Panasonic 70-200 f4 - I see lots used - is it good?

[snaimpally]

I'm looking to get a 70-200. The P 70-200 f4 is smaller and lighter than the P 70-200 f2.8 and the S 70-200 f2.8. I noticed there are many used copies available. Could it be because the f4 came out first and then the f2.8 came later and so people upgraded? If you own the P 70-200 f4, please share your thoughts.

 

[GeorgeHudetz]

There are folks here who have used the 70-200 F4, including a recent failure - I’d suggest doing a quick search although I’m sure Paul will post to this thread.

I don’t have the F4 version, but I do have the F2.8 version.

Here’s a video you can watch that compares the two, if you are so inclined:

 

[snaimpally]

Thanks George. I did see the post about someone's 70-200 f4 failing and being declared unrepairable. I have a fairly extensive collection of Lumix lenses in the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system and have never had an issue.

 

[pdk42]

Wouldn't touch a Panasonic lens ever again - esp this one!!!

Thread 'My 70-200 f4 "Pro" has died'

Jan 2, 2026

As I mentioned in the thread on the Sigma 20-200, my Lumix 70-200 f4 Pro has died. I'm more than a little pissed off. This lens has hardly been used by me, with its last usage being probably several months ago. It spends most of its time in a darkened, dry cupboard and is babied when it is used. There's not a mark on it and even the contacts have almost no wear. But it's dead - it fails to power up when connected to the camera - the OIS is dead, the AF doesn't work, MF via the clutch doesn't work, and the camera thinks a manual lens is attached. So, I've now got an expensive...

• pdk42

 

[pdk42]

Before it died I was very happy with its performance. BUT - I tried one before the one I bought and it had a very soft right edge.

TBH - go for the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 if you can. It's a superb lens optically and mechanically - and Sigma do the right thing in supporting repairers so if you do have a problem you won't be left with an expensive paperweight like I am.

 

[pdk42]

I'll finally add that Panasonic customer support with my problem has been woeful. I struggled to get any response and when I eventually did, the only offer was to offer a 10% discount on a new lens. But RRP of the lens in the UK is £1499 so even with the discount it's £1350. You can buy it new retail in Japan for £600. So they wouldn't even sell me another one for cost price after leaving me high and dry with an unrepairable lens. Remember, this lens is "Pro", "Certified by Leica", and still in production so it's criminal in my view not to provide any spare parts; or for that matter to offer any goodwill to someone who's spent probably £10k on their gear and has been a strong advocate for their products.

I no longer am a strong advocate BTW. If it wasn't for the pain and cost I'd be off somewhere else (probably Nikon).

 

[GeorgeHudetz]

Here’s a test of the Sigma vs. the F2.8 S-Pro.

The Sigma appears to have much faster AF.

 

[snaimpally]

I'll finally add that Panasonic customer support with my problem has been woeful. I struggled to get any response and when I eventually did, the only offer was to offer a 10% discount on a new lens. But RRP of the lens in the UK is £1499 so even with the discount it's £1350. You can buy it new retail in Japan for £600. So they wouldn't even sell me another one for cost price after leaving me high and dry with an unrepairable lens. Remember, this lens is "Pro", "Certified by Leica", and still in production so it's criminal in my view not to provide any spare parts; or for that matter to offer any goodwill to someone who's spent probably £10k on their gear and has been a strong advocate for their products.

I no longer am a strong advocate BTW. If it wasn't for the pain and cost I'd be off somewhere else (probably Nikon).

Thanks. Your experience is terrible - I read your original thread. Panasonic is trying to position themselves in the Pro category, up there wtih Nikon and Canon, so the way they have treated you runs counter to that. Are there any consumer watchdogs (newspaper, tv) that you can reach out to? I would also check if there any applicable laws that apply. In the US, many states have consumer protection laws.

I have an extensive Lumix MFT lens collection and not had any issues. If I go with the 70-200 f4, I'd buy a used copy from a dealer (MBP, KEH, Roberts) that offers some sort of warranty. The used prices are about half off of the MSRP.

Based on reviews, the Sigma seems to be the best one. I'll have to physically see them side by side and decide. For me, a smaller size and weight are desirable, but reliability is important.

 

[Jan.Wedekind]

Have the f4. Bought it used when I got the S1. Love it to death. One of my most used lenses, stellar rendering. Very nice bokeh. Like the internal zoom.

Wouldn’t sell ever. Don’t miss f2.8 much and since the Sigma is heavier than the f4, I was not interested

 

[snaimpally]

Have the f4. Bought it used when I got the S1. Love it to death. One of my most used lenses, stellar rendering. Very nice bokeh. Like the internal zoom.

Wouldn’t sell ever. Don’t miss f2.8 much and since the Sigma is heavier than the f4, I was not interested

Thanks. Good to know. They are going for under $800 USD used. The used camera dealers all offer a limited warranty as well.

 

[pdk42]

Thanks. Your experience is terrible - I read your original thread. Panasonic is trying to position themselves in the Pro category, up there wtih Nikon and Canon, so the way they have treated you runs counter to that. Are there any consumer watchdogs (newspaper, tv) that you can reach out to? I would also check if there any applicable laws that apply. In the US, many states have consumer protection laws.

I have an extensive Lumix MFT lens collection and not had any issues. If I go with the 70-200 f4, I'd buy a used copy from a dealer (MBP, KEH, Roberts) that offers some sort of warranty. The used prices are about half off of the MSRP.

Based on reviews, the Sigma seems to be the best one. I'll have to physically see them side by side and decide. For me, a smaller size and weight are desirable, but reliability is important.

Well, the lens is well out of warranty so I don't think I have a leg to stand on from any consumer protection point of view. But that doesn't make it hurt any less.

I'm really having a downer on Panasonic L-mount at the moment. I stuck with them through the dark days of despair when most industry observers said they were finished (6 years and no replacement for the S1 etc) and now I'm wondering why.

 

[CharlesH]

and now I'm wondering why.

For Sigma of course. Your 20-200mm shots are really looking good.

 

[Markuswelder]

Wouldn't touch a Panasonic lens ever again - esp this one!!!

Thread 'My 70-200 f4 "Pro" has died'

Jan 2, 2026

As I mentioned in the thread on the Sigma 20-200, my Lumix 70-200 f4 Pro has died. I'm more than a little pissed off. This lens has hardly been used by me, with its last usage being probably several months ago. It spends most of its time in a darkened, dry cupboard and is babied when it is used. There's not a mark on it and even the contacts have almost no wear. But it's dead - it fails to power up when connected to the camera - the OIS is dead, the AF doesn't work, MF via the clutch doesn't work, and the camera thinks a manual lens is attached. So, I've now got an expensive...

• pdk42

That's a risk you take buying second hand gear. Sometimes you win, sometimes you loose. But not worth cutting off your nose to spite your face over. For me anyway.
And yeah, I've experienced a poor Panasonic warranty experience myself. Lots of aggravation with trying to get my faulty GX8 shutter fixed, but got there in the end. And if I'd given it up then, I'd have missed some fabulous cameras like my G9, a couple of G100's, my S5, and a stack of lenses that I've derived a great deal of pleasure shooting with.
Move on, stop holding grudges, enjoy your shooting

 

[CharlesH]

If you own the P 70-200 f4, please share your thoughts.

I've owned the 70-200 f/4 since it first came out way back when, and it has served me well. It is really a good lens. But I must say when I'm shooting in this range anymore I tend to use my 70-300mm. It is lighter, also has very good stabilization, and to my eyes is as good optically as the 70-200. Ironically I had a repair issue with the 70-300 similar to what Paul has experienced with his 70-200 - although in my case the damage could have been from poor handling on a long trip. So my 70-300 is a new replacement. My 70-200 has been to hell and back, around much of the world and slogging in the Alaskan outback; it is a pretty tough lens and I recommend if.