Panasonic has introduced 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 can be paired with the S5, LUMIX’s smallest full-frame model. The rugged dust/splash-resistant design ensures reliable field use in challenging conditions and temperatures down to -10 degrees celsius.
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 F1.8 fixed focal length lenses feature a common size and position of control parts, including a similar centre of gravity, making it easy, for example, to exchange lenses quickly with minimum balance adjustment when the camera is on a gimbal. Common filters can also be used thanks to the same diameter. Use of these five LUMIX S F1.8 fixed focal length lenses will suffice for filmmaking with minimum workflow and post-production process.
The LUMIX S-S18 lens is comprised of 13 lens elements in 12 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 filter diameter is 67 mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.
The LUMIX S-S18 lens 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.
For video recording, LUMIX S 18mm F1.8 also has with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, as well as micro-step aperture control.
The lens will be available in late October, RRP $1,549.