Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, reviewing the Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 — Panasonic Lumix S1 II, and Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3
Photo by Kevin Kwong (Photo captured with my Leica SL2-2 and Kevin’s Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6)

It’s Hard Not to Like This One

The Compact Lumix 18-40mm Wide-Angle Zoom

It’s a common misconception that small lenses are best suited for small cameras. It is no secret that the Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 compact wide-angle lens was created for or in tandem with the portable Lumix S9 camera.

But what if you have one of the heavier Panasonic Lumix cameras, such as the S1R pictured below, or the medium-sized S1 II pictured above?

The Lumix 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 is an excellent way to reduce the overall size and weight of your kit. Case in point, the 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 makes my Leica SL2-S easier to lug around and feels like a breath of fresh air.

But how did I get along with this new wide-angle zoom otherwise?

The Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 on the Panasonic Lumix S1R — Panasonic Lumix S1R and Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3

Introduction

As mentioned in the intro paragraph, the Lumix 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 was designed for the S9, but it did not arrive in time for the S9 launch. When the 18-40mm lens finally arrived months later, consensus among reviewers stated that it was the lens missing for a great setup with the S9, and how unfortunate the delay was.

Unfortunately, I did not have an S9 for this review, but instead, I had access to my friend Goran’s Lumix S1R, which allowed me to capture sample images with a high-res camera. I also met up with fellow Vancouver photographer Kevin Kwong and tried the 18-40mm with his new Lumix S1 II. Furthermore, you will see sample images created with my Leica SL2-S.

Panasonic Canada provided the lens for this review. They had no say, input, or narrative in the review. The opinions expressed are mine, and mine only. The lens was returned to Panasonic after the review period had ended.

At the time this review was posted, the Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 retailed for $497.99.

Two vintage car in British Columbia parked in the drive way. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 and Leica SL2-S. — Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 @ f/8, 20mm

Handling, Specs, and Build Quality

I had a hard time believing that anything special would come out of this lens when I first held it. It is completely unassuming, and the first impressions of build quality didn’t impress me.

It is incredibly light, weighing only 5.5 oz (155 g), making it feel almost airy. However, things change as you mount the lens. As soon as the lens is on the camera, the initial impressions start to fade as the lens feels well-built, and you smile, wondering how they could make a lens with this focal length range so light.

Then you realize you have to move the lens from the locked position to use it (due to its collapsible design). This does change the overall size of the lens, but it is not an issue worth complaining about.

The 18-40mm lens features three aspherical elements, two ED elements, and an ultra-high refractive index lens. The minimum focusing distance is an impressive 5.9" (15 cm), and the filter size is 62mm.

Coal Harbour, summer morning, Vancouver. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 and Panasonic Lumix S1R. — Panasonic Lumix S1R, Panasonic Lumix S S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 @ f/8, 20mm

In Action

For years, I used Canon 16-35mm zoom lenses, but I haven’t had one for more than ten years. When I first went through the zoom range, which I find extremely useful, it was like a flashback to my Canon days, but also a whole new experience, as the Lumix S 18-40mm is so small and only weighs a fraction of my former EF 16-35mm zooms.

I had two other lenses from Panasonic at the same time as the 18-40mm, and more often than I expected, I would reach for the 18-40mm to capture a wider perspective in a scene.

Once I got over the surprise of the collapsible design, it never really bothered me in real use. Autofocus speed was sufficiently fast for the types of images you see in this review.

The maximum f-stop for the 18-40mm can be limiting if you are aiming to shoot handheld action in low light. For the sample images in this review, the f/4.5-6.3 range was sufficient, and I never found it a limitation.

But note also, I had the lens in the middle of summer and mostly ventured out when I had plenty of light. When the light drops or for indoor photography, expect to bump your ISO to higher values.

The Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm wide angle zoom lens in the locked and unlocked positions — Panasonic Lumix S1 II, and Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 in the locked and unlocked positions (Collapsible design)

Image Quality

I was positively surprised by the results that I got from the Lumix S 18-40mm on the three different cameras. It held its own, even on the higher-megapixel S1R. That said, I was also not completely blown away by the image quality.

But perhaps I have to keep my expectations in check here. This is not a prime lens, nor is it an exorbitantly expensive, fast, pro-level wide-angle zoom. However, I would not hesitate to use this for travel, social media, or even professional gigs when I have enough light.

Colours are rendering pleasingly, and the lens looks sharp enough for most of us. The only thing missing is a special look to the images that sometimes shines through when using prime lenses.

Below are two images, one captured at 18mm, and the next at 40mm. This focal length range is quite ideal, especially for travel.

Please click on the sample images to view them in sizes up to 2500 pixels, depending on your monitor size. You can also pinch-zoom if you use a mobile phone.

Steveston Harbour. The Pansonic Lumix S 18-40mm at 18mm — Panasonic Lumix S1 II, Panasonic Lumix S S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 @ f/8, 18mm

Steveston Harbour. Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm at 40mm. — Panasonic Lumix S1 II, Panasonic Lumix S S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 @ f/8, 40mm

Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 is an ideal lens for travel, perfect for when you want to travel light. It’s a great match for the compact Lumix S9, but it can also help reduce weight if you have a bulkier and heavier camera.

My friends Goran and Kevin almost ignored the other two Panasonic lenses I had on hand during this test, and both were primarily interested in the 18-40mm. I believe they were attracted to the compact nature of the lens. They both own the Lumix S 20-60mm zoom lens, and yet the small form factor of the 18-40mm had them paying extra attention.

Chilliwack Great Blue Heron Habitat. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 and Panasonic Lumix S1R — Chilliwack, Great Blue Heron Habitat, Panasonic Lumix S1R, Panasonic Lumix S S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 @ f/7.1, 23mm

Last year, I tried the Voigtländer Nokton 21mm f/1.4, and this type of lens aligns more with my taste and the category of lenses I tend to gravitate towards. It’s a fixed focal length but with a much faster aperture, which allows for low-light or shallow-depth photography. However, it has manual focus only; it is considerably bulkier, heavier, and more expensive.

If you were pairing a lens with a Lumix S9 and want a lighter, carefree setup, my Voigtländer lens selection above would be doable, but probably not the best fit.

I hope I have demonstrated through the sample images that the Lumix S 18-40mm is a lens to be reckoned with. If you are looking for versatility, autofocus, and a fair-weather lens in a compact package, the 18-40mm lens deserves your consideration.

Please see more sample images below.

Pros

Portability
Versatile zoom range
Image quality

Cons

Build quality
Collapsible design

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 - B&H Photo

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