| Image: Panasonic |
Panasonic is launching the 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens that it teased with the launch of the Lumix S9 earlier this year. It claims the new lens is the smallest and lightest interchangeable zoom with autofocus for full-frame mirrorless cameras. While that’s quite a few caveats, it is undoubtedly compact: the lens weighs 155g (5.5oz) and is 40.9mm (1.6″) long when retracted.
Despite being an extending lens, Panasonic claims it’s dust, splash, and freeze resistant and can be used in temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). The front element also has a fluorine coating for dirt and oil resistance.
While the lens is far from being a macro – it offers a maximum magnification of 0.28x at 21mm – it still has relatively close-focusing abilities and can focus on a subject at 15cm (5.9″) in its 18-21mm focal range. Fully zoomed in, its closest focusing distance goes up to 35cm (13.8″).
| Image: Panasonic |
The 18-40mm is made up of 8 elements in 7 groups and features 3 aspherical elements, 2 ED elements and a UHR element. It accepts 62mm filters.
Panasonic is making this lens the new kit lens for the S9. The creator-focused camera originally launched with the company’s 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 as the kit lens, which has greater reach and brighter max aperture at the cost of being double the weight of the 18-40mm. Given the S9’s focus on being a small, portable full-frame camera, it seems likely the trade-off will be worth it for at least some of the audience Panasonic is targeting with the S9.
S9 w/ 18-40mm lens
S9 users take note: while the lens may have some level of weather sealing, the camera itself does not.
| The new colors round out the S9 lineup. Image: Panasonic |
The company is also announcing two new colors of the S9: a mint green and ‘sakura’ pink model will be available in the US, in addition to the existing black, blue, olive, and red models.
On its own, the lens will be $499, and the S9 kit that includes it will cost $1,799, the same as the 20-60mm kit. That may make the kit a slightly worse value, depending on how you look at it; purchased by itself, the 20-60mm costs $100 more than the 18-40mm. The lens, along with the new S9 colors, will be available in mid-November.
Panasonic has also announced new software updates that bring some substantial changes to the S9; you can read our coverage of them here.
Click to see our 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 sample gallery
Press Release:
Newark, N.J. (October 8, 2024) – Panasonic is pleased to announce the new LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens based on the L-Mount system standard.
The new LUMIX S 18-40mm is the world’s smallest and lightest* zoom lens, weighing approximately 155g/0.34lb, and is designed to be a compact and lightweight addition to the LUMIX S Series full frame lens line up. This lens covers focal lengths from an ultra-wide angle of 18mm to a standard 40mm, with a closest shooting distance of 0.15m/0.49ft, allowing for the flexibility to capture expansive landscapes and buildings or portrait shots in a natural perspective.
In addition, the lens incorporates the high-quality video performance expected from LUMIX with effective focus breathing suppression.
Main Features
The LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 (S-R1840) will be available for purchase in Mid-November 2024 at valued channel partners for $499.99 USD for the lens and $1799.99 for the N Kit (S9 body + 18-40 lens).
In addition, LUMIX is announcing two new colors to the S9 assortment – Sakura Pink and Mint Green, which will be available for purchase Mid-November. All six colorways will also be available in a new kit that features the S9 body and the S 18-40mm lens, offering the perfect travel partner for creators on the go.
*As of October 8, 2024. Among AF compatible interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
**The world’s thinnest at just 40.9mm when retracted.
| 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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