Panasonic has just announced the new 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens, which it previously hinted at during the Lumix S9 announcement earlier this year. The company asserts that this new lens is the smallest and lightest interchangeable zoom with autofocus designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. It certainly lives up to that claim, weighing only 155g (5.5oz) and measuring 41mm (1.6″) in length when collapsed.
This new lens costs $497.99, first available for pre-order at Amazon/ B&H/ Adorama.
Although it’s an extending lens, Panasonic states it is resistant to dust, splashes, and freezing conditions, functioning effectively in temperatures as low as –10°C (14°F). The front element is also treated with a fluorine coating to resist dirt and oil.
Though not designed for macro photography—offering a maximum magnification of 0.28x at 21mm—it still boasts respectable close-focusing capabilities, allowing focus on objects as close as 15cm (5.9″) within its 18-21mm focal range. When fully zoomed, the minimum focusing distance increases to 35cm (13.8″).
The lens comprises 8 elements organized into 7 groups and includes 3 aspherical elements, 2 ED elements, and a UHR element. It accepts 62mm filters.
Panasonic plans for this lens to serve as the new kit lens for the S9. The creator-focused camera initially came with the 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 as its kit lens, which offers greater zoom range and a brighter maximum aperture but weighs twice as much as the 18-40mm. Given the S9’s emphasis on being a compact and portable full-frame camera, the trade-off of size for reach may appeal to many of the target users Panasonic aims to attract.
Below are the detailed specifications of Panasonic S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 Lens:
| Principal specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens | |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF | |
| Focal length | 18–40 mm | |
| Image stabilization | No | |
| Lens mount | L-Mount | |
| Aperture | ||
| Maximum aperture | F4.5–6.3 | |
| Minimum aperture | F22–32 | |
| Aperture ring | No | |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 7 | |
| Optics | ||
| Elements | 8 | |
| Groups | 7 | |
| Special elements / coatings | 3 Aspheric, 2 ED, 1 UHR | |
| Focus | ||
| Minimum focus | 0.15 m (5.91″) | |
| Maximum magnification | 0.28× | |
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Motor type | Stepper motor | |
| Full time manual | No | |
| Focus method | Internal | |
| Distance scale | No | |
| DoF scale | No | |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 155 g (0.34 lb) | |
| Diameter | 68 mm (2.68″) | |
| Length | 41 mm (1.61″) | |
| Sealing | Yes | |
| Colour | Black | |
| Zoom method | Rotary (extending) | |
| Power zoom | No | |
| Filter thread | 62 mm | |
| Tripod collar | No | |
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Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 Lens |
Pre-Order | Amazon/ B&H/ Adorama |