Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new large-aperture wide fixed focal length LUMIX S Series lens, the 18mm F1.8 (S-S18). Following the 85mm, 50mm, 35mm and 24mm models, it is the fifth in the series of F1.8 large-aperture lenses based on the L-Mount system.
At a compact 340g, the LUMIX S-S18 is highly mobile and can be paired with the S5, LUMIX’s smallest full-frame model. The rugged dust/splash-resistant[i] design ensures reliable field use in challenging conditions and temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius.
This large-aperture lens delivers high optical performance for professional shooting, despite its compact size. The ultra-wide 18mm perspective offers impressive versatility at different shooting distances. The focal length supports landscapes, astrophotography and architecture shots and the lens can also be used for close-ups thanks to the 0.18m minimum focusing distance.
The five-strong LUMIX F1.8 lens series has a common positioning of controls for ease of use and a common barrel diameter that provides the convenience of using the same filters across lenses. Using lenses of a similar size, diameter and centre of gravity also makes it easy to switch between them when an S Series camera is mounted on a gimbal, for example. Covering virtually any framing and composition, use of these fixed focal length lenses ensures filmmaking with streamlined workflow and post-production.
The LUMIX S 18mm F1.8 is comprised 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 use of three aspherical lenses realises beautiful bokeh, a common advantage across the series, while the ED lenses effectively suppress chromatic aberration. The filter diameter is 67 mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.
The LUMIX S 18mm F1.8 is compatible with the LUMIX sensor drive at 240fps to take advantage of high-speed, high-precision auto focusing. For the non-linear setting, focus is shifted with a variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring; while for linear setting focus is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring. Sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees by 30-degree increments[ii].
The lens will be available in late October from leading photographic specialists.
LUMIX S 18mm F1.8 (S-S18) lens: RRP $1549
The Panasonic and L-Mount system alliance is committed to the development of L-Mount lenses for the further expansion of its lineup, fulfilling the needs of customers.
For further information, please visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.
[i] Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water. To avoid damage when using the camera under these conditions, it must be used in accordance with associated instructions in the manual.
[ii] The maximum sensitivity differs by camera model, from 1080 degrees on BS1H (as of September 2022) .