The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is a Panasonic 8–18mm zoom for Micro Four Thirds, released in 2017. It covers 16–36mm in full-frame terms at a maximum aperture of f/2.8–4. It offers weather sealing and a 315g build.
Best for: Architecture, landscapes, and ultra-wide shooting
Pros
- Constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range
- Weather sealed for outdoor and adverse conditions
- Ultra-wide starting focal length at 16mm equivalent
Cons
- Variable aperture narrows at longer focal lengths
- Higher price than entry-level alternatives
What this lens is good for
Landscapes with filters
A 16-36mm full-frame equivalent ultra-wide that, unlike the bulbous 7-14mm, takes standard screw-in filters, which matters for landscape shooters using ND and polarisers. It is compact, weather sealed, and Leica-sharp, covering ultra-wide to moderate wide in one lens.
Travel and interiors
The wide range and modest weight make it a practical travel wide-angle for architecture, interiors, and tight spaces. The variable f/2.8-4 aperture is the trade-off for the compact size, but it covers a more useful range than a fixed ultra-wide. Full guide →
Specifications
| Lens | |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Type | zoom |
| Status | current |
| Released | 2017-09 |
| Mount | mft |
| Optics | |
| Focal length | 8-18mm |
| FF equivalent | 16-36mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture blades | 7 |
| Elements / Groups | 15 / 11 |
| Focus | |
| Autofocus | Linear Motor |
| MF override | Yes |
| Min focus distance | 0.23m |
| Max magnification | 0.17x |
| Stabilisation | |
| OIS | No |
| Dual IS compatible | No |
| Physical | |
| Weather sealed | Yes |
| Filter size | 67mm |
| Weight | 315g |
| Dimensions | 88mm length x 73.4mm diameter |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | $897 USD |