Panasonic unveils world's smallest full-frame zoom lens
At the same time as the Lumix S5D full-frame camera, Panasonic has introduced a new kit zoom lens, the Lumix S 18 - 40 mm f/4.5 - 6.3. The lens is said to offer one major advantage over the previous kit zooms of the Lumix system: its compact dimensions. The lens measures just 67.9 millimeters in diameter with a length of 40.9 millimeters and weighs 155 grams.
This makes the lens ideal for the particularly compact Lumix S9 full-frame camera, as the combination of camera and lens weighs just 641 grams. According to Panasonic, this is the smallest and lightest full-frame zoom lens with autofocus. The lens is protected against splashes of water, frost down to -10 °C and dust. The front lens has a coating designed to repel dirt.
The focal length is also unusual because, at 18 mm, the zoom lens competes with many ultra-wide-angle fixed focal lengths, with 40 mm at the longer end being a compromise in favor of compact dimensions, just like the relatively small maximum aperture, which is f/4.5 or f/6.3 depending on the focal length. The short focus distance of 15 centimeters is intended to provide the greatest possible flexibility. The lens is based on a design with eight lenses in seven groups, including three lenses with aspherical surfaces, two ED lenses and a UHR element.
Price and availability
The Panasonic Lumix S 18 - 40 mm f/4.5 - 6.3 is expected to be launched in November 2024 for a recommended retail price of $499. The lens will also be offered as a kit with the Lumix S9.
Source(s)
Panasonic (press release)
