Panasonic 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT

 
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8-18mm $1,031
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(From Panasonic lens literature) Panasonic is proud to introduce a new wide zoom digital interchangeable lens, the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH. (35 mm camera equivalent: 16-36 mm) as the second lens to be introduced from its LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Series.

Covering a focal range from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto, this new LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 series lens achieves exceptionally high descriptiveness for both photo and video recording and yet its size is compact. All lenses also take advantage of Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating technology to minimize ghosting and flaring. The 8-18 boasts a rugged, dust/splash-proof design and is freeze-proof down to -10°C to deliver professional use under harsh conditions. The high-quality video recording capability is also one of the advantages of this lens series.

The new LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH offers a zoom range of ultra-wide 16 mm to versatile 36 mm (35mm camera equivalent). It covers a variety of daily shooting situations, from dynamic landscapes to street photography. Taking advantage of the F2.8-4.0 high-speed performance, it is suitable for capturing starry sky or a night scenery. With a filter (67mm) such as ND or PL, this lens provides various expression in both photos and videos.

Comprised of 15 elements in 10 groups, the lens system features an aspherical ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens, three aspherical lenses, two ED lenses and an UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The use of these lenses effectively suppresses spherical distortion or chromatic aberration to achieve high resolution and contrast from center to corners.

The sensor drive at max. 240 fps enables to take full advantage of cameras with high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF. It also helps to reduce wobbling. Notably, the new lens excels in video recording performance. In addition to the silent operation achieved by the inner focus drive system, the micro-step drive system in the aperture control section helps the camera to smoothly capture brightness changes when zooming or panning. The optical design achieves exceptional barycentric stability to minimize image shifts during zooming. The AF tracking performance when zooming is also improved thanks to high-speed frame analysis for focus control.

Offered in sharp, metallic black, it stylishly matches the LUMIX G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) cameras.

The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Series lineup will expand with an additional 50-200mm (100-400mm, 35mm camera equivalent) telephoto zoom lens.

Panasonic 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT

Panasonic 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT User Reviews

8.5/10 average of 2 review(s) Build Quality 9.0/10 Image Quality 7.5/10
  • 9 out of 10 points and recommended by rponiarski (6 reviews)
    Very sharp Good contrast and colors Excellent build Can accept screw on filters
    Expensive

    Bought this lens to get a slightly wider view than my 12-60mm lens. Very pleased as it can be used as a slightly wide normal lens, making it very versatile. May have some slight edge softness, but nothing major. Highly recommended.

    reviewed May 25th, 2018 (purchased for $1,098)
  • 8 out of 10 points and recommended by darrinlingle (5 reviews)
    very sharp in the center great contrast great color no hot spots when used on a fullspectrum camera for infrared photography takes standard 67mm filter solid build smooth dampened focus and zoom
    edge softness very expensive

    there's just a little edge softness, even when stopped down.
    it's so mild that i didn't even notice it until it was pointed out to me.
    i still highly recommend this lens.

    reviewed June 22nd, 2017 (purchased for $1,097)