Hello! Today we’ll be taking a detailed look at Panasonic’s new kit lens, the LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 zoom lens. This review will cover everything from physical characteristics to real-world usage experience, image quality tests, and comparisons with the existing 20-60mm kit lens.
📊 Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Lens Construction | 12 elements in 9 groups |
| Focal Length | 18-40mm |
| Aperture | F4.5-6.3 |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 15cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.28x |
| Aperture Blades | 7 |
| Filter Diameter | 62mm |
| Weight | 159g |
| Dimensions (Max Diameter x Length) | 73 x 72mm (collapsed) |
| Lens Hood | Sold separately |
| Collapsible Design | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
| Mount Type | L-mount |
| Image Stabilization | Uses in-body stabilization |
| Mount Material | Metal |
🔄 Competitive Comparison Table
| Model | Focal Length | Aperture | Weight | Filter Size | Min. Focus Distance | Lens Construction | Weather Sealing | Dimensions (Max Dia. x Length) | Features | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 | 18-40mm | F4.5-6.3 | 159g | 62mm | 15cm | 12 elements in 9 groups | Yes | 73 x 72mm | Collapsible, Ultra-light | $499 |
| LUMIX S 20-60mm | 20-60mm | F3.5-5.6 | 350g | 67mm | 15cm | 12 elements in 11 groups | Yes | 77.4 x 87.2mm | Wider zoom range | $599 |
| Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | 28-70mm | F2.8 | 470g | 67mm | 19.5cm | 16 elements in 12 groups | Yes | 72.2 x 101.5mm | Bright aperture, High resolution | $899 |
| Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD | 20-40mm | F2.8 | 365g | 67mm | 17cm | 17 elements in 12 groups | Yes | 74.4 x 84.8mm | Bright aperture, VXD AF | $699 |
| Sony FE 28-60mm | 28-60mm | F4-5.6 | 167g | 40.5mm | 30cm | 9 elements in 8 groups | Yes | 66.6 x 45mm | Ultra-compact, Collapsible | $498 |
| Sigma 16-35mm F4 DG DN | 16-35mm | F4 | 450g | 72mm | 25cm | 19 elements in 15 groups | Yes | 75.5 x 101.6mm | Ultra-wide, Constant aperture | $749 |
| LUMIX S 24-105mm F4 | 24-105mm | F4 | 680g | 77mm | 30cm | 19 elements in 16 groups | Yes | 84 x 118mm | Standard zoom, Constant aperture | $1,299 |
🎯 Design and Build Features
Benefits of Ultra-Light Design
The LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 boasts an incredibly light weight of just 159g. This is comparable to Micro Four Thirds lenses, which is remarkable for a full-frame lens. This lightweight design is particularly advantageous for extended shooting sessions and travel photography.
Practicality of Collapsible Design
One of this lens’s key features is its collapsible design. When not in use, it can be collapsed into an even more compact size, greatly enhancing portability. While you need to rotate the zoom ring to the 18mm position when powering on the camera, the portability benefits outweigh this minor additional step.
Handling and Finish
The focus ring maintains the smooth operation characteristic of S series lenses. While the zoom ring feels slightly tight initially, it’s expected to smooth out with use. Note that it uses a 62mm filter thread, different from the 67mm common to other S series lenses.
📸 Optical Performance and Image Quality
Wide-Angle Performance
The 18mm wide end provides an ideal angle of view for landscape photography and vlogging. It’s particularly practical for vlogging, offering sufficient width even at arm’s length.
Telephoto Performance
At the 40mm telephoto end, you can achieve moderate background compression. Using the S9 camera’s hybrid zoom feature, you can extend to 62mm in 4K and up to 125mm in Full HD, enabling practical telephoto shooting.
Close-up Capabilities
The 15cm minimum focus distance, while not macro-level, allows for sufficiently close-up shots. This is useful for photographing flowers and small objects.
🎥 Video Recording Performance
Vlogging Utility
The 18mm wide angle is optimized for vlogging. In selfie-style shooting, it captures sufficient background, effectively conveying the surrounding environment. Combined with IBIS and electronic stabilization, it achieves stable footage even while walking.
Focus Breathing Characteristics
Focus breathing is one of this lens’s weaknesses. Changes in angle of view during focusing are particularly noticeable at both 18mm and 40mm ends. While more pronounced than the 20-60mm kit lens, it’s generally manageable in typical use.
AF Performance and Noise
Autofocus operation is quiet and precise. Face/eye detection AF works excellently with newer bodies like the S5 Mark II, S5 MK IX, and S9, maintaining stable focus during video recording. AF motor noise is minimal, even when using internal or external microphones.
💡 Low Light and Optical Characteristics
Flare and Ghost Control
Testing in backlit sunset conditions revealed excellent flare control, even surpassing some more expensive lenses. This allows confident shooting in backlit situations.
Sunstar Rendering
The sunstar effect tested at F16-F22 is somewhat underwhelming. Users seeking artistic sunstar effects should consider this limitation.
Low Light Performance
The variable F4.5-6.3 aperture may pose some limitations in low light. However, when paired with modern full-frame sensors’ high ISO capabilities, practical low-light shooting is still achievable.
🔍 Hybrid Zoom Utilization
4K Mode Extension
In 4K recording, hybrid zoom extends the focal length to 62mm with minimal quality loss, making it practically usable.
Full HD Mode Extension
In Full HD recording, the angle of view can be extended up to 125mm, significantly compensating for telephoto limitations. When used with image stabilization, stable telephoto shooting is achievable.
Image Quality Retention
Despite being digital extension, hybrid zoom maintains surprisingly sharp image quality. The 4K mode extension, in particular, is nearly indistinguishable from optical zoom.
📊 Comparison with Traditional 20-60mm Kit Lens
Weight and Size
At 159g, the 18-40mm lens is significantly lighter than the 20-60mm kit lens. While offering superior portability with its collapsible design, it has a narrower zoom range.
📱 Camera Body Compatibility
Pairing with S9
The combination with the S9 camera represents this lens’s optimal use case. Size and weight balance are perfect, and hybrid zoom functionality enables practical telephoto coverage.
S5 Series Compatibility
Performance is excellent with the S5 Mark II and S5 MK IX. All modern features, especially face detection AF, are fully supported.
Body Balance
The ultra-light design ensures excellent weight balance with any body. Particularly with lighter bodies, fatigue is minimal during extended shooting sessions.
💰 Price-Performance Ratio
Value as a Kit Lens
Maximum value is achieved when bundled with the S9. It provides sufficient performance for users from beginners to professionals as a basic lens.
Standalone Purchase Considerations
When purchasing separately, comparison with the 20-60mm kit lens is necessary. Choose the 18-40mm for portability priority, or the 20-60mm for versatile focal range priority.
Upgrade Path
Serves as a good starting point for users planning future upgrades to bright prime lenses or premium zoom lenses.
🎯 Final Verdict
Advantages Summary
- Ultra-light 159g design
- Practical 18mm wide angle
- Excellent flare control
- Quiet and accurate AF
- Hybrid zoom support
- Outstanding portability
Disadvantages Summary
- Somewhat narrow zoom range
- Focus breathing present
- Variable aperture limitations
- Mediocre sunstar rendering
Purchase Recommendations
This lens is particularly recommended for:
- Prospective S9 buyers
- Users seeking a lightweight travel lens
- Vlogging content creators
- Full-frame beginners
Meanwhile, the following users might consider alternatives:
- Users requiring frequent telephoto shooting
- Primary low-light shooters
- Users seeking pronounced sunstar effects
The Panasonic LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 is a kit lens combining ultra-light design with practical angle of view, offering both portability and versatility. It shows optimal synergy with the S9, with hybrid zoom functionality significantly extending its practical range. Despite some limitations, it provides sufficient value as an entry point into full-frame systems.
