Q: Your column led me to purchase the Panasonic DMC-GM1 a few weeks ago. I took it on a trip and shot photos and videos, and I am really happy with it. I'm interested in adding a telephoto zoom lens, and I know Panasonic will be coming out with a new lens specifically for this camera. Do you know anything about it? Should I wait, or is it better to spend the $1,300-$1,500 for the Panasonic 35-100 f/2.8 lens?

A: To answer your question, we first must consider image stabilization. This advice applies to anyone purchasing a lens for any camera system.

Image stabilization is found either in the camera or in the lens. All of the Olympus Micro Four-Thirds camera bodies have image stabilization in the camera, so you can use any lens you want and it will be stabilized. Most Panasonic models, including your DMC-GM1, do not have body-based image stabilization and rely on lens-based optical image stabilization. Many enthusiasts consider optical stabilization better for video use, and some of the Olympus cameras do not have camera-based stabilization that is compatible with video recording. So as you can see, both types have their advantages.

Because Olympus puts stabilization in all of its camera bodies, there is not optical stabilization in any of the lenses. For this reason, I strongly suggest that you stay with a Panasonic lens, especially because a long telephoto lens such as the one you are considering can be very prone to shake when you hand-hold the camera.

I would never dissuade anyone from investing in top-quality optics, and the 35-100/2.8 lens is an absolutely wonderful lens. It offers solid construction with pro-level image quality and a fast, constant 2.8 aperture for low light. Though it is still much smaller and lighter than a comparable digital SLR lens, it is noticeably bigger and heavier than some other choices you have in the Micro Four Thirds system. It would seem mismatched to the tiny DMC-GM1 body and would be more at home on a larger camera body like a Panasonic DMC-G6, DMC-GH4 or any of the Olympus OM-D models.

You read about the upcoming lens, and it is the one that I recommend. The perfect lens for you will be released by Panasonic in November. It is a small 35-100 zoom lens that is meant to be a compact stablemate to the exceptionally good 12-32mm zoom that comes with the DMC-GM1. Suggested retail is $399, and together with the DMC-GM1/12-32mm kit, you will have a tiny outfit that is a photo and video powerhouse.

If you do not want to wait or prefer something less expensive, check out Panasonic's 45-150mm for $265. It is an excellent optical performer and offers a bit more reach than the 35-100 at 150mm. That's a 300mm 35mm equivalent on a Micro Four-Thirds system, and 300mm is quite a lot of reach.

No matter your camera system, if you are buying a long telephoto zoom, make sure that it will be stabilized somehow. If your camera has built-in stabilization, you can buy whatever you want. If it does not, buy a lens with optical image stabilization. Sony, Pentax and Olympus systems have stabilization in the camera bodies, as does the Panasonic DMC-GX7. Canon, Nikon, Sigma and Fuji rely on optical stabilization.

Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get more recommendations and read past columns at www.soundadviceblog.com.