Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3

[Pete_W]

Some sample shots from the smallest L-mount zoom lens...

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/8
• 20mm
• 1/60s
• ISO 100

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/8
• 18mm
• 1/80s
• ISO 100

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/8
• 40mm
• 1/160s
• ISO 100

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/8
• 28mm
• 1/200s
• ISO 100

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/6.3
• 40mm
• 1/250s
• ISO 100

 

[pdk42]

Nice images Pete. What’s your general thoughts on the lens?

 

[Pete_W]

Nice images Pete. What’s your general thoughts on the lens?

Thanks Paul.

My view of the 18-40mm is that it's a decent kit lens. Given the aperture range, it's best used as a daylight lens and while acceptably sharp, it's not in the same league as the other Panasonic or Sigma lenses I own, including the 20-60mm. It's main selling point for me is that it's small and light so it matches really well with the S9 and is the lens I'd take out with just the S9 in my hand.

 

[Pete_W]

A few more sample photos from the 18-40mm lens...

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/10
• 23mm
• 1/80s
• ISO 100

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/8
• 18mm
• 1/250s
• ISO 100

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/8
• 18mm
• 1/400s
• ISO 100

 

[Oíche]

it's best used as a daylight lens

I'm sure given the FF ISO performance you can use it in the dim/dark. I was able to do birding at dusk (blackbird fledglings in hedges ) with the 70-300 at 300mm f5.6 and even the eye detect tracking still worked, ISO was 12800-20000 range

Edit: ... With the S5ii AF

I wish they went for the open box or used once 20-60 prices and the local camera shop always has loads of them for around £175 GBP, about 350 Aus. Currently the 18-40 are around £409.

I've no problem buying this used once equipment, to me they are new.

BTW photos look great here anyway, nice bokeh on the flowers. Lumix make great stuff full stop!

 

[Pete_W]

I'm sure given the FF ISO performance you can use it in the dim/dark. I was able to do birding at dusk (blackbird fledglings in hedges ) with the 70-300 at 300mm f5.6 and even the eye detect tracking still worked, ISO was 12800-20000 range

Edit: ... With the S5ii AF

Yes, it's probably more my lack of skill in taking photos at night that influenced my comment.

Some of the youtubers I've watched get skittish about going above 6400 ISO on their full frame camera. They should just get a LUMIX.

I wish they went for the open box or used once 20-60 prices and the local camera shop always has loads of them for around £175 GBP, about 350 Aus. Currently the 18-40 are around £409.

I've no problem buying this used once equipment, to me they are new.

BTW photos look great here anyway, nice bokeh on the flowers. Lumix make great stuff full stop!

Thanks, and yes LUMIX does make great gear. This S5II is way more than I will ever need. Very happy with my gear. I would like more time to spend on my hobby but those bills must be paid.

 

[Oíche]

Thanks, and yes LUMIX does make great gear. This S5II is way more than I will ever need. Very happy with my gear. I would like more time to spend on my hobby but those bills must be paid.

I have all the time in the world but only do a little bit, I've done the honeymoon stuff years ago and just aim for special atmospheric conditions but I could do far more human content... But I'm a hermit loner like Obi Wan Kenobi

It would need a new revolutionary sensor to make me upgrade from S5ii, not stacked, global or whatever... Something that has perhaps started research and could arrive in 10-15 years.

 

[Markuswelder]

Thanks Paul.

My view of the 18-40mm is that it's a decent kit lens. Given the aperture range, it's best used as a daylight lens and while acceptably sharp, it's not in the same league as the other Panasonic or Sigma lenses I own, including the 20-60mm. It's main selling point for me is that it's small and light so it matches really well with the S9 and is the lens I'd take out with just the S9 in my hand.

Hmmmm mm. I think I might just hold off for a bit on this one. Not because of the price, but until I see if a few more small and light ultrawide options become available

 

[CH_CH]

I have the 18-40 and it is perfect to the S9 for casual use.
It is the camera and lens I can give to non-photographers for a hike or city walk, and they will not complain (so I appear in some pics). The range is perfect for iphone users- from UWA to "normal".
The IQ seems more than sufficient to me (uploads here look A LOT less sharp than originals in my computer).

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/5.8
• 33mm
• 1/400s
• ISO 100

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/6.1
• 37mm
• 1/160s
• ISO 125

 

[Pete_W]

Some more shots from the LUMIX 18-40mm lens. I am appreciating this little lens the more I use it.

Botany Bay

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/8
• 40mm
• 1/320s
• ISO 100

Wildflowers at Cape Solander

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/6.3
• 40mm
• 1/50s
• ISO 100

Pacific Ocean at Cape Solander

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/8
• 40mm
• 1/250s
• ISO 100

Xpan shot - Whale watching shelter at Cape Solander

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 18-40/F4.5-6.3
• ƒ/6.3
• 23mm
• 1/400s
• ISO 100