Panasonic LUMIX S 18mm f1.8 for L mount available for Pre-order

Panasonic has announced the Lumix S 18mm f1.8 ultra-wide-angle lens with a 100° angle of view, thereby expanding its lens range for the mirrorless full-frame cameras of the S series, which use the L-mount launched by Leica in 2015 as a lens mount. Thanks to the L-mount, the lens can also be used on corresponding cameras from other brands in the L-mount alliance (Leica, Sigma, and DJI ).

The Lumix S 18mm f1.8 is the fifth lens with the maximum aperture of f/1.8 among the S lenses from Panasonic. According to the manufacturer, it offers optical performance that meets the highest professional quality standards and is compact and light despite its large aperture.

Thanks to its extremely wide angle of view, the new Lumix lens is suitable for a wide variety of applications such as landscape, architecture, street photography, but also astrophotography. The shortest focus setting of 0.18m expands the range of applications at close range. The Lumix S 18mm F1.8 consists of thirteen lens elements in twelve groups, including three aspherical lenses, three ED lenses (Extra-Low Dispersion), a UED lens (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion), and a UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. Three aspherical lenses ensure high imaging performance, as with all lenses in the 1.8 series. The three ED lenses effectively suppress chromatic aberration. A circular 9-blade aperture creates beautiful bokeh.

The lens works smoothly and silently with the fast, high-precision contrast AF system of the Lumix S cameras. The sensor is read out at a maximum of 240 frames per second. Manually, non-linear adjustment varies sharpness by a variable amount according to the speed of rotation of the focus ring, while linear adjustment varies sharpness by a constant amount according to the angle of rotation of the focus ring. The degree of focus shift can be chosen depending on the angle of rotation to enable the desired focusing character.

When shooting video, a mechanism in the Lumix S 18mm F1.8 suppresses “focus breathing”, an unsightly problem with interchangeable lenses developed for still photography. And micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure variation and professional-quality video recordings are possible.

With its compact design and low weight of 340 g, the Lumix S 18mm f1.8 is amazingly mobile, especially on the Lumix S5, currently the smallest full-frame model from Panasonic. The robust, dust and splash-proof design allow use even under harsh conditions down to -10 degrees.

Price and availability

The new ultra-wide-angle lens is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com, Bhphotovideo.com, and Adorama.com at $999.99. It will be available from October 23, 2022.

LUMIX S 18mm f1.8 specifications

• Focal Length: 18mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Lens Mount: Leica L
• Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
• Angle of View: 100°
• Minimum Focus Distance: 18 cm
• Maximum Magnification: 0.2x
• Optical Design: 13 Elements in 12 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: No
• Front Filter Size: 67 mm
• Dimensions (ø x L): 73.6 x 82 mm
• Weight: 12 oz / 340 g