Occasionally, a zoom lens emerges unexpectedly that completely astonishes us. What’s particularly astonishing about the Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 is its compact size. Additionally, it features weather resistance throughout its entire range. This means it can accompany you anywhere you go. That’s remarkable. Combine that with the impressive advancements in autofocus performance on L-mount camera bodies over the last few years, and you’re sure to have a standout product. If it isn’t evidently clear, this range of focal lengths is also highly beneficial for many photographers embarking on trips, traveling, etc. We had a blast using it.
Table of Contents
The Big Picture: Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 Review Conclusions
- Pros
- Cons
- Gear Used
- Who Should Purchase the Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3?
- Innovations
- Hardware
- Protect Your Camera Gear
- Focusing
- Ease of Use
- Image Quality
- Let’s Discuss Art
- Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 Tech Specs
The Big Picture: Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 Review Conclusions
Simply stated, the Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 is an exceptional lens that’s enjoyable to use and can easily be utilized for artistic endeavors. It ranks among the top travel lenses we’ve experienced, and we’re surprised that other manufacturers haven’t created something similar.
Pros
- Compact
- Quick to focus
- Lightweight
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Honestly, nothing at all.
- Some individuals may prefer a wider aperture. However, with Panasonic’s image stabilization, you generally don’t need to be concerned about light-gathering challenges.
Gear Used
We evaluated the Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 with the Panasonic S5 II and the Panasonic S9, which are both long-term loaner units. We also used it with our own Leica SL2s, Profoto B10, and cross-star filters.
Who Should Purchase the Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3?
Anyone involved in travel photography or seeking something to carry around throughout the day should consider the Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3.
Innovations
What’s particularly innovative about the Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 is the distinct focal length it offers and how compact the lens becomes when fully collapsed. Additionally, it provides weather resistance and excellent performance. If this becomes Panasonic’s new kit lens, we’d be very pleased.
Hardware
The Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 is quite small. While it’s not exactly a pancake lens, it can easily be attached to the S9 and slipped into a coat pocket. You twist it to unlock it for shooting, and then you zoom in and out as necessary. Truly, there aren’t many controls or features to this lens. All you need to focus on are the zoom ring, the focusing ring, and the AF/MF switch.
Protect Your Camera Gear
Although the Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 features weather resistance, your warranty does not cover any issues that arise from regular use. This is why we offer the Photography Care Plan.
Focusing
The Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 demonstrates rapid focusing in our camera evaluations. Additionally, it focuses precisely — even under backlighting difficulties. For clarity, we observed this with the Panasonic S9, S5 II, and the Leica SL2s. As it is a wide to normal angle lens, it is simply something we must anticipate.
Ease of Use
The most complicated aspect of this lens is its locking and unlocking mechanism. However, aside from that, it’s a straightforward matter of pointing, focusing, and shooting. Not only is it simple to operate, but it’s also enjoyable to use. The extra requirement to activate the lens before shooting adds a delightful touch that is, unfortunately, lacking in the camera industry.
Image Quality
We have no real issues regarding the image quality here. Certainly, there’s a slight distortion at the wider end. Nonetheless, it’s still fairly manageable. If anything, we feel more inclined to accept it.
Let’s Talk Art
This is the section where we discuss art rather than concentrating on technology and laboratory assessments. This aims to highlight how much more engaged we are with the creative process than the conventional camera evaluations and pixel investigations performed by others.
By utilizing some in-camera LUTS, lens filters, and Lensbaby Prisms, we had a fantastic time experimenting with the Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 and achieving distinctive looks in the wide and normal angles. I am currently navigating through a recovery from eye surgery, and I truly appreciate the results I obtained from this lens.
Extra Image Samples
The Phoblographer has prioritized transparency with our audience since our inception. None of the content in this review is sponsored. Additionally, many individuals will publish reviews and exhibit extensive editing in their photos. The issue then arises that anyone can replicate that. They do not demonstrate what the lens is capable of. Therefore, we have included a section in our Extra Image Samples area to display both edited and unedited images. From this, you can make your own decision.
Panasonic 18-40mm f4. 5-6. 3 Tech Specs
Specifications sourced from the Adorama listing.
- Lens Construction: 8 elements in 7 groups (3 aspherical lenses, 2 ED lenses, 1 UHR lens) (not including 1 protection element)
- Mount: L-Mount
- Focal Length: f=18-40mm
- Aperture Type: 7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm
- Maximum Aperture: F4. 5 (Wide) – F6. 3 (Tele)
- Minimum Aperture: F22 (Wide) – F32 (Tele)
- The Closest Focusing Distance is 0. 49′ (0. 15m) (at focal length 18-21mm)
- 1. 15′ (0. 35m) (at focal length 40mm)
- Maximum Magnification: 0. 28x (at focal length 21mm)
- Diagonal Angle of View: 100 Degrees (Wide) – 57 Degrees (Tele)
- Dust and Splash Resistant: Yes
- Recommended Operating Temperature: 14 Degrees F to 104 Degrees F (-10 Degrees C to 40 Degrees C)
- Filter Size: 62mm
- Dimensions (Dia. x L) 2. 67 x 1. 61″ (67. 9 x 40. 9cm) (measured from the lens tip to the lens mount base)
- Weight: Approximately 5. 46 oz (155g) (not including the lens cap and rear lens cap)
- UPC Code: 885170433311