Photo Corners headlinesarchivemikepasini.com
A S C R A P B O O K O F S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E P H O T O G R A P H E R
Enhancing the enjoyment of taking pictures with news that matters, features that entertain and images that delight. Published frequently.
Panasonic Announces Micro Four Thirds Wide-Angle Zoom
19 April 2017
Panasonic has introduced the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f2.8-4.0 ASPH. as he second lens in its Leica DG Vario-Elmarit f2.8-4.0 series. The company said it plans to extend the series with la 50-200mm (100-400mm 35mm equivalent) telephoto zoom lens as well.
The new wide-angle zoom features a 35mm equivalent range of 16-36mm with an aperture range of f2.8 to f22 in splash-, dust- and freeze-proof design
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the wide-angle zoom include:
- Micro Four Thirds System
- 16-36mm 35mm equivalent
- Aperture range: f2.8 to f22
- One aspherical ED and one UHR element
- Three aspherical and two ED elements
- Nano surface coating
- Splash-, dust- and freeze-proof design
- Rounded 7-blade diaphragm
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the new zoom include:
PANASONIC 8-18mm f2.8-4.0 ASPH. LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Micro Four Thirds Focal Length 8-18mm (16-36mm 35mm equivalent) Aperture Maximum: f2.8 to f4
Minimum: f22
7 rounded diaphragm bladesAngle of View 107° to 62° Minimum Focus 9.06 inches Magnification 0.12x Optical Design 15 elements in 10 groups Autofocus Yes Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 67mm Dimensions 2.89 x 3.46 inches Weight 11.11 oz. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Panasonic said the new 8-18mm zoom would be available at the end of May for $1,099.99. Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders.
For more information see the news release below.
Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f2.8-4.0 ASPH.
Covering 16mm Ultra-Wide-angle to 36mm
NEWARK, N.J. -- Panasonic has introduced a new wide zoom digital interchangeable lens, the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f2.8-4.0 ASPH. (35mm camera equivalent: 16-36mm) as the second lens to be introduced from its Leica DG Vario-Elmarit f2.8-4.0 Series.
Covering a focusing distance from ultra-wide-angle to super telephoto, this new Leica DG Vario-Elmarit f2.8-4.0 series achieves exceptionally high descriptiveness for both photo and video recording and yet its size is compact. All lenses also take advantage of Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating technology to minimize ghosting and flaring. The 8-18 boasts a rugged, dust/splash-proof design and is freeze-proof down to -10° to deliver professional use under harsh conditions. The high-quality video recording capability is also one of the advantages of this lens series.
The new Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f2.8-4.0 ASPH offers a zoom range of ultra-wide16mm to versatile 36mm (35mm camera equivalent). It covers a variety of daily shooting situations, from dynamic landscapes to street photography. Taking advantage of the f2.8-4.0 high-speed performance, it is suitable for capturing starry sky or a night scenery. With a filter (67mm) such as ND or PL, this lens provides various expression in both photos and videos.
Comprised of 15 elements in 10 groups, the lens system features an aspherical ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens, three aspherical lenses, two ED lenses and an UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The use of these lenses effectively suppresses spherical distortion or chromatic aberration to achieve high resolution and contrast from center to corners.
The sensor drive at max. 240 fps enables to take full advantage of cameras with high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF. It also helps to reduce wobbling. Notably, the new lens excels in video recording performance. In addition to the silent operation achieved by the inner focus drive system, the micro-step drive system in the aperture control section helps the camera to smoothly capture brightness changes when zooming or panning. The optical design achieves exceptional barycentric stability to minimize image shifts during zooming. The AF tracking performance when zooming is also improved thanks to high-speed frame analysis for focus control.
The 8-18mm lens will be available at the end of May for a MSRP of $1099.99. Offered in sharp, metallic black, it stylishly matches the Lumix G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras.
The Leica DG Vario-Elmarit f2.8-4.0 Series lineup will expand with additional 50-200mm (100-400mm, 35mm camera equivalent) telephoto zoom lens.