This lens is designed for people on a budget. However, when using one of Panasonic's premium lenses like the 50-200 2.8-4, image quality and stabilization are greatly improved. I have 50-200 but decided to try this for more range. I really wouldn't mind if the opening was narrower. The biggest difference was in the image quality. At 100-300 there is a noticeable lack of sharpness throughout the range. As others have noted, the lack of sharpness was even more pronounced beyond 200mm. It's a good entry-level zoom, but if you're spending that much on this lens I'd recommend just saving a few hundred more for a better quality lens.
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