Panasonic has announced what it claims to be the world’s smallest and lightest zoom lens. The new Panasonic LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 zoom lens is designed for LUMIX S Series full frame cameras.
Compact and lightweight
The new LUMIX S 18-40mm zoom lens is designed to be compact and portable. It measures only 2.7 inches (67.9 mm) in diameter and 1.6 inches (40.9 mm) in length. Note that this measurement is with the lens retracted. The S 18-40mm zoom lens is also lightweight, tipping the scales at just 5.5 ounces (155 g). Panasonic says that this makes it the world’s smallest and lightest autofocus-compatible interchangeable zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The filter size is 62 mm.
Optical design
The LUMIX S 18-40mm zoom lens is designed with eight lens elements in seven groups. These include three aspherical elements, two extra-low dispersion elements and one ultra-high refractive element. Panasonic says that the 18 mm ultra-wide angle end of the zoom range is ideal for capturing expansive landscapes. The 40 mm focal length is also perfect for when you want to take shots with a natural perspective. In addition, you can extend the zoom range to 18-120 mm using the hybrid zoom function on the LUMIX S9 mirrorless camera.
Variable aperture
The LUMIX S 18-40mm zoom lens has a maximum aperture of F4.5 at 18 mm though this drops to F6.3 at 40 mm. As such, it’s not the best lens for low-light shooting. You will also struggle to get a very shallow depth of field in your video. However, Panasonic says that the lens gives a subtle bokeh when shooting subjects with the maximum aperture and at the minimum focusing distance of 5.9 inches. In addition, the company says that the lens effectively suppresses focus breathing. Focus breathing causes the angle of view to alter slightly as you pull focus.
Build
The LUMIX S 18-40mm zoom lens features a dust, splash and freeze-resistant construction. The front element of the lens also has a fluorine coating to repel water, oil and other debris. This means the new lens should be robust and reliable, even when the weather and environmental factors aren’t ideal.
What we think
Panasonic’s new LUMIX S 18-40mm zoom lens is an ideal everyday companion for the full-frame LUMIX S9 mirrorless camera. Its compact and lightweight design means it won’t add much weight or bulk to the camera. However, you still get a useful zoom range, especially if you use the Hybrid Zoom function to extend the telephoto end. Low-light performance and shallow depth of field are both limited with the lens, but that’s not the market it’s aimed at. The LUMIX S 18-40mm zoom lens means you can take your S9 with you all the time and be ready to shoot whenever you need.
Pricing and availability
Panasonic says that the LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 zoom lens will be available in mid-November 2024. It will retail at $499. You will also be able to pick it up with the full frame LUMIX S9 camera body $1,799.
