Panasonic has announced the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH zoom for Micro 4/3 sensor cameras. This is the second lens to be introduced in the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit F2.8-4.0 series, and joins the Leica 12-60mm.
Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH
The 8-18mm covers a fairly usable range on a Micro 4/3 sensor, but it does so at the expense of not having a constant aperture. The lens features Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology, which is claimed to minimize ghosting and flaring. The housing is said to be dust/splash-proof and will work in temperatures down to down to -10c.
The lens is comprised of 15 elements in 10 groups, and features an aspherical ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens, three aspherical lenses, two ED lenses and an UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The use of these lenses is said to effectively suppresses spherical distortion or chromatic aberration to achieve high resolution and contrast from center to corners.
The next lens in the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit F2.8-4.0 Series lineup will be the 50-200mm telephoto zoom lens.
Just how this lens performs against other wide zoom lenses such as the Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO and Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 ASPH will be interesting to see. The Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm / F2.8-4.0 will start shipping in May for $1099US.
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm F2.8-4 ASPH specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size FourThirds
Focal length 8–18 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8–22
Minimum aperture F4–22
Number of diaphragm blades 7
Aperture notes Circular blades
Optics
Elements 15
Groups 10
Special elements / coatings Aspherical ED, aspherical, ED, UHR elements + Nano Surface Coating.
Focus
Minimum focus 0.23 m (9.06″)
Maximum magnification 0.12×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 315 g (0.69 lb)
Diameter 73 mm (2.87″)
Length 88 mm (3.46″)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Power zoom No
Filter thread 67.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar No
