CameraReview
Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3
UNSCORED
Panasonic · f/4.5 · Leica L mount

Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3

Where to buy — 2 offers
Mount
KEY FACTS
BrandPanasonic
Release Year2024
Production StatusIn Production
Lens MountLeica L
SystemLeica L
What We Like
+World's smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless autofocus zoom lens with exceptionally compact collapsible design
+Fast and silent autofocus performance with effective focus breathing suppression for smooth video
+Excellent corner-to-corner sharpness and resolution throughout entire zoom range despite compact size
+Weather-resistant metal barrel with dust, splash, and freeze resistance for reliable outdoor use
+Versatile 18mm ultra-wide to 40mm standard focal length ideal for travel and everyday shooting
+Extends to 18-120mm with Hybrid Zoom on LUMIX S9 camera for added creative reach
Worth Knowing
Variable aperture (f/4.5-6.3) is relatively slow for low-light handheld shooting compared to faster primes or constant-aperture zooms
Some focus breathing still present despite suppression mechanism, particularly noticeable at 18mm and 40mm focal lengths
Close focus distance reduces significantly at 40mm (0.35m) compared to 18-21mm range (0.15m), limiting macro versatility at telephoto end
No built-in optical image stabilization; relies on camera body stabilization for handheld video

General

Brand
Panasonic
Release Year
2024
Production Status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Lens Mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Leica L
System
Indicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to.
Leica L
Maximum Format
Largest sensor size compatible with the lens.
Full Frame
Read our notes on general
The Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 is officially the world's smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless zoom lens, combining just 155g weight with 41mm collapsed length. Corner resolution holds up well, this isn't a lens that trades edge performance for size, and professional reviewers consistently praise its exceptional portability, weather-resistant construction, fast and silent autofocus performance. Its main rival, the Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6, weighs 350g and measures 8.72cm in length, over double the weight and length.

Physical

Lens Weight
155 g
Lens Diameter
Width of the lens at its widest point
67.9 mm
Lens Length
How long the lens is from front to back.
40.9 mm
Front Filter Size
Diameter of attachable filters.
62 mm

Optics

Focal Range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
18–40 mm
Aperture Range
Largest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end)
4.5–6.3
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
7020
Zoom Lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
Yes

Features

Weather Sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes