A Look At The Panasonic 8-18mm f/2.8~4 Zoom Lens For Micro Four Thirds Cameras

[@NeoDon1]

Dear David, I hope you can see this or hear my prayer for you. Thank you, I feel like I knew you through this work of your explaining camera gear, you are missed. RIP

[@ChangeTomorrow]

Straightforward, no-nonsense reviews every time. I really miss this guy.

[@beatrixkills1]

RIP David. It feels surreal I won't get to hear your review of the new 8-25 Olympus Pro. I think you would have had some priceless insight.

[@paulstevenson200]

A sublime mixture of restrained, technical diligence, informed critique and quiet but enthusiastic applause; an absolute delight to watch and listen. I will never be able to afford such a lens but it is always a pleasure to watch your reviews and I appreciate what you do and how you do it very much. Tip o' the hat.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks so much, Paul! Lovely as all these lenses are, they are in no way a precondition for good photography. As mt first chief photographer used to tell me, no one particularly notices you or the camera you use, they just remember the pictures you take.

[@agenericaccount3935]

Gonna have to buy it if only as tribute to your poetry about it. Rest well, Mr. Thorpe.

[@seangsithorng]

David, I miss you.

[@JerryRigEverything]

Thank you!

[@ofmetalphilosophy4837]

Durability test and tear-down for this lens?

[@killiansolomon8434]

instablaster.

[@stormedbyhippiesc3966]

Felt like a spiritual video, refined and cleansing voice that brought my awareness to another level. The lens is nice also.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Wow! Thank you :-)

[@zoomfx777]

Hi David, I'm going to quit watching your reviews. I've spent too much money on your personal enthusiastic reviews of lenses for my Panasonic MFT systems. Well, I just bought another one, yes the 8-18 lens. And of course you're right again...Now saving up to complete my lens lineup with the 100-400mm. If I had a wife she wouldn't let me watch your videos...You're the best, keep it up!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! No, don't stop watching. I have a better idea, find a wife who not only lets you watch my videos but encourages you to buy the cameras as well :-)

[@wcbibb]

For those of you who appreciate full-frame, lenses are heavier, bigger, and more expensive. You can have both micro 4/3rds and full-frame. I can place my entire bag in an overhead compartment on an airplane and hike for miles with all my gear in micro 4/3rds. My 800mm equivalent Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm telephoto zoom bird photos impress the guys down at the camera store. Birds-in-flight can be adequately captured but there are better systems no doubt. Low light? My G9 takes photos at night.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

As you say, there can be better systems for certain tasks but if they are not at hand because of transportation difficulties, it don't mean a thing. There aren't meany things a well used Micro Four Thirds camera can't do if you have the skill to use it properly.

[@jacquesmagnan8933]

your video are such a joy to watch. Just focused on the subject, with great image to support it. A reference when it comes to m43 and downright honest point of view from a professional. Thank you David.

[@bozo859]

If we go to David's blog listed above, we can use the Amazon link there to support his efforts with our purchases without any additional charge!

[@grabmint]

I'm Glad you're back!!! More videos Please.

[@Myrulv]

My daughter picked up a second hand 8-18 for me this week. So my "new" 8-18 is waiting for me when I get home again on Sunday ... I can't wait .... Thank you for the review, which I also checked out before buying. :)

[@weinelm]

Another great review, thanks. I picked up this lens a couple of weeks ago for exactly the same reasons - 18mm makes it a really useful lens with ultra wide capability. Really pleased with it so far.

[@harrisedgar]

Thank you David...!!! Great as usual. What did you do in Photoshop in 5:25 to defocus the background..?

[@SkylerKing]

A new David Thorpe video!? Christmas has come early!!!!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hahha! Thanks, Skyler. It has been a bit delayed because I've been working on my GH5 book.

[@SkylerKing]

David Thorpe I had no idea you were working on a book. When will it be available, and where?

[@mrscribbler]

Great review, thanks for taking the time. Unusually for me, I bought this lens without waiting for your review but no regrets, it's hardly left my camera since! Love the warm contrasty pictures it gives, I find 8mm is wide enough and 18mm turns out to be surprisingly useful too. It's an awesome city / landscape lens.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank Matt - yes, a very good all round lens. It is nice to have a very wide lens that you can also use for normal pix. I was thinking of a salt mine I visited in Krakow, Poland recently. There were small statues in rock salt and then an entire underground cathedral carved by the miners. This lens would have handled all of it without a change. That's why I am keeping it!

[@JokingJay]

I actually bought this one before your review came out, much to my chagrin/trepidation. Fortunately, I'd agree with everything you noted, with the filter thread being especially useful (almost too good to be true on my recent trip to Iceland, what with waterfalls galore). Likewise, I'd add that the lens' weather sealing seems well up to the challenge even in fairly significant drenchings, at least in my experience. (Btw, great review as always.)

[@petegleeson1]

lovely images and the voice of experience whats not to like?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you. Pete.

[@kevinbrown6692]

David, I am at a loss... can you please help me out? I can't seem to get near the interior quality/low light pictures for posting online (Realtor) with my Panasonic GH3 compared to others who are using full frames. I have some quality lenses, but still not the result that I am wanting. Will this 8-18 be a good fit? Thanks in advance. Kevin.

[@soholingo]

Always glad to see you post a new video David. I haven't heard much about this lens, so it's good to get your take.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Jay.

[@PostColorGear]

which teleconverter do you use?

[@Deathbynature89]

Very nice. I am excited for the Laowa 7.5mm f/2, it's super tiny and has minimal distortion.

[@mafianoodles]

Hopefully David will review it...

[@GregConquest]

I'm thinking about the Laowa 7.5mm in addition to the Samyang 12mm and another 16mm prime, or one of these pro-level zooms, but the review I saw* showed the Laowa was not as sharp at the Olympus or Panasonic 7-14 and 8-18 unless the aperture was stepped down to 2.8. The size is still nice, but for speed, it is not usably faster than the two zooms, and the Laowa is still half the price of the two pro-level zoom lenses and double the price of other wide primes. ... * ( mirrorlesscomparison - Laowa 7.5mm f/2 vs the MFT Wide-Angle Zooms - Quick comparison )

[@mikebrown3377]

Understand this lens uses in camera distortion correct will this still work using this lens on a Olympus E-M1 Mk 3 body? Mike Brown

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Mike, yes it'll work the same on Olympus as Panasonic. Olympus used not to correct for purple fringing in Panasonic lenses but that was many years ago.

[@GSXRMVDUCRD]

My understanding is that distortion correction is a m43 standard so one gets that benefit with any combination of Panasonic and Olympus lenses and bodies. However, I have noticed less close focus capabilities with the Olympus 12-40 on the Panasonic GH4

[@edsassler285]

Your comment about how your kit is changing with new lenses struck a nerve. I started out with the 14-42 zoom that came with my first Lumix camera, then added the 45-200, and that's what I carried for a bit. Then I got into primes - my father's advice from 30 years ago kicked in, so I got a "normal" lens (Olympus 25mm f1.7) and zoomed with my feet. Now I have everything from the 6.5mm circular fisheye to the Panasonic 100-400, which means it's going to take me 15 minutes just to decide which lenses to take for any given trip, and another 10 minutes moving dividers around in my bag so they all fit. I get to where I'm shooting on a bicycle, so I'm limited by how much weight and bulk I can carry - am I the only photographer who always shows up with exactly the wrong lenses?

[@davidthorpe7732]

No, you're not the only one! I take lenses covering 8-210mm which covers everything I do. I do like to take a fish-eye and a macro lens and a 45mm f/1.8. But, on a bike, I can't so I guess we just have to accept that until someone comes up with an f/2.8 6.5 to 400mm we're just going to have to put up with it. I am not going to hold my breath :-)

[@TheGregWallace]

Hello- Are u planning on doing a review of the panasonic 10-25mm Leica lens F1.7 ?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I am, when I can get hold of one.

[@KallusGarnet]

i forgot about that lens since its so big and expensive I don't see the point.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@@KallusGarnet Some do, some don't.

[@michaelmcnulty2006]

David, your reviews are top shelf. Comments are relevant and well presented. Have a GH5, 12-60, 12-35, 35-100. Every time I think I'm covered you put out another temptation. Please consider this in the future. If I had a wife she wouldn't like you either.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Michael! Where wives are concerned, I will be employing a bodyguard from now on I am going to make my videos from a secret and safe location somewhere in the Scottish highlands. I will not be silenced 😎

[@davidgrim5990]

Off topic but I bought your GH5 guide and love it but wish you could write a book about micro 4/3 photography. None of the books out really cover the micro 4/3 format and its limitations. I'd love to get a book by someone that knows photography all the way from film and DSLR background that also understands what it takes to shoot well in the micro 4/3 format.

[@boblim1549]

Bought after viewing this and very impressed. So much lighter than than my son's Oly 7-14 & he needs an adapter thingy to fit a filter. As others have commented, your mellifluous delivery along with the dry wit and first rate knowledge make your reviews unmissable.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Bob, glad you enjoy the videos.. This lens found a permanent place in my bag within a short time of buying it.

[@no1un0]

David, I don't know if you can read this where you are up there, but your review helped me to trade my 7-14 Pany for this lens. Love your reviews. Miss you.

[@photojoseph]

Nicely done!

[@MrSoftypolimer]

I might have missed it but is these lens smaller compare to Olympus and Panasonic 7-14?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's a bit bigger than the Panasonic 7-14, a bit smaller than the Olympus.

[@BillBarr]

I don't miss the extra mm on the wide end, distortion correcting software would crop it out anyways. Edge to edge, this is the best of the wide zooms by far.

[@appleandbiscuit]

Thank you for your excellent and detailed review. On the strength of this, we bought one and it has been a wonderful addition to our line-up. Almost all our videos are made exclusively on Panasonic GH5 and GH4, so you could say we're big fans of the format! Let me know how I can buy you a pint..

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks - glad my thoughts have been helpful. There's a PayPal button on most of my video descriptions but you really don't have to. I get great enjoyment from making the vids and them being appreciated be people like you.

[@marcusspelge3797]

master of words as always - magic

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you!

[@johnbourke3074]

Sadly missed....

[@Marticulate]

Thanks for another great review. Very interested in this lens to augment or replace my 7-14mm.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! Yes, that's what i've done, replaced my 7-14. Main reason, as I say in the video is that it works for me as a general purpose lens at the long end which means less lens changing.

[@karls5795]

Thank you again for the wonderful review. You always get me to thinking again about my choices. I must have missed it but I'm wondering why you're not staying with the Oly 7-14mm f2.8. Faster lens, helpful in low light, wider and about the same price. I do like the screw on filter Pana offers although I could use a square filter rig on the Oly (but more expensive). Interesting that you're moving to one prime lens Pana 25mm in your kit. I wonder what you're shooting with it and why the 25mm focal length in particular?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Karl. I actually had the Panasonic 7-14mm. At these focal lengths I'm not concerned with out and out speed since I use super wide focal lengths mainly to exaggerate perspective or to get a lot in my shot. So there's nothing moving in my pix usually to require a high shutter speed. With the stabilization available now and the ISO speeds available, there's not really any light level that can't be coped with at f/4 for a wide-angle. Where depth of field is concerned, I just don't use wide angles if I want it shallow. Which brings me to the 25mm f/1.4. Nice shallow depth but still usable indoors in relatively limited space. I have that purely for the aperture. Being a lazy so and so, i'm always looking to minimize lens changing and wieght and minimize how many lenses I carry. So, I have 8-18 for all wide angle and general purpose work, the 25mm for when I want limited DoF and the 40-150mm f/2.8 Olympus + converter for everything else. Effectively, I replace the 7-14 Panasonic and the Olympus 12-40mm with 8-18 and 25mm. I hasten to add that it makes sense to me but I can see it wouldn't necessarily to other photographers! As a rider, I'd add that if I buy 72mm filters for the 40-50mm, I only need step down rings for any other lens. I do enjoy cutting everything down to the bone!

[@karls5795]

I agree with your philosophy to reduce and simply where possible. I'm getting up there in years and moved two years ago from my Canon kit to Olympus EM-5 mk II, originally for size and weight. After two years I couldn't be happier with the choice. I now carry a bag less than half the size and a quarter of the weight of my old Canon gear. I'm using three lenses and like yourself, I prefer to change lens as little as possible. I'm using Oly 7-14mm, f2.8, Oly 17mm f1.8, and 40-150mm f4-5.6. The Oly 7-14mm my newest still learning and see how it fits me and how it might change what I do. It's heavy & big relative to my other lens, but beautiful images. No screw-on filter capability is a problem for me, will see how it goes, the Panasonic 8-18mm could be the answer. The Oly 17mm f1.8 is a sweet spot for me, general walk around, people, street, etc.(but doesn't have that shallow DoF of your 25mm f1.4). One other quality of the Oly 17mm lens that deserves mentioning is the ease of sliding back the front ring to go manual focus, truly a useful feature built into the Oly lens. I find I'm doing more manual focus than I used to because of this design. The Oly 40-150mm is simply the best budget (cheap) lens I've ever owned, cheapest, plastic, light weight, small size, but image quality better than my Canon lens costing four times as much. I live in the rainy and wet North West US and moisture and dust protection have become more important to me, especially since with the smaller and light 4/3 gear I find that my camera is with me lot more often than in the past. I'm in my late sixties now, and I have found that the incredible image stabilizing of the Oly EM5 mkII has had the greatest impact on my photography. Handheld still makes up 95% of my shooting and the EM 5 has made this kind of shooting even better than my Canon and Nikon days of my youth. Again, thanks for your ongoing reviews, I find them very helpful. p.s. still looking at fast primes with short focal lengths for shallow Dof.

[@dice3809]

I knew there was a reason why i couldnt sleep. The universe wouldnt allow me to sleep until i watched your newest review!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

What can I say - except sleep well :-)

[@dice3809]

David Thorpe I did right after watching it twice. And the model was beautiful.

[@roni910]

what do you recomended for street photography, GX85 or G85?

[@davidthorpe7732]

Either will do it well but somehow the GX85 feels the better camera for it. It has a smaller but perfectly usable EVF and the smaller physical size allows it to tuck away neatly under the arm. I also find the squarer shape makes it easier to whip out quickly from a shoulder bag or whatever. In particular, many people, including me, find the tilting screen much quicker to deploy than the GX85's admittedly more versatile articulated one.

[@roni910]

David Thorpe Thanks for your answer David! :)

[@s.m.s.m.630]

Just ordered this lens online. Thank you David for this wonderful review. Also bought a step up ring for my 72mm filters (a set of ND + BW polariser for my 40-150 Olympus PRO lens). Can't wait to shoot with it! What lenses do You usually have with you in your camera bag? What is your favourite lens so far? Mine is Oly 25mm PRO f1.2.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

My lenses always in my bag are the 8-18 Panasonic and either the 40-150 f/2.8 Olympus + converter or the Panasonic 50-200mm. In the middle for when I need it is the Panasonic 25mm f/1.4. It's hard to say a favourite since no lens will do everything but for sheer usefulness under all light conditions, the 40-150 Pro would be the nearest. Otherwise, the Panasonic 35-100 f/2.8 which is wonderfully compact for such a lens.

[@davidzx692]

Great review! I am using Laowa 7.5mm f2.0 manual lens. It also accepts filters, it is bright and sharp.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks David! I'm hoping to review one of those soon and I've heard good things from others too.

[@prabhakarrao4922]

Hi I have the Laowa 7.5mm. It is a very good lens in most situations with the only exception being a loss in contrast when shooting into the direction of the light. Otherwise very happy with it.

[@studioviper3016]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks!

[@basujayanta1]

Thanks for this beautiful review. Could you just tell how this lens works on an Olympus body, in terms of usability and in-body lens profile corrections? I hope it works pretty much the same as on a Panasonic body, as I am expecting to use it on an Olympus body. Thanks.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Jayanta. The lens works on the Olympus much the same as any Olympus lens except that it is manual focus, of course. Lens correction are carried out, I presume since there in no problem with distortion or fringing. It'll work the same on on Olympus body as a Panasonic. Used it on both as I do most lenses.

[@basujayanta1]

@@DavidThorpeMFT thanks for the reply. But are you sure about the "manual focus" bit. The reason I say this is because there are many articles widely available on the Internet that says that olympus and Panasonic lenses are fully cross compatible. Also its a fact that many photographers actually use the Pana-leica 100-400mm lens on their olympus body. Do they only use manual focus to shoot wildlife, especially birds in flight?

[@basujayanta1]

In fact you yourself have a video here in KZbin that shows both Panasonic and Olympus lenses do autofocus absolutely fine when fitted to a body belonging to the other brand !!!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@@basujayanta1 We seem to have a misunderstanding. This Laowa is a manual focus lens where the Olympus is autofocus. Both work in their respective methods on either body, as do all Micro Four Thirds standard lenses.

[@basujayanta1]

@@DavidThorpeMFT thanks, but there must be some huge misunderstanding!!! I'm commenting below the video of "Panasonic 8-18mm lens review and obviously concerned about the autofocus ability of this particular lens on a olympus body!!! I'm not at all interested in Laowa lens!!! Anyway I have already gathered enough information about this 8-18mm Panasonic lens to know that it actually autofocus fine with any Olympus body.

[@mrpwd7322]

Nice review, as always David.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks you Mr PWD!

[@Timf1964]

Another great review. OUt of interest, what converter do you use - maybe you could review it for us. Keep up the excellent work.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks - I use the Olympus 1.4 times for the 40-150mm. There's a review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKCzcpmAhtChd8U

[@garylambe1187]

Hi David, I've just ordered this lens after selling my oly 7-14mm. I have the 100mm Lee filter system and wondered if I would need the 67mm wide angle adapter or the normal standard version. The w/a adapter is twice as much as the standard. Any clues David?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I haven't got a Lee System but it looks to me as if the standard would do the trick with a reservation that I can't try. If I fit a filter using a 67-72mm step up ring, I get no vignetting at all. The stepping ring is obviously a lot thinner than the Lee adaptor but then the Lee filters are 38mm wider so should easily compensate for the extra thickness. A real flyer this but if set the lens to 8mm and put a 100mm ruler in front of the lens it needs to be within approximately 25mm from the front of the lens before there is any cut-off. That would imply to me that provided that any combination of filters used wouldn't didn't place a filter further than 25mm from the front pf the lens at 8mm, there's be no problem. It's a flyer because I can't test it but reading between the lines of the Lee filters advice which is that the wide-angle adaptor is recommended but the standard is suitable, it may be that using four filters together might push things a bit and you may be restricted to three at the 8mm end. Keep in mind that if you really must have that fourth filter and 8mm, you probably have Shading Comp available in the menu which will even the corners out for you unless they are actually cut off (unlikely). Sorry I can't be more authoritative but I'd be confident that the cheaper option would be fine.

[@ahmaddandy2]

Hey can i ask something about crop factor? Ihave a g7 and the crop factor 2 , i wanna buy the meike 35mm for MFT are they still getting up into 70mm or not? Coz i think the crop factor just active when we buy adapter or something like dat..

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Of course you can, Ahmad. Whatever the real focal length of the lens, it stays that. A 35mm lens will always be a 35mm lens whatever camera you put it on, with or without an adapter. A 35mm lens thus gives the same image size whatever you do with it. So lets say we have a ruler 2 metres wide and on a camera with a sensor 35mm wide (FF) our 35mm lens fills the frame with it horizontally. If we keep everything the same but fit the lens to a Micro Four Thirds camera with a sensor 17.5mm wide, it can only include half the ruler since it is only half as wide. This is your 2x crop. In order to include the whole 2m ruler from the same spot a 2x crop means you need a lens of half the focal length. Or, keeping the 35mm lens on, move twice as far away. Whether the lens is a Nikon 35mm fitted using an adapter or the Meike 35mm for Micro Four Thirds, 35mm is 35mm and gives a fixed image size. It would be helpful if we talked about the angle of view of a lens rather than its focal length since AoV is universal. A 35mm lens on FF gives a horizontal AoV of 54 degrees. On your G7 it gives an AoV 29 degrees. On the FF camera it is a mild wide-angle, on the G7 a mild telephoto. If you want to reproduce the AoV of a 35mm lens on a full frame camera you need a 17mm lens for Micro Four Thirds. If this is too confusing, let me know.

[@ahmaddandy2]

David Thorpe thanks dude you really reply it well OMG 👏👏 but something dat i confuse when i buy the meike 35mm for MFT did i get the crop factor ?

[@ahmaddandy2]

David Thorpe dude now i get it your point read more about crop factor on the internet! But actually thankyou very much.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

You did. 35mm on Micro Four thirds is a short telephoto. The same lens on FF would be a mild wide-angle.

[@ahmaddandy2]

David Thorpe yes dude. Hmm can i ask you something dude? Im so confuse i have my g7 but i want to switch into sony a6000 coz i love photo and video, i dont mind the 4k video. Should i take the a6000?

[@kingchoy6653]

Love your style, nice review.

[@gunsaccessories8853]

Great review as always! Thank You.

[@bestvideos4ever1]

i've got bouth, but love the 7-14 mm more then other one. cause its sharpness and colors

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The Olympus Pro lenses are all pretty special.

[@bestvideos4ever1]

David Thorpe i have bouth panasonic

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@@bestvideos4ever1 Spoilt for choice :-)

[@johnhaynes9910]

As ever David, an excellent review on a lens I'm thinking about and whether this or the 7-14 would be better for me on my Lumix G80 which frankly I mainly use for video and the ability to use screw in things like ND filters can be crucial. Yes I am a fan of your reviews and I know that you are a keen advocate of Micro 4/3 but for still photography which is a mix of wildlife, action and landscape I tend to prefer my Canon DSLRs.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for the kind words, John. I'd choose the 8-18mm for video, first of all for its ability to take filters but also because if you want to do something where you don't want the wide-angle perspective (which can look unnatural in video, I find), the 18mm end is long enough to look 'normal'. With the wildlife etc, if you are happy with the weight and size of the DSLRs, why not? My preference is for smaller cameras that I can haul easily on my bike or when walking but it is all personal preference. In a perfect world I'd have a Hasselblad digital outfit with 50, 80 and 150 and 250 lenses for when I wanted best quality. I don't have any loyalty to formats and if something came along that suited my purposes more closely than Micro Four Thirds I'd move to that.

[@johnhaynes9910]

Thanks David, still think you have a great voice over pair of pipes ! :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you think so John! I think I may sing the next review 😱

[@johnhaynes9910]

Steady there, he, he, he !

[@rbninetyfive4336]

Been watching your video's for a while now, and i always love the vibe of your video's ! Down to earth, straight foreword and as always including the info we need. Plus you make me feel good about my choice as a M43 user!

[@davidthorpe7732]

Thanks - I'm Dr Feelgood now, then :-)

[@rbninetyfive4336]

haha when i find myself feeling down i will come to you doc !

[@bradleyjadir5849]

i enjoyed your chilled tone on this

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad to hear that, Bradley, thanks!

[@MarkoKoskenoja]

Great review David

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you, Marco!

[@badgerag]

Just bought pne of these, can't wait to use it for city/landscapes. I also have the 40-150pro, and like you, was just thinking that with a 25mm prime, I'm good to go

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, great combo of lenses that covers all bases. The 8-18 is such a useful - and sharp - lens, you'll love it.

[@johnbald9639]

ALWAYS a pleasure to watch your reviews. Thank you David.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you, John!

[@RDMracer]

Is it parfocal like the 12-60?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

No, afraid not.

[@lindamcmullin785]

Great review, David, and gives me a lot to think about. I have a couple of lenses I need to sell because I'm not using them, but they're GREAT lenses and it's SO HARD to do it. Out with the old, as you say, and hopefully doesn't apply to me, either...LOL. Best wishes from Texas (North - no hurricane at my house). Always a pleasure to hear your thoughts.

[@haji26]

Hi, is this ideal for video?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi, Andi - yes, as good for video as any Micro Four Thirds lens. The very wide angle looks a bit strange on video but that's why people like it! 18mm gives you a more normal looking result.

[@andrewvitti8468]

Finally! A real review of this lens. Thank you! subbed and liked!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Good to hear that - thanks, Andrew.

[@JosephStalin01]

I have been struggling for several weeks over Olympus 7-14 or the new Panasonic/Leica 8-18 . . . I was coming to the conclusion that I would be going with the Panasonic but this video confirmed . . . thank you :)

[@alan.macrae]

Great review, David. So happy I found you in here. Like badgerag below, I just bought one of these last week. I've only shot a handful of frames with it on my Pen-F but, I'm pleased with the purchase. I see myself getting a lot of mileage out of this lens.

[@pas10031972]

Does it work well on Olympus body ?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, Pas, the same as on a Panasonic body. No problem.

[@julienbeltran3714]

Another very good video from you David, always a pleasure to watch :) Can't wait for the next one !

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Julian. I'm starting on a comparison of the GH5 and Olympus E-M1 Mkll at the moment. It looks like a lot of work!

[@julienbeltran3714]

Oh, I can imagine ! that is a very anticipated one, for sure ! I shoot with a G7 and think about upgrading within the micro 4/3 system since I love my lenses, so I won't miss that one ! Keep the great work David !

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Julien, I'll try to!

[@markriley7472]

An excellent lens-best I've ever had! Expensive, yes, but should be the only wide angle you need for years to come! Excellent construction with weather sealing, super sharp, great contrast and lovely colour. Love the dramatic shots and distortion from an 8mm focal length. It's also a very decent lens for some casual astrophotography! Of course, your reviews are excellent and well balanced, and helped me decide to get this. Thank you :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I agree, Mark. It's a basic working lens for me now. As you, say expensive but you are getting a fine lens in every way for the money and it looks less expensive if it is kept and used for years. Glad the review helped - thanks!

[@jonsnih492]

Finally a Panny zoom that is as capable and unique as your review(s). It looks like that the PL F2.8-4.0 zoom lens series got rid of purple fringing on Oly bodies (several Oly users confirmed this).

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! Yes, Panasonic do seem to have made the effort to eliminate it at source this time. The 7-14 Panasonic occasionally had the fringing to the point where it wasn't easily eliminated in post processing with Olympus bodies. Thankfully that does seem to be in the past now.

[@damiansciberras]

Although I can't afford this lens, I really enjoyed watching. Top review as usual David!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks very much - remarks like that are what make making the videos so rewarding for me,

[@onthequiet2466]

Which would you choose between this and Olympus 12-40 f2.8? Presuming you have other focal lengths covered. I often increase the volume and carry out other chores while I listen to your witty comments. Thank you.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

That's very pleasing to hear - thanks! If I had the normal range of focal lengths covered I'd choose the 8-18mm. It's nice to have the super-wide view on tap but also to be able to take general shots as well. I'm very fond of the dramatic perspective at 8mm.

[@timclark2117]

Great review David! Looking at some of the images on Flickr this is a very capable lens. I find the Olympus 7-14 a little heavy on the EM5 mk2 and tempted to sell it for this one. It would be a more useful focal range and the lack of constant f2.8 is not really an issue for me. Out with the new in with the new

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

All lenses are a series of compromises and both the Olympus and the Panasonic justify their places in the lineup. I'm happy to trade off 1mm of angle for a more all round optic but I can see why someone would prefer a 7-14. I only change my outfit for a strong reason and this was one Panasonic that was going straight into my bag.

[@timpriestley8997]

As normal, brilliant, great information and delivered in a most enjoyable way... Thanks David...

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Nice of you to say so and thanks, Tim.

[@koolkutz7]

Nice review of this much coveted lens (by me!). I like the fact it has a filter thread-great for photo & video applications. Do you know if Panasonic or Olympus intend to release a super telephoto (say, longer than the Pana/Leica 100-400mm) in the near future. I mostly photograph /film wildlife so I want the longest lens possible for those far off subjects.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Steve! I haven't heard of anything, it's a pretty specialist area. You're probably stuck with adapting older Canon and Nikon glass for now.

[@koolkutz7]

Yeah I have been using my Sigma 150-600mm C lens (Nikon fit) on my G80 which works pretty well. However the size & weight is an issue of course as it's a full frame designed lens!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

oof! I'm imagining going out on my bike with that! I hired a 2000mm Nikkor once. It comes in a trolley style holder like a small(ish) cannon or mortar. Pretty useless actually, what with atmospheric haze and difficult focusing. I could get a trailer for the bike, I suppose!

[@mediamannaman]

Between 1:50 and 2:00 I can’t understand him. “The selling point for this lens is that it can take 50 to 75 mm FILSES ? ... it’s the only MFT lens this wide that can do so.” Does anyone know what he said?

[@Kazrael]

He says:" ... it can take *67 mm* filters..."

[@mediamannaman]

Uncomplicatedable - Makes sense now. Thanks so much.

[@josephbryant8790]

@@mediamannaman Contextually, it's hard to mistake. Given the in depth sentences that follow.

[@mediamannaman]

Joseph Bryant - This comment is unnecessary except to boost your ego. That fact is hard to mistake from the posts immediately preceding.

[@josephbryant8790]

@@mediamannaman No ego boasting, just suggesting that in the future, you can use the following sentences to discover what was said, through context :)

[@runninblue9415]

Your videos have been key to me researching a switch to a smaller system (age I'm afraid), thank you so much 😁 are you happy to print m43 up to A2 with the best lenses?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad I've been of help! Yes, at 24" a quality print would require around 5000px. That well within the compass of any modern Micro Four Thirds 16 or 20 Mp body.

[@datapro007]

Love your reviews David. I wish you would do a video on your take on the future of MFT. I much respect your opinion.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks very much - I''ll have a think on the video. I'd need to gather lots of info.

[@datapro007]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Hi, David, I'm refering to Tony Northrup's video on the purported demise of MFT. Please see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5u7hKGEgr9jhrc I don't agree with him; do you? BTW: I'm an avid MFT owner (currently using the GX85) and love the system. You are the one who got me started with it years ago. Many thanks.

[@FFVoyager]

Excellent, there will be a tranche of 7-14's appearing on the used market at a price I'm willing to pay soon. Lovely review of a lovely lens though.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, I think there will. For a lot of photographers the 7-14 will be just as good a lens anyway. I just like the two lenses in one aspect of the new one but I was perfectly happy with the 7-14 before. Preferred it to the Olympus, in fact, because of the smaller size and weight.

[@harwichlifethroughthelens4255]

David do you mind me asking ..i have a Nikon AF-s 70-300 would you advise me buying a metabones to fit it on my GH5 or just sellit and buy something made for M43 ....pros and cons please i shoot mainly video Cheers keep up the good work

[@davidthorpe7732]

Even with a Metabones, on Micro Four Thirds your 70-300mm is a 2x telephoto which limits you rather with respect to indoor footage and general purpose work out of doors. It would have a decently fast aperture, though. On the other hand, the Panasonic 14-140mm will only be a half stop slower generally through the zoom range but offers coverage from wide angle through to a similar angle of view to your Nikkor on FF. It will give you fast and accurate autofocus and Dual Stabilization plus open up all the facilities of the GH5 like Focus transitioning and many others. It is a very sharp lens for stills, too. Using a GH5 without native Micro Four Thirds lenses does tend to handicap the it, though of course many video makers will use other lenses, with or without a Metabones for special purposes. I think my opinion is pretty clear! Glad you like the videos, by the way.

[@harwichlifethroughthelens4255]

Many thanks as much as i have loved the 70 300 especially for grandchildren's sports days i am a bit old fashioned and prefer to not mix and match so i think i will fork out for the panny 100/400 . i had been swaying that way after watching your review for the 10th time cheers

[@wcbibb]

Keep talking it up so I can avoid buyer's remorse until I can get vacation photos at Carmel-by-the Sea, Big Sur, and Morro Bay with my new Lumix G9 and this Panasonic-Leica 8-18mm lens. Last time I used a G7 with the 14-140mm. This time I will also have the Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm for the 17-Mile Drive. All of this is stuffed into Lowepro camera bag. Carmel Highlands is famous for being the home of Weston. Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Treasure Island after visiting Point Lobos State Nature Reserve a couple of miles from Carmel Highlands.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Sounds like a great trip and you have some of the best equipment for the pix. No need for buyers remorse, just keep in mind that it would have been madness not to buy it :-)

[@SenseiEli]

Thank you for your video and information!

[@davidthorpe7732]

You are very welcome, Eli, thank you.

[@StudioBonn]

Thank you for that delicious review, so moderate with all ups and downs inherently safe with the facts and own experiences... and noticeable ardour. After the time till today you're still satisfied?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, still happy with it. It's just such a handy all round lens, not too big and with pleasing IQ. I'd like it to be f/2.8 all the way though the range but then it would be bigger and I wouldn't like that!

[@h3xag0nal]

I really enjoy your style of reviewing. Excellent video!

[@peterobb2083]

As usual David, a good honest great review...cheers!

[@nore8141]

I was looking at this lens but your right a steep price. Great video and commentary thanks for the honesty.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It looks less expensive as a long term buy as a lens that you are unlikely to want to get rid of but that doesn't alter the money you pay out initially. I have a horrible feeling that equipment prices are going to skyrocket when things get back to 'normal'. I hope I'm wrong. I mostly am, actually.

[@Isaac-Brody]

Great review. This lens is high on my list and looks worth the price tag.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Isaac. Yes, I think it is worth the price. Certainly in the long term because it's well made and the sort of lens that you'd keep.

[@ParadigmImagesVideoPhotography]

good for traveling, but only f2.8-4? will it work well with Panasonic G9 in still? I will only use G9 for still as I have GH4 and GH5 for video.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, a fixed f/2.8 would have been nice but then the size would be increased too much. Panasonic have made a sensible compromise, I think. I use it with my G9 as a standard lens. Perfect!

[@ParadigmImagesVideoPhotography]

Thanks, I was looking at the Olympus 7-14 F2.8 but the fact that the lens bulges out and UV filter is not possible and is not good for traveling that's why I am considering the 8-14 for lens protection.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The 8-18mm will serve well at the 18mm end for a general purpose lens too. The filter fitting is one of the reasons bought mine. You really do need an ND for video too.

[@ParadigmImagesVideoPhotography]

I think the Olympus 17mm f 1.2 is very tempting?

[@BASKPhotography]

Ha! The Hamptons , used to love walking in that park

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Looking at your name - I'm glad I never went there taking pictures at night :-) Lovely wildlife area there, all the reeds and water, I really like it too.

[@MarriedWithBackpacks]

just stumbled upon your channel. Are you the Bob Ross of camera lenses? What an incredibly soothing voice!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you! Sometimes you hear a THUD! on my videos. That s the sound of my head hitting my desk as my own voice in the monitor induces a sudden narcoleptic state 😴

[@Orbs_uk]

Great review David looks like iv'e got to work some more overtime at work :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

That's not too bad. I had to sell my daughter into the workhouse to afford it but it was well worth it. I must remember to buy her back when I've got the time.

[@paulharding9958]

Is this fly by wire focus, if yes I'll keep my 7-14 nice video David, as always

[@davidthorpe7732]

Thanks Paul. I think you'll find the 7-14 is focus by wire, by the way. It'd need a complex helical focusing mechanism inside otherwise and there's no room for it as far as I can see.

[@TheGregWallace]

Hello David- I have a G9 like you. Do you have any experience with the Olympus 7-14mm pro lens? And if so if you had to pick between the two which one would you pick for sure and why? Thank you.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Greg - no I haven't tried the Olympus 7-14 but I own the 12-40 and 40-150mm Pro zooms and from what i read the 7-14 has the same superb IQ so making a decision based on IQ doesn't work. I'd buy the 8-18mm because whereas the 7-14 is a straight wide-angle zoom, the 8-18mm at the long end is usable as a standard lens which means it spends much more time on the camera - it's the lens I have fitted when the G9 is in my camera bag. Also, it takes filters. I want that facility because I use ND filters quite a bit for my videos and for keeping the lens wide open on sunlit days to at least soften any busy background. It's true the G9 has high shutter speeds but I like to know I can control the aperture on even the brightest days. In point of fact, the 8-18mm is more f/4 than it is f/2.8 but with a wide-angle indoors that isn't so important, hand holding (aided by IBIS or not) being trouble free anyway. The 7-14 is f/2.8 all the way through and that something I much prefer. I'm trading speed and ultimate wide-angle against practicality and finding practicality more important to me. There's no doubt, though, that for many photographers the Olympus 7-14 would be much the more attractive choice and I wouldn't argue against them.

[@TheGregWallace]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Thank you for your information and time. Thank you so much.

[@mediamannaman]

Greg, I have a G9 and the Oly 7-14 pro lens for my real estate photography. It is a great lens and I have shot over 500 houses with it. There are mainly two things that I must be careful of with this lens - one is solar flaring when the sun is anywhere but behind me (I've even had some flaring from bright lights indoors). The other is distortion (the wider the focal length the greater the chance of distortion along the edges). I say "chance" because it depends on what objects are in the frame, where they are in the frame, and their shape. For example, door frames facing the camera and near the left or right sides of the frame look stretched at 7mm, so I mitigate that either by zooming in to >= 10mm or I recompose the shot and move the door closer to the middle. In both cases I compromise my preferred composition for one that does not distort (of course, backing up is the first thing to try but I'm usually crammed in a corner and cannot do that). I'm going to buy the 8-18 mm today to use as a backup, but if I can live without that 7mm setting the 8-18 may become the primary of it does a better job of handling the sun and avoiding distortion. I'll try to remember to comment here after I've used it some and let you know, if you are still interested.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@@mediamannaman The distortion is really a perspective effect of a very wide angle lens and as such not correctable. It's minimized by keeping the camera level in both plane but that often won't allow for satisfactory framing. Hence the moving front lenses available (at huge price) for FF cameras. I'd be interested to hear your experiences, certainly. The only way to avoid the perspective effect would be to use a 25mm and shoot the room in sections but that just causes other problems. The basic problem is the eye and the camera see in totally different ways so when you correct a lens to see in one way like the eye it must cause a problem elsewhere.

[@mediamannaman]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks for your comments, David. I expected the distortion to be the same, but it is still always a good learning experience for me to do the comparisons and see with my own eyes. I just came home with my new Panny 8-18 and quickly shot a few tests head-to-head against the Olympus 7-14 M.Zuiko Pro. Regarding distortion, it is as you said, both lenses look the same. But the 8-18 was much better than the 7-14 regarding the solar lens flaring. I took the same shot with each lens from my tripod, with the late afternoon sun slightly in front of the camera, and there were really no artifacts from the 8-18; whereas, the 7-14 looked like my granddaughter was blowing bubbles on it.

[@Temporalmixproductions]

No constant aperture and no IS means I will likely go with the 7-14.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, I think many will see it that way. The 7-14 has advantages of its own so the choice between the two is by no means a simple 'this one is better than that one'.

[@ofmetalphilosophy4837]

I wouldn't leave you out for any new reviewer. I love this lens. Unfortunately it's way above my budget.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Matt. Luckily, there are less expensive alternatives, the Olympus 9-18 and the Panasonic 7-14mm spring to mind. The 7-14mm is nice and used prices have dropped since the 8-18mm came out.

[@ofmetalphilosophy4837]

@@DavidThorpeMFT thank you. I know, but at f4 and with that purple circles, no filter threads and maxing out at 28mm equ., I would never consider the 7-14. The Olympus 9-18 is out of the question since 18mm equ. isn't that wide enough at least for me. I really, really love the 8-18. Sadly I can't afford it.

[@paulhigginsphotography]

Great video again David! Very helpful. Still on the fence and just researching ultra wides... Need to save some pennies methinks!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you liked the video, Paul. There's a good choice ultra wides for Micro Four Thirds, both zoom and prime. The Laowa 7.5 f/2 is an interesting one and the 7-14mm Panasonic is good value these days.

[@maciejmagic8075]

Thanks mate 👍

[@waldemirqueiroz3483]

Great review as always ! I currently use the Olympus 9-18 4-5.6 zoom. It is a nice and compact lenses that produces good results on my GX80/85. It is my go lens in the camera. I am now looking to a faster ultrawide. Currently I am leaning towards buying the Tokina 11-20 mm f 2.8 with the speed booster I currently own. I could get a good used deal for Tokina. My speed booster is for Nikon, therefore no AF. The Lumix and Olympus ultrawide zooms are to big for my taste. Laowa 7.5 could also fit the bill.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I have just gotten hold of a Laowa, so I'll be interested to try it. Watch this space!

[@chnghaha]

David Thorpe looking forward for your review of the Laowa!

[@davidthorpe7732]

Very soon!

[@MeanGreeny]

Really looking forward to pairing this with the new Panasonic G9 as a lightweight landscape photographers setup. Is the G9 on your 'Reviews To Do' list David ?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It is. I have to buy one so I get mine at the same time as everyone else. Early January would seem to be the delivery time for the uK but then I'll need some time working with it. I don't recall looking forward to a camera so much for ages. Usabilty is high on my priority list for any camera and the G9 looks to have it in spades.

[@MeanGreeny]

~Sits back to wait patiently~

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

:-)

[@ChrisMeuzelaar1]

Hi David, thank you for your concise detailed reviews, I'm looking at purchasing the G9 ( had been saving for a GH5 ) and want to do a combination of video & stills for my farm plus land scape, would you recommend the 12-60 or 12-35 lense to come with the body and why? and with your 12-35 do you see micro jitters when filming? Thanks again for the quality video's you produce

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you like the videos, thanks Chris. The jitters on the 12-35 f/2.8 seem to have been cured by firmware updates but even so the 12-35 only really makes sense to me in combination with the 35-100 f/2.8 due to the restricted zoom range. It's surprising how much difference the extra 5mm makes on Olympus's 12-40, for example. I think overall that you'd be better served by the 12-60mm. You are a stop down at 60mm but the extra zoom range makes for a much more versatile lens. I have bought a G9 and am finding it rapidly becoming a favourite. For example, if you ever want to do long time lapse movies of a farmscape you can use any external battery pack to keep the camera running. And while the G9 is marketed as a stills camera, its video capabilities are still pretty formidable. Better than I need, for sure.

[@ChrisMeuzelaar1]

Hi David, thank you so much for the reply and can't wait for your review on the G9. You're right on the external power, I did a timelapse with our lumix TZ110 and it is easy, and I like the idea that the 3 custom settings on the G9 dial could be C1 4k/30 c2 4k/60 and c3 slow motion 150 ( 180 seems too slow ) but I am not sure if you can mix NTSC and PAL settings, it seems to me the only reason to have them now is to remove flicker of light bulbs ie: 50 hertz light bulb syncs with 25/50FPS in Commonwealth countries like ours ( Australia ) ???? One last question, if you wanted to show the environment part of the farm ie bird life, will the 100- 400 give good video and photos? and is there a need to fill the gap between a 12-60 and a 100-400, that is do you need a 60-100 focal range for say hiking/landscape? Thanks again, regards chris

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I think the gap between 60 and 100 is a bit larger than ideal but manageable. A bit of legwork would bridge it! The 12-60 would handle most landscape needs, really. The 100-400mm is a great lens for video but it is very long and even with the great stabilisation available needs careful handling to avoid camera movement. Focussing is superb. The G9 simply has a list of available video qualities rather than PAL/NTSC settings, so for different qualities it simply offers 60/50 or 30/25 as options in the list. That really simplifies things because on previous cameras PAL and NTSC on the same card wouldn't mix.

[@ChrisMeuzelaar1]

Thanks David, very much appreciated, looking forward to the G9 review more than ever, regards chris

[@dtbeachbums]

Great review

[@davidthorpe7732]

Thanks!

[@markriley7472]

Love your reviews. Always appreciate the presenting style and the information based on real world use :) I was going to plump for the 7-14mm but having seen this beautiful lens I changed my mind! Great that it takes a filter, and the 1mm off the wide end doesn't seem to matter much. The extra 4mm on the other end makes it a much more versatile walk about lens. The f2.8 at the wide end also makes it a reasonable choice for astrophotography. With all that, the excellent picture quality, build quality and weather sealing, it's a must buy. Only expensive if you can't afford it-but well worth the money and wait until you can. Still, compared to some of the overrated and overpriced APSC lenses from Canon, Nikon etc, this is really a great buy! So as no holiday this year (again), I will definitely be getting a copy of this lens and taking photos locally!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, mark! Lenses like this are worth waiting for. It's unlikely that once bought you'd sell it so it's cheaper in the long run. That's my story, anyway :-)