank you for taking the time to make them. They answer many of my and I'm sure other people's questions. As far as a G9 successor I would love if that were to happen I can't say I would buy the GH six in fear that Panasonic would then come out with a G9 successor. With my luck, it would even be backside-illuminated.
So, does the 1 to 400 mm below the 1 to 300 mm away? Or can I get the extra sharpness I need in post? Thanks again cheers
Hi Don, Does it blow the 100-300 away? At first blush, yes. But some things can be done to enhance the photos in post. I'm playing with Topaz Sharpen Ai and Noise Ai, as suggested by one of my kind supporters here on RUclips. Now being Ai, they do have their slower moments and that is frustrating, but I keep telling myself that a lot is happening under the hood. Not sure yet if I want to spend over CA $200 on that software bundle, if the photos are just for me. The thing I least like about the 100-400 is the stiff zoom ring. And others have said the same thing, and some have even sent the lens back to Panasonic for a lube job. Second is the weight, but people have said I'll get used to it and might even get nice pipes in the process. I'm okay sticking with my G9 for now too. But always curious to pose those kind of questions to my viewers. The GH6 is likely too video-centric for my needs. But I'd love to test it out just for fun. I'm really really hoping for a true hybrid G9 successor in the future as I'm sure many are. So for now, I'm gonna hold-em and see what's coming. I'll be watching the big GH6 reveals closely this week. Great to hear from you again! Cheers.
@@ImageMaven Hi Marlene, I have tried the Topaz software the ones you mentioned and they are worth the investment without question. Low light high ISO noise is no longer our crutch, they both really rock. I also use Luminar Neo as you know, but PS 2023 as well. I have a new venture with photo art , my new Phot Art Gallery online.
Comprised on 6 individual photograhpy artist myself included. When the site is up and running I will surely send you an invite to the gala opening. Cheers hope your well. My best, Don
@@NeoDon1 So great to hear from you Don! Sounds like you're having great success in many areas. Definitely send me an invite! Cheers 😀
@@ImageMaven I will, sorry for misspellings, lol
The new Gh6 supposed to have a 25 megapixel sensor so would go very well with a 100-400mm lens. So get both!
Ha Mark! If money was no object... perhaps. Curious to see if there will be a photo centric successor to the G9. But might be a long wait for that! Thanks for stopping by.
I also hope there might be a G10 in the near future.
John Curtis QLD Australia
2 Cents
Hi Marlene I really enjoy your informative and inspirational videos shooting birds with the G9, I was intrigued by your recent video using the borrowed Leica 100-400 and your thoughts concerning the purchase of such an expensive lens. You also mentioned the upcoming GH6 with all its fabulous spec may be an alternative to an expensive lens. I have researched the spec on the GH6 and it is a considerable improvement on the GH5. When the G9 was announced it was touted as a stills upgrade oriented GH5. The firmware upgrades have kept the G9 viable for 2022. I cant help but wonder, will there be a G9mkii with 26 megapixels ??? there may also be some superzoom upgrades and so onnnnnn In the meantime the G9 has everything that matters to me. I shoot mainly stills and occasional video
I own the Pano 100-400 and I fully understand your hesitancy, it is heavy and the barrel is stiff & cumbersome to use. ( I did manage to secure this lens at a heavily discounted price) I also own an Olympus 75-100 (Not fast at F4.8-6.7) it is very light, easy to use and extremely sharp. This lens does not have Ibis, though because it is so light this is not an issue for me. If I am doing a casual walk of a fair distance the Olympus is my go to lens. (also purchased at a heavily discounted price)
If I am stalking birds in familiar birding spots, I like to get down close and personal at long range and at ground eye level, the Leica with its combined stabilization and animal/bird tracking is perfect for this purpose and allows me to snap very sharp shots (hand held) that would not otherwise be possible with 75-300.
(see utube Paul Bawby , Terry Lane & Robin Wong )
An Ozzie of 75ys I have had a camera of various sorts since the age of 7 (Box Brownie) in the dark room solo at age 9. My father was a professional Photographer and taught the skills necessary for this task.
My cameras since then have included various Kodak, Yashica, Pentax 35s & 645 - 6x7, Bronica EC & ETRS and Canon Eos film from mid 80s incl Eos 5 & 3. I was hesitant to go digital and waited for the dual pixal auto focus before making the switch. I still own the Eos 3 (film with EF lens mount) Eos 70d, Pano G7 & Bronica ETRS. Most EF lens can be adapted incl af to fit the MFT cameras, I have both versions Viltrox af adapters.
A trip to USA for 2 weeks in June of 2018 resulted in the purchase of a Panasonic G7 for video to supplement my Eos 6d stills. The G7 produced incredible 1080 & 4k video and the Canon produced great stills (as expected). My wife attended the International Veterans Table Tennis comp in Las Vagas as a competitor (I was the designated Camera Man)
There were times when the Canon gear was too heavy to lug around on casual walks so I often took the G7 instead and used it for both video and stills. It wasnt till I arrived back in Oz after the event that I uploaded the g7 stills when I realized the quality of resolution from the G7 was mind boggling, colour science was also spot on I pixal peeped each frame on the PC to reach this conclusion. I have been handling non stabilized hand held cameras for years so camera shake was not an issue. 16 megapixels was more than enough to produce astonishing stills and video results.
I started researching the MFT system as an alternative to carrying a lot of heavy gear , along with yours and other video. Toward the end of 2021 this resulted in me investing in Panasonic G9 and kit lens 12-60(heavily discounted approx 40%). Any shortcomings with noise etc can be easily sorted out in post, I use Luminar and Paint Shop Pro. My film darkroom equipment Included various LPL, JOBO & Ilford items. I am not a pro and can therefore wait for discounted specials to come my way.
Coming From Canon Eos EF I also researched Canon RF mirrorless and concluded that although the technology in the latest offrings and lens was really very good, the investment in bodies and lens was not within my meagre pensioner income reach. Even though Panasonic Lens are a little pricey, they are a fraction the cost of equivalent Canon RF Bodies and lens!!!. maybe one day!!!
I wanted to establish my credentials before offering my .........2 CENTS
(I am hesitant to post my images on the internet, though will email some samples if requested)
Hi John, Thanks for sharing all of your background in Photography, and your experience with Lumix cameras. Sounds like we share a similar path moving from box camera, medium format to Canon film cameras all the way to digital to Lumix, and from the darkroom to digital editing. I did my masters degree research in the photo industry in 2002, 2003, and found that many photographers left the profession with the shift to digital photography in the early 2000s. They just didn't want to deal with all the technology changes. Glad you've stuck with it and sounds like you have been a very active member of the community. I agree that the FF systems are too expensive. For now, I'm sticking with the Lumix M43. Cheers!
Hi Marlene, Thank you for prompt reply amid all your wonderful content and your remanence to the film days, keep up your great work and stay safe, kind regards, John Curtis @@ImageMaven
I've had my 100-400mm lens for 5 years and love using it.
I used to own a GH4 then GH5 and now a GH6. I am happy to say that the images with my 5 year old 100-400mm lens on my new GH6 are far superior to the GH5, and I was very impressed with the images from that camera.
I love my Lumix 100-400mm lens. However a couple of days ago I learned about a Leica 200mm f2.8 prime lens which comes with a 1.4 times tele converter. And now I'm drooling over that incredibly expensive lens.
Thanks for all this Frank. I plan to get the G9 successor if/when it comes out. Hoping it has some of the great photo features, AF, sensor, and processor of the GH6. And if all goes well, I may even pick up a 100-400mm. And I have also drooled over the 200mm prime which looks amazing, but heavy on the bank account and the neck strap. Thanks for stopping by to chat! Cheers.
@@ImageMaven It took a long long time before Panasonic released the GH6 because of supply and technical issues which were compounded by COVID. I’m going to guess that it will be at least another year before the G9 successor is hinted at.
All I can say is that the focusing capabilities of the GH6 are incredible compared to my competent GH5. It almost like magic watching focus lock onto flying birds in an instant or watching focus lock onto the eye of people, animals and birds for pin point shots.
I’d be honoured if you took a look at my Flickr Account of an owl in flight I took with a moment to lock focus and take the shot.
Sadly RUclips does not allow links, however I am called Mr Lemming and the photo is called “Owl on the prowl”.
It’s been a pleasure chatting and watching your channel.😀
@@ImageMaven Hello again, I thought I’d let you know that I’ve just bought a second-hand G9 to go with my GH6.
I was shocked and stunned to discover that the G9, which is several years older, takes far superior images to my GH6. And I thought those images were good.
It’s like night and day at how good my G9 is with a 100-400mm lens, or any lens for that matter.
@@frankinblackpool Hi Frank! Look at you go!
Tell me what you mean by "superior". What sorts of things are better with the G9? I'm thinking of renting a GH6 actually and I'd love to see the differences in image quality first hand. I heard from a GH6 user that they thought it was better for birding than the G9. Anyhow, thank you for checking back in to tell me your news! Cheers.☺
@@ImageMaven Good morning.
From my observations of a few days, the G9 has better detail all over, and handles low noise far better than the GH6. If you only had a GH6 you would be happy but with a G9 I have a massive improvement.
I can show you two examples of a wren taken with both cameras. They are on my Flickr account of the1lemming and they are called:
Wren in the snow Blackpool Stanley Park.
Little wren Stanley Park.
They were taken at different times of the year but both with the same lens.
Hope this is useful for you.
RUclips will not allow me to do web links
The GH6 is tempting, I have a lot of Panasonic and Olympus lenses, including the 100-400, and the 300 mm F4 Olympus. (very heavy and expensive, but even sharper than the 100-400). I'm actually considering the OM-1 as well. The DP review guys love the GH-6 for video and the AF is much better than the GH5/G9 but the OM-1 exceeds my G9 in video and the AF is being compared to the flagships from Nikon, Canon, and Sony. I have a bad feeling this GAS attack is going to find me with both...
Hi Mark, I'm holding out for the G9 successor. Hopefully that happens sometime in the next 12 months. But in the meantime I can get good photos with the G9. I'm still happy with it. But looking forward to a new camera body as I've been using my G9 for over 4 years. I'll pass on the GH6, unless I get a great spanking deal on it. The video features of the GH6 are not what I'm looking for as I don't do any client video work. Hope your GAS attack ends well. ;)
I got the G9 a little bit more than one year ago and the 100-400 last summer... I love the combo but I have some AF issues when birding so I'm thinking about upgrading within the next... 18 months. I'm definitely not buying the GH6 because it has almost no improvement for stills and also some regressions (no 6k photo, no vertical grip, lower AFC burst...). I really hope a G9 successor comes out, and if not I'll be looking towards OM Digital solutions as the new OM-1 looks very interisting on many levels. But I'll be very sad and disapointed if I must abandon Lumix.
Hi Rafa. Don't give up on the G9 and your 100-400mm. What kind of issues do you have with AF? With practice I have learned how to focus while birding. But ...I do think the GH6 has several advantages for photography. Better sensor and better processor to name two. Not sure if the GH6 is for me, as I find it pricey, but I'm looking forward to testing it out. Ideally Panasonic will release a G9 Mk2 with the same sensor and processing. That's my hope! Thanks for stopping by to chat!
@@ImageMaven Well the animal detection kind of sucks in my experience... Sometimes it just doesn't get what it should, or it gets at first and then loses it with no reason and even if the surounding elements are not really messy and the subject is not moving too much... It gets worst with moving targets and messy environment of course. To me it works let's say 65-70% of the time which is not bad but I miss too many shots and I don't see a huge improvement compared to my good old GX8... But yes I admit maybe I need to practice more and optimize my settings...
@@rafa.p8384 I find in flat light (overcast and snow on the ground) when I'm far away from a flying bird, I'm having problems with Animal detection. In that case I use custom multi and AFC and I'm getting a good hit rate with BBF. My latest Community post has an example of this with a flying owl.
What do you think? Will you upgrade to the 100-400? Or are you happy with your 100-300?
I’m still not sure. Waiting to see if the G9 will get a successor.
Marlene, I use the 100-400 lens with my G9, mostly for bird photography as well as other wildlife. Although it's a great combination there is one thing that drives me nuts and that is auto-focusing does not work well if at all in shadowy or low contrast conditions. Even though I could over-ride the camera with manual focusing that is hardly easy given the heft of not only the lens but also the camera. Have you had this problem and, if so, how did you work through or around it? P.S. Love your videos.
Hi J L. Yes, I've had this problem. Many lenses/camera systems struggle in low light low contrast conditions. If I try, and realize that I won't get a decent shot, I typically abandon the scene and wait for the bird/subject to reach a better lit location, unless it's a rare or lifer species. I've become more picky and ruthless over the past year, especially with my culling and editing bird photos. Now I know what they'll look like on screen and in print pretty much when I'm shooting. It's part of the challenge of birding, especially in late day or winter light. But of course we all need to practice shooting in all conditions, and that makes us better photographers. So keep at it! Thanks for stopping by. Always nice to chat!
Your reply is refreshing in an age when we expect technological solutions to everything. Thanks!
you should come to southern ecuador
I use an under lens grip or a monopod.
The GH6 is compelling now that the specs have been released … um … leaked. I walked away from MFT (Olympus) and switched to Canon FF. I wasn’t second guessing that with the new OM-1 release. The camera is as I suspected it would be. The GH6, on the other hand, makes me very curious if the new sensor will end-up in a G9 successor. If that happens, I will be very torn as to what to do. I enjoyed the video, thank you. Congrats on the 4 in 4 days!
Hi Daniel, Yes, I'm really hoping for a G9 successor with a new sensor in 2022. But I have a feeling it will be a longer wait. I sold all my Canon dSLR FF gear after making the switch to Lumix 9 years ago. Wasn't that suitable for RUclips videos back then. But Lumix GH3 did a great job for me. Did you get Canon FF Mirrorless or dSLR? Thanks for stopping by!
@@ImageMaven Mirrorless (R5) I’m definitely happy with my choice but I will always have a soft spot for Olympus and (hold you’re breath) Pentax, my first love. (My back and shoulders have another opinion.)
I had the 100-300 on my G9 and upgraded to the 100-400 for my G9 and regularly get better shots of wildlife than some of my friends who have expensive full frame cameras, so I have no plans to change camp or lenses in the near future 😊
I always say, it’s not the camera but the photographer’s skill. Great to hear you’re happy with your G9 and this lens. Same here! 💪 Cheers!
Maybe wait for a new G9 mark II, or perhaps once the reviews of the GH6 are out, it is worth going for? But I do hope they make a range of new cameras below the GH6. A new G9 that is lighter, with less video features, more a camera to take outside, as you do.
For myself, I want a GX10 with the same size as my trusty GX9 🙂
Hi Michael, Yes I'd totally go for a GX10 too. It would need a flip around screen to make me really happy though. That's actually what stopped me from getting the GX9. Got the G100 instead. That's what I'm using to film myself in the on-location clips here. But yes ideally, I'd love a G9 Mk II. Great to hear from you again!
Stick with the 100-300. You could also consider the Optimus 100-400 slightly sharper at 400mm. Have you looked at the upcoming Olympus OM-1? Very promising. I will sell you my Panasonic "Leica" 100-400 for a good price, since I use the Olympus 300/f4 with the 1.4 ext almost exclusively. I would even be interested in trading from your 100-300 because I travel a lot, it would be nice to have that might lens. I look forward to the G10, hoping it will have phase detect autofocus and a BSI stacked sensor like the new Olympus.
Oh yes, been watching all the Olympus OM-1 videos this week. But, I'm a Lumix Loyalist, for now at least. Your Oly 300mm lens with 1.4x sounds interesting though! I definitely will be renting a couple of other lenses before making my final decision. In the meantime we all patiently wait for the G9 successor. Thanks for sharing Martin! Cheers.