Panasonic Leica DG 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH : Specifications and Opinions

Reviews

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Minod

sent on 17 Ottobre 2021

Pros: Sharpness, micro contrast , "clarity", leica colours , build quality .

Cons: haven't found any yet ,except af problems in low light on my Olympus bodies

Opinion: Found a used one in mint condition , my local retailer let me try it for a day before decision , I was sold and bought it the next day no questions asked . I was looking for a replacement for my old 4/3 mount Oly 9-18 , which is a good lens in its own right but that I found a bit "weak" . In comparison the Leica has more micro contrast , more clarity , is sharper, and wider by 1 mm , which can make a difference sometimes in real estate shots . On the other hand the old 4/3 lens has less distortion , you can see it in raws, but then the jpeg engine takes care of this . Only flaw so far : the Leica does not like to AF in dim light on pictures of wide open spaces ( urbanscapes and landscapes ) , but nothing dramatic . I read it's better on panasonic bodies . Forgot to mention the build quality , just excellent , like the 12-60. Highly recommended .

The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

Dierre.ph

sent on 20 Ottobre 2022

Pros: construction, size, weight, filter thread, IQ, collapsible zoom.

Cons: variable brightness

Opinion: I have for exactly 5 years the Panaleica 8-18, while trying I can not find obvious defects except that the variable brightness (at 10mm is f / 3.2) but basically have an 8mm f / 2.8 is comfortable in many photographic occasions. Built very well and among other things also light (315gr against 534gr of Oly 7-14 and 411gr of 8-25), I had the opportunity to test the tropicalization both in the rain and bringing it to Morocco, among other things also the material used is very pleasant to the touch; Another design advantage is the possibility of mounting screw filters, which makes it more ductile than the M.zuiko 7-14 and on the left side it has the convenient button to switch from AF to MF. As far as image quality is concerned, the Panasonic/Leica designers have given more importance to the naturalness of colors and shades than sharpness (which can be added in post), this makes it an ideal zoom for landscaping while having a "warm" tone like all Panaleica; I also add the best flare resistance compared to M.zuiko 7-14. In conclusion, I think it is one of the best objectives of the m4/3 system.

Eosman

sent on 22 Giugno 2022

Pros: Possibility to mount filters, construction, compactness, color rendering, sharpness, focal range... boh has many others that I'm not here to repeat!

Cons: It is addictive and, perhaps..., the lack of the stabilizer to be able to take advantage of the dual optical / camera stabilization, but it is probably a NON-problem !!!

Opinion: Purchased a few days ago for my G9, where the weight is very well balanced by the excellent ergonomics of the camera, it immediately amazed me for AF speed, Leica colors, sharpness, robustness and lens construction. I didn't take a lot of pictures, but the few ones immediately gave me the impression of a decidedly professional optics. The focal angle is excellent all around (equivalent 16-36 mm on FF). I have included among the cons the lack of the stabilizer to be able to take advantage of the double stabilization, but the focal lengths still allow an excellent use even freehand thanks to the excellent IBIS of the G9. Definitely important is the possibility of being able to use screw filters, which is no small thing when compared to its competitors. Another big flaw ? ADDICTIVE.... I have practically not yet detached it from the G9.

RikCapra

sent on 21 Settembre 2020

Pros: Construction,yield to all focal points,tropicalization,accepts screw filters (67mm)

Cons: Price, f 2.8 only to 8 mm (16 mm) is as if it were a fixed f 4, it is addictive

Opinion: After a year of use I have trouble removing it from my G9. For the mciro 4/3 system is a must have. Excellent yield at all focal points, impressive flare and ghost seal. Excellent tropicalization I found myself around with the rain never had any problems. The predisposition to 67mm screw filters takes away Holder's undersle and slabs to carry with you. High price but quality pays for it. It is considered a constant f 4, f 2.8 only to 8 mm (16 mm).

Cannondale

sent on 12 Agosto 2020

Pros: Clutter and weight, flare resistance, sharpness to all focal points, accepts filters, tropicalization

Cons: cost, UNCERTAIN AF on olympus bodies, bulky lampshade

Opinion: If you are looking for a classic wide angle 16 35 the choice is almost obligatory. Consider a constant F4 with the plus of 2.8 to 16mm very useful for the stars. Light and accepts 67mm filters, very good flare resistance. Excellent sharpness to all focal points, as well as the pro zooms of other brands (nikon, canon, sony). To report some problems on olympus bodies, often inaccurate AF and problems with the machine body stabilizer. On Panasonic bodies instead everything is perfect. For me a must have of the system.

Gioberfoto

sent on 21 Febbraio 2020

Pros: Pro

Cons: Price,soft at open diaphragms corners

Opinion: After buying and trying the Zuiko 7/14 2.8 I wanted and had to consider this optics. Let's say the first difference between Pana and Zuiko is mm. Then the optics are equal in terms of sharpness, although the Zuiko would seem sharper than the average values. But what made me understand which of the two to choose are the flare.il panaleic is almost free of reflection of any kind, the Zuiko was just a little light or side light and Ghost and flare were never missing. As quality the Zuiko would seem to have done better has a distance scale , it has a button to be able to assign any command species with an Olympus M1 mk2, it is in fact a 14/28, and has a constant diaphragm of 2.8.The panaleica does not have all these things but goes straight to the bottom, images with the Leica timbre, sharp , does not suffer or suffer from flare ne of Ghost is a 16/36 and you can mount the filters. I must tell the truth I found a hair of difference how sharpness the Zuiko is ahead, but closing in a little mid diaphragm are identical. Summarizing ,everything written so far by other reviews are consistent with this optics. What to say cost and not little I preferred to put something back because the Zuiko I had bought new and the Pana used but great, but what convinced me at the change useless repeat it are the reflections that on the Pana are almost non-existent. I'll finish by giving a nice 10 to that optics and as soon as I get to try it more I'll update you. Yes after taking a few photos I have to say that it is a good lens but does not convince me at all,creates several halos in particular circumstances and the sharpness at the edges I do not like,the Zuiko was better. Maybe I don't have a feeling with zoom optics I'm thinking of a fixed staying in the Leica house,we'll see.vote 6.

Gvstorm

sent on 23 Luglio 2019

Pros: Solid construction and tropicalization, made superb.

Cons: The price even if justified by the quality. I would have liked it less voluminous... but it's wanting to look for the hair in the egg.

Opinion: I don't use these focal points much also because my (few) wide-angle zoom experiences had never been satisfactory. I wanted to try this lens and I was amazed: the yield is exceptional to all the focal points and openings. What I appreciated the most besides the excellent sharpness that even in the edges is not bad for a wide-angle is the rendering of colors and microcontrast. I feel compelled to advise you with my eyes closed.

Bajonzio

sent on 13 Gennaio 2019

Pros: Excellent construction, internal zoom, excellent sharpness already at full aperture even at the edges, weight

Cons: High price also on used

Opinion: With the passage to M43 I heard from the beginning the lack of the Canon 16-35/4 L I used on 6d. I took it in replacement of the Olympus 9-18 which I always found too soft at the edges except when you close the diaphragm a lot, too dark for the street and too little sharp at the edges for the landscape. This 8-18 in addition to having an extra stop offers much more sharpness at the expense of more generous dimensions even if it is still contained if you think about the focal and brightness hike. The construction then is at the top. I no longer regret the Canon 16-35/4 L although at great magnification the difference can only be there, as it is normal, given the different magnitude of the sensor of the 6d.

user46521

sent on 30 Novembre 2017

Pros: Optimum, lightweight, excellent rendering at all focal points, flare resistance, filter acceptance, tropicalized, fast and accurate.

Cons: Missing distance on maf ring, bulky hood

Opinion: Taken to replace the zuiko 7 14, I found a worthy replacement. It's amazing how much quality can be found in 300 gr. rnWith great uptime throughout the frame, contrasted with the right and gorgeous color rendering.rnA 8mm 2.8 is very good for photos on the latte route.rnAll on olympus AF bodies fast and reliable.rn

Lomapada

sent on 04 Ottobre 2017

Pros: Robust construction. Definition top and typically Leica yield. Possibility to put filters.

Cons: The high price? In fact ... I'm afraid you pay very high optical output in all parameters and all focal lengths

Opinion: The definition is very high, at the top. As I wrote about the "brother" 12-60: the latter, even remarkable, as a definition loses a thread in comparison ... just a thread but there is. Really the 8-18 has that ... 6th gear of the optics that amaze every image you see. The macrocontrasto, the separation of the planes, the rendering of the colors are from Leica, that is very appreciated for those who prefer this rendition, as the undersigned. After a month of testing I did not notice any focuses. Rn As already noted other "videomakers" the fact that f / 2.8 is so only 8mm and then very soon it is af / 4 is not a problem for those who, especially video like me, must almost always put ND filters to keep time on 1/50 of sec. And fortunately on this lens, unlike other 4/3 wide wrenches, the filters can be screwed ... rn

Andriolia

sent on 02 Agosto 2017

Pros: Small size, light weight, possibility to mount circular filters. Very beautiful colors and contrast, great flare resistance. Excellent sharpness.

Cons: In my view, the references to the manual focus ring are completely missing, there is only one dot. At night it would be useful to have the ring with the symbol of the infinite.

Opinion: Bought recently, I would say great. I replaced the Olympus 7-14 f.2.8, a fantastic lens but with flare problems. Also expensive and difficult to mount filters. For the pro see above. I appreciate the small size, lightness. What's more, the lens is guaranteed for 4 years. The focus is lightning.