Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm REVIEW in-depth

[@cameralabs]

My Lumix S 18-40mm in-depth review! World's smallest full-frame zoom! Order the Lumix S 18-40mm from B&H: bhpho.to/3zGMIUa or WEX UK: tidd.ly/4gZ9OWA Sell your used gear to MPB at: bit.ly/3ULU9yL Buy used gear from MPB at: prf.hn/l/YLqwRAP Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: kzbin.info Gordon's travel tips channel: www.youtube.com/@GordonsTravelTips Equipment used for producing my videos MacBook Air 15in (M3): amzn.to/4cPat9S DJI Osmo Pocket 3: click.dji.com/AIOhqT-LWUFDq-bGk8hD4Q?pm=link Panasonic Lumix S5 II: amzn.to/3Hf5IcI Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5 Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF 00:00 - Lumix S 18-40mm introduction 04:34 - Lumix S 18-40mm coverage 05:39 - Lumix S 18-40mm hybrid zoom 07:22 - Lumix S 18-40mm focusing 08:51 - Lumix S 18-40mm stabilization and vlogging 10:31 - Lumix S 18-40mm landscape quality 12:32 - Lumix S 18-40mm portrait quality 12:56 - Lumix S 18-40mm bokeh quality 13:55 - Lumix S 18-40mm sunstars diffraction spikes 14:25 - Lumix S 18-40mm macro quality 14:41 - Lumix S 18-40mm verdict and samples Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@earlfenwick]

Wow ! Never saw a middling kit zoom get so many people so excited. 😅

[@eventhori3on]

I know it's crazy!

[@Luka_Film]

мир панасоводов сошел с ума

[@coder543]

I wish we could get more collapsible lenses for modern cameras. The Sony A7Cii could benefit from some of those.

[@MicroFourNerds]

Excellent thorough review as ever!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@fellowcitizen]

This is the kind of zoom lens which makes sense to me. I like them either big and bright, like the ART 28-105mmF2.8 and ART 28-45mmF1.8 or really small for their range like the S 18-40mm and S 28-200mm -- otherwise just use a prime.

[@MichaelGerrard]

The best review again! I think this lens and the firmware update improves the S9. For video it looks like a good option. For me it falls way short of my benchmark, the GX9. Something interesting about this lens is that the image quality doesn't sound as good as m43 lenses. Does the FF advantage even that out? For me, the GX9 is superior.

[@markshirley01]

Nice little combo for vertical video and photo. The stabilisation is the thing with this setup. I have a A7R5 with a Tamron 20-40, but would like a second camera, its actually lighter than carrying a gimbal around 👍🏻

[@jtidsskids]

Hmmm! Great review as ever but what were Panasonic thinking? How slow? Perhaps they would like to borrow my M.Zuiko 50mm f1.8 (OM fit) as an indicator of the size and speed required by photographers. I think I will stick with my Lumix GX8 and the 20mm f1.7 for a little while longer. Thanks but no thanks.

[@pmc7105]

I'm obsessed with lightening my full frame gear and Panasonic seems to be going in a good direction. I was looking at the 14-28mm and 28-200mm as a two lens set up but this 18-40mm is interesting. But, in terms of the S9, I'm not keen on giving up my current 42 megapixel body for 24mp.

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

Sony has a compact high res a7cr, there's hope for an S9R 😀

[@soholingo]

18-40 is a great focal range! Now add the EVF/Mech Shutter/Flash, and they have a WINNER!!!

[@POVwithRC]

That would be a different camera entirely. Your request doesn't make much sense for the S9 as it would no longer be the S9.

[@soholingo]

@@POVwithRC I would be ok with it not being an S9. Give me an S8 with those things and Lumix would sell a lot more.

[@I5H78]

Isnt that a s5ii?

[@Democratiser]

The lifting of the video recording limits are a big enhancement. The main thing I’d like to see now is weather sealing on the camera (not just the lens)!

[@andersistbesser]

I dont want a mechanical shutter that wears out after a while and i dont use flash. S9 to me is perfectly fine as is.

[@Democratiser]

You have been busy Gordon! This is a very appealing lens. The compromises are acceptable given the mission. Ironic that the lens is weather sealed but the body isn’t?! The lifting of the recording limits now makes the S9 camera much more appealing. Now this lens is here, I’m tempted! Cheers.

[@cameralabs]

Yep, it's been a busy couple of weeks!

[@NotAnotherChannel_Channel]

That’s a nice add. I’d still slap on a big honking 24mm 1.8.

[@LUITESLIFE]

I've got a Fuji X100VI, if it had a viewfinder I'd be tempted.

[@50shadesofNV]

not the most BAM, POP, KZbin style, but you do these right comparing to the proper counterparts for appropriate choice/decision to buy, thank you!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, I avoid the bam pop style, and definitely no 'whatsup guys'. Everyone does it, why follow the pack?! I've always done the same style for 18 years now on YT, and for a decade before that on occasional TV and radio things!

[@bloomylicious]

I'm sure i said this on another video, but combined with this id love to see a compact prime that's brighter. My template would be Nikon's 40mm f2, imagine something akin to that on the S9, would be great for more indoor, low light situations just to take out of a pocket.

[@cameralabs]

DEFINITELY! Canon and Nikon have proven it's possible for a bright pancake prime with AF.

[@bloomylicious]

@@cameralabs fingers crossed eh! For now I'll stick with adapting my Konica 40mm f1.8 to my Lumix S5, love it despite the lack of autofocus. Thanks again for a quality, detailed video too.

[@jensfrankjakob]

The Sigma 45mm F2.8 seems to be the closest to that currently. About the size of the 18-40mm when collapsed, so a little smaller than the Lumix 35mm/50mm.

[@cameralabs]

@@jensfrankjakob yep, I'd like to retest the Sigma 45 with the S9

[@timlinssen]

7artisans are coming with a small 35/2.8 and 40/2.5

[@MrJerkaboy]

Thank you for your Best review >>>>watching from LAOS

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! I love LAOS, I've visited twice, most recently two years ago, travelling from top to bottom! And also 20 years ago.

[@JoshCameron]

Great review, Gordon! I'm really enjoying the 18-40, such an easy little lens to accompany the S9!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Yes the S9 finally makes sense! Well, if it had a viewfinder...!

[@Viewtolove]

Panasooooonic! Please make a Lumix S9 R version 60MP with an electronic viewfinder, audiojack and a mechanical shutter of course! I might sell my Fujifilm X100 VI for that one...

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

It's too much. Maybe Sigma can add ibis to the FP with attachable evf and you're where you want to be. Mechanical shutter won't be in these compact ones sadly. Remember also Sony cheats with the efcs

[@Viewtolove]

@@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x Leica does it, Sony does it, so should Panasonic.

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

@@Viewtolove ok ok SX9 it is 😀

[@gordon3988]

Good as a kit lens! I liked the flares! Great video Gordon, so comprehensive! I’ve become so familiar with that pier from your videos I’m starting to recognize some of the gulls😊. Nice to see the firmware upgrades coming out as well..including the option to remove the recording limit on the S9.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@lackoliver55]

"Finally the perfect small lens for the S9" Me cautiously looking over at my Sony a7CR with a 35-150 f2-2.8 in the corner of my room.

[@baandham]

Best wish you get better soon

[@cameralabs]

I'm fine thanks!

[@yohan2437]

For the target customer, they are probably better off with the cheaper Nikon Z30 and 12-28 VR lens which essentially gives the same field of view as the 18-40. Even better you have the option of controlling zoom with buttons on the body in addition to the conventional zoom ring on the lens. Also, the Nikon lens does not extend in length. It can be tiresome always having to twist the 18-40 to the 18 position before using the lens. Much better to be able to pull the Z30 out of the bag, half press the shutter to wake up, quickly adjust focal length with buttons on the body and take the shot, all with one hand.

[@markshirley01]

VR in video isn't nice at all

[@tobyr8555]

I do prefer the design of the Z30 with a the built in grip!

[@longdoo1]

40-100 f4.5 macro would be great too

[@TheRealMarxz]

the onion ring bokeh is... disappointing my guess it's either cast or ground aspherical elements that havent been polished with much precision (welcome to the trade offs in budget lenses) but not a deal breaker, but I'm still inclined to think I'll keep to either my GX9 with a couple of pancakes and the 12-60 OR my R8 with three primes (16,28, 50) for travel, both are reasonably feature rich with good usable EVF and (as much as I hate to say this about the canon "budget" RF lens range) a bigger ecosystem of small'ish "affordable" wide to medium lenses (especially for MFT with a good used market to source from) and both come in around the same weight (a few grams lighter in fact) That said I want to like the S9 and I do see its appeal to a more video orientated demographic

[@imagenatura]

Looks great with compromises.

[@xpucmogrozdanov6391]

now what? 40-120? or 70-150mm f4? Some small telephotos existed in the past now we have only behemoths. will buy s9 only because of this lens. hope there will be something like the gx8 but for now we have only the s9 as a small body

[@108u9]

Curious if the S1 line has been quietly scrapped and Panasonic is just going with the consumer S9 and prosumer S5 lines, leaving Nikon-Sony-Canon to battle for the pro market

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

Noooooooo 😢

[@burnedmozzarella]

shame that lumix has great value but the market want anything but lumix. i had hope that lumix would fill the gap between those other big full frame player, but then it would just be S9 and S5ii, which eventually many hates S9 just because it's not in their market

[@MrNecropodo]

Mr Laing, we where missing you. I really hope that you can review the nikon Z6iii or the upcoming Z5ii

[@cameralabs]

No need to miss me, I've posted every week for 18 years! But Nikon stopped sending stuff to review years ago sadly.

[@MrNecropodo]

Truly sad!. I'm about to buy my first camera soon and I'm feeling the happiness already, I'm deciding between Z5, Z6, Z50 or D850, but I'm just learning photography, and I'm going to need to check all of your channel to look up for photography tips. Wich one of this cameras do you recommend for an enthusiast that want to get into street portrait and macro photography?

[@cameralabs]

@@MrNecropodo Any of them will do what you want, but for macro, obviously you'll need a macro lens.

[@jw48335]

I just... why? That sensor has about a stop advantage in ISO, DoF, and DR vs. a crop body. I suppose other vendors have their intro smartphone-to-camera bodies, so Panasonic is joining the club and needed a tiny lens to match the form factor. They've given up on m43s, except high end, so this S9 combo is the modern replacement for the GM1+12-32mm zoom. This new combo - it doesn't have enough reach to replace, say, my wife's M200 + 15-45mm, and there are no compact superzoom options like the 18-150mm. She's hoping to upgrade from the M200 because her existing camera is beat up, but I don't think this is viable.

[@dreadnoughtandcrow]

What a cool little lens! 18-40 is a compelling walkaround range. Sure would be great on A FULL FRAME FOVEON, SIGMA. (I keep hoping that Sigma's data-scraping marketing bots will pick up on these comments.) Thanks for the video, Gordon - a fine pairing with the morning coffee.

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@fellowcitizen]

Foveon Forever! Sigma should release some tattoo machines to tide us over!

[@movielover2172]

Does S9 have phase detect autofocus in 1080. 60p?

[@AndreBerg99]

Why use FF without shallow DOF? MFT does a better job there, especially in video... (GX8, 9...)

[@cameralabs]

Because FF isn't just about the shallowest DOF. It's also about having a larger dynamic range

[@AndreBerg99]

@@cameralabs Does DR really matter in real life? Compare GH7 to S9... is there so much difference?

[@cameralabs]

@@AndreBerg99 it matters to some people. It's not the most important metric for me, but I know it is for others. This is how you choose products, based on what's important to you.

[@Viewtolove]

Thanks Gordon for adding some shots of greenery in the end. I usually miss that at your beach resort. As a color-science weighted person with a Fujifilm with a X-trans sensor, it is very important to me how natural greens pan out! With the regular full frame brands it is Panasonic and Nikon to me. APS-C it is Fujifilm.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome, I always try to get up to that forest location for every review, but don't always have time.

[@eek0212]

i think panasonic still not get it. what users want is reasonable priced pancake size prime lens around 24 to 35. they say its compact but its still collapsible 😅

[@cameralabs]

I agree, they still need a decent pancake prime

[@eworldRick]

I’m cold shoe on the S9

[@momchilyordanov8190]

I think they went too far. The size of Tamron 20-40/2.8 is compact enough, for example. No need to make it f/6.3. That is more limiting than the extra size of the Tamron, that is still small.

[@andersistbesser]

What is the point of full frame if you pair it with a 6.3 lense? All the advantages with low light and bokee it has compared to mft are gone with such a slow lense.

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

FF has e.g. better dynamic range. For landscapes you want f8-f11. And DoF for FF 6.3 is like aps-c 4? Plenty of f4 zooms sold for aps-c.

[@andersistbesser]

@@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x this is not a landscape camera thats for sure. F4 at apsc is nothing to brag about . Dynamic range of my gh7 is perfectly fine and better range than many older full frame cameras have. New nikon z6 iii full frame has around 12 stops i read ..If you cant do it with 13+stops the camera is not the problem. I use 1.2 to 2.8 lenses which would be 2.4-5.6 in full frame terms if it comes to bokee but light gathering still is 1.2-2.8 i cant imagine walking around with a super dark 6.3 . 5.6 gaters 4times less light than a 2.8 . 6.3 is a big no no

[@ThomasThomas-c1z]

It's stays at 4.5 right the way up to 40 and then it changes 6.3 soo I think that's ok I would have preferred a tiny 18mm 4.5 prime and forget the zoom as your right a 6.3 40mm ain't that appealing but having such A tiny light lense that weighs this little on a S9!! you can put it on a coat pocket and for me a full frame camera with those video features that is that compact I think that's the point geeza

[@palaneproductions7357]

great review gordon, a Q/ Will hyperZoom work with the Sigma lenses or only Panasonic?

[@cameralabs]

Good question, I think it might only work with specific lenses

[@eventhori3on]

Yihcan get the 20-60 on mpb for about 160 quid in excellent condition. Why pay 500 for this? If you wanr a small range finder camera go to fuji.. if you want to stay with panny boy... Get an s5ii or leke me the S5 OG! I shoot manual and its still great. 550 quid now! Bargain!

[@andreasrochow5170]

Why a wide angle zoom lens only?

[@cameralabs]

why not? It suits the video creators this camera is aimed at. Plus some people enjoy wide zooms.

[@artistjoh]

Not perfect. If I am going to buy a different mount to MFT, I will buy Sony E-mount because Sony has more lens options, and much better compact camera options. The S9 needs to be remade in MFT format. No lens is going to make the S9 inviting if it is in the relatively useless L-mount due to small range of choices. Not all of us want full frame, and until there are crop sensor L mount cameras and lenses, E-mount is a far better choice, but an even better choice is to stay with MFT. Panasonic needs to put their efforts into MFT compacts.

[@cameralabs]

I'd like to see a new mft compact

[@Democratiser]

The I series 17mm is the widest and it is f4. So not much gain at the wide end in terms of speed. But yes the i series lenses are a notch up in terms of quality though.

[@cameralabs]

I remember testing it!

[@martagalanoficial]

i would buy 2 of them for weddings if they had evf. 😢

[@GGori_99]

This is fullframe camera ????

[@cameralabs]

Yes

[@paulchiu]

Thanks for this right after the Leica Q3 43 in depth review. I have to say Gordon, your close-ups are more handsome with the APO 43mm than with this S18-40mm, as it should be...... then again, is the S18-40 colors more life-like?

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Real-life is somewhere inbbetween!

[@masterofcamera]

Fantastic video Gordon. Cool to see the new lens with S9 compared to the Fuji and Leica!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@MarcoLoforte]

Nikon have the new 26mm f2.8 with AF for 35mm, with que same size and weith and price of this potato 26mm f8 manual focus.

[@cameralabs]

I know, I talk about it in my review of the 26 f8

[@timlinssen]

The 26mm sure is a potato and Nikon shows how it can be done, but it is admittedly much more expensive. 7artisans announced compact 35/2.8 and 40/2.5 that would fit this great. As do the little Sigma primes.

[@stkuj]

I believe Sigma makes this kit zoom for Panasonic so great quality!

[@Silverwarhawk]

Source?

[@kayho5262]

Hello Gordon, i enjoyed your professional no gimmick review of the various cameras. i am debating to purchase either sony A6700 with sigma 18-50 mm zoom lens or Fujifilm X100VI . i am amateur photographer with increasing video interest not commercially . i am retired and travel extensively. i owned Nex 6, A6000 before but sold them during the pandemic. i am using my Samsung Fold 4 and Instant 360 x4 for travel pics and video. i value your professional opinion. kay

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

I don't own them but seems the a6700 with 18-50 would do great. You're used to aps-c Sony and thanks to ibis the zoom can now be compact

[@cameralabs]

it depends how small you want it to be and whether you need a zoom. For me small size is everything and I like the restriction of a fixed lens, so the X100 always fins for my travel. But I did use a Sony APSC for recording most of my videos for a long time.

[@brads.3674]

The size and weight are certainly better suited to the S9. This lens on the S9 makes a very compelling little kit. I'm still trying to rationalize the price compared to the Nikon Z30 with 16~50mm kit zoom. Thank you for another thorough and engaging review.

[@cameralabs]

Well, the Z50 has an APSC sensor and no IBIS, so those are two big differences.

[@markshirley01]

I'd go with the S9 just for the stabilisation

[@jjsilver23]

Seems more like an s9 review.

[@cameralabs]

Most of the tests were about the lens

[@simonmaney3438]

Great review thanks. Makes for an excellent lightweight and compact landscape option - except I have to have a EVF - which is kinda good, because I just got an R8...

[@cameralabs]

Me too

[@sunflowerdeath]

Buying cheaper and more compact lens might be quite good idea. But pairing it with cut-down crippled flawed camera is complete nonsense. Panasonic S9 is only $300 cheaper and weighs only 250g less than S5 II, it's absolutely not worth it.

[@markr041]

For video, which you obviously do not do, the S9 has MORE features (e.g. Hybrid zoom, more focusing options, more lcd aspect ratio frames) than the S5 ii and can do anything the S5 ii can do (again, video). For video a mechanical shutter is irrelevant. If you really need an EVF, then fine.

[@timlinssen]

Not worth it... For you. The size offers value in itself...For some. Also, in a while the price will drop, improving the value proposition.

[@tt-ew7rx]

Slow lenses in this focal range compete with smartphones. Proper cameras really need to be armed with longer lenses to stay relevant.

[@Valerossi0]

I would pair the sigma i series lenses on the s9 if i had one. Gorgeous small lenses

[@cameralabs]

Yep, I'd like to retest some of them on the S9

[@chronocross85]

needs to be atleast a 2.8 for me

[@cameralabs]

Then it would be considerably larger and more expensive

[@AmbercoolPhotography]

First one I watched

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, I hope I covered everything!

[@mdw1927]

Great review but this camera lens combo here in europe is nearly €2000.

[@cameralabs]

But it is a pretty powerful combo, full frame, ibis, open gate etc

[@pancholini]

We are tired of long commercials disguised as reviews

[@cameralabs]

How is it a commercial? What would make it more of a review? I bet I've done more tests here than most have, and been more critical too, especially on bokeh with examples. Plus my background of 32 years as a tech journalist plays a part too.

[@adambreuse1875]

At last'what 😂😂😂😂😂👎👎 a ultra slow lens...worthless

[@maxwellwellmax878]

Funny I was just looking at the Panasonic S9 🤨

[@cameralabs]

They knew...

[@---us7qf]

Doesn't Sigma make a trio of very small full frame lenses that would be better on this odd vlog-style camera? If I remember correctly, they have better build, brighter aperture, and sharper images. No?

[@coder543]

Nope. The smallest of the Sigma Trio is the 56mm lens, and it is still 46% longer than this lens. The Sigma 30mm lens is 80% longer than this lens. They’re not even close to the same size. They’re also nearly twice the weight of this lens.

[@coder543]

(And the Sigma 16mm is even larger than those two.)

[@---us7qf]

@@coder543 thanks. I am not particularly interested in this system. I just vaguely remembered Gordon reviewing those Sigma lenses.

[@funnybeingme]

Yeah but then you fave to buy the trio, which adds cost. There's something about a very compact zoom lens that makes it attractive to the general user than having to switch lenses.

[@---us7qf]

@@funnybeingme I agree that there is a certain convenience to getting a small zoom. I personally don't buy them, especially with variable apertures. I don't find carrying around a few primes too much trouble. I was just asking because I saw this video and remembered that there may be small primes out there. Of course, Coder set me straight with their actual sizes.

[@andersistbesser]

18-40 is a bad focal range. You can do almost nothing with such a short lense.

[@Democratiser]

@@andersistbesser I disagree. Great walk around lens. SIZE is the key with the s9. It makes the S9 a very appealing EDC combination. With lumix (like Sony) you can use the digital zoom for more reach if you can accept the MP reduction. Need bokeh, low light or telephoto shooting? Swap out for other lenses. Can’t have everything.

[@gordon3988]

Video,vlogging and street/travel are its market.

[@andersistbesser]

@@Democratiser i dont care about size as long the package is not too big. My walk around lense is a 14-140 with my mft camera, this would mean 28-280 in full frame terms i use this setup for street fot and videography and you really can do everything with this focal range . A 18-40 would be very very limiting for the things i do. 18-40 is a super wide to wide angle lense to me and its not good for street. You cant zoom into buildings, you cant shoot from far away, you are always into the face of people which can cause trouble. Its just a bad focal range .

[@andersistbesser]

@@gordon3988 my street foto/video and travel lense is a 14-140 with my mft cam which would be 28-280 in full frame terms, the lense fits between two fingers and its lightweight. A 18-40 is a joke if you want to have a verrsatile setup like i do. I want to be able to shoot from far away , i dont want to be in peoples faces with my camera and i like to zoom into buildings.you cant do that with a superwide to wide lense like a 18-40.

[@gordon3988]

⁠@@andersistbessernice kit..add a fast prime and it would work well for many. This lens is a kit lens for ff and especially a good fit for S9 with hybrid zoom. Small, light etc for FF users who value attributes of that camera. Btw I think the 20-60 would work too…similar focal range (to almost 300mm?) at least on video with hybrid zoom I think. Again for those who prefer FF

[@wingofwinter888]

give s9 a viewfinder and it will be selling like a hot cakes

[@cameralabs]

I agree

[@AIP404]

Is it so difficult to make a 26mm f2.8 line the nikon one?

[@cameralabs]

I don't think so, I wish they would