With the Lumix S 18mm F1.8, Panasonic has presented a fifth lens with the F1.8 speed in the series of S lenses in the L-mount system standard. From telephoto to super wide-angle, this provides F1.8 fixed focal lengths, namely 85mm, 50mm, 35mm, 24mm as well as 18mm.
Lumix S 18mm F1.8
They are characterized by uniform imaging performance and the same size and position of the controls. The center of gravity of these lenses is said to be almost identical. The filter diameter of 67mm is also uniform.
The LUMIX S 18mm F1.8 and consists of thirteen lens elements in twelve groups, including three aspherical lenses, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses, one UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lens, and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The three aspherical lenses are said to provide high imaging performance, while the three ED lenses effectively suppress chromatic aberration. The aperture consists of 9 stops.
The autofocus is said to operate silently and is matched to the contrast AF system of the LUMIX S cameras. In manual mode, a linear focus behavior can be activated. The shortest distance setting is 0.18m.
When shooting video, a mechanism in the LUMIX S 18mm F1.8 is said to suppress focus breathing. Aperture control can be micro-stepped, so it is "de-clicked."
The rugged, dust- and splash-proof LUMIX S 18mm F1.8 weighs 340g with a length of 82mm. It is expected to cost 899 euros and be available in October.
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