PanasonicLUMIX G VARIO LENS, 12-60MM, F3.5-5.6 ASPH., MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS, POWER OPTICAL I.S., H-FS12060 (USA BLACK)

Having finally sold the last of my Nikon digital (and film) gear, and replaced it with M-4/3 bodies and lenses, I needed one last lens to complete my kit: A telephoto. Panasonic makes several telephotos for the M4/3 system, of which this is the cheapest, and I was concerned as to whether it was good enough to produce the level of quality I was looking for. Some reviewers have complained about soft images at certain focal lengths, and if that was true, I figured I'd better bite the bullet and splurge on the newer 45-175, which has been getting excellent reviews and is a good deal more compact to boot. But then I saw some references to updated versions of the 45-200 that fixed what amounted to a software problem that resulted in inaccurate focussing at some parts of the lens's zoom range. I decided to go ahead and buy the 45-200.I've been doing test shots with the lens since it arrived, and I think it's safe to say that any problems with focusing or unsharp images have been fixed. Hand-held results at full 200mm zoom, with the stabilization turned on, show good sharpness throughout on images taken from 50 feet away. Enlarging up small segments of those images and comparing those taken with and without IS turned on show a significant difference. I'm impressed. I'm also impressed at how fast, and how quietly this lens focuses, especially when compared to the autofocus Nikon G lenses used on my D70 and D80. There's no hesitation or hunting. Push the shutter release lightly and boom, you're in focus.Some reviewers have commended on the relative bulk of this lens in comparison to the 45-150 and 45-175 lenses, and while it is somewhat bigger, it's still very manageable. Cup your left hand under the lens, grasp the camera with your right (for right handers) and it's a very comfortable package- again, comparing this to my old Nikon setup, it's much smaller and lighter than the D70 or D80 with the standard 17-70 zoom.Another nice feature of this lens is the included light shade, which can be stored in reveres position right on the lens, much like my old 105/2.5 and 135/3.5 Nikkors. It takes up very little space in my camera bag (currently a Lowepro Stealth Reporter D200 AW Camera Bag) and does a great job at preventing flare. The included lens bag protects somewhat against damage but I'm keeping mine in a neoprene lens bag that provides a bit more protection.In short, then, a versatile telephoto at an attractive price. Combined with the standard 17-45mm zoom it should cover 99% of all your needs with a M34 camera.

I was browsing for this one online and from one day to another this baby dropped 100 dollars. I picked it up. I looked the next day and it was back at regular price and it stayed that way for the next week or so. At any rate, I wasn't sure if I wanted this lens. Yes it does feel plastic-y thus a little cheap feeling but this does make it very light weight. As far as size it is bigger than the 25mm Olympus lens. Since I had anticipated returning it I figured I'd mount it on my camera to see what I thought. Wow, I immediately fell in love with this lens. It has excellent image quality, sharp, fast, nice bokeh etc.... My favorite focal lengths are between 19mm- 40mm for candids and some portrait photography. I don't use video much on my cameras but I do need it for one upcoming shoot. I tested out this lens and it is crystal on video, same as its photo capabilities. You really can't go wrong with this lens. At a sale price it was an absolute steel.----Update--- 12/14/18The attached picture is one reason why I love this lens and why I'm sticking with MFT. I just took this lens to on an old entry level Olympus PEN EPL2 and produced this amazing shot. The camera itself is older with slow autofocus, but that combo with this lens really worked. I also have a brand new G9 and I'm scared to see what absolute beauty this lens can produce with a better camera body. I'm not a hoarder...well maybe I am. Anyway, I would consider buying another one of this lens to have just incase something happens to this one. I just review the Canon 10-18 which I love and called it a great value, but this lens might just be on a whole 'nother level. This does not look anywhere close to any lens at this price point. Since getting my G9 I'm pulling out all my old lenses and this did not disappoint. It exceeded all of my expectation. Buy now and buy it fast!