Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3
Panasonic · 18–40 mm · f/4.5–6.3
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
54
SCORE /100
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 | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe 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. | |
| 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 |
Physical64/100 | |
| 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 Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 62 mm |
Optics51/100 | |
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 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 100°–57° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 20 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
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 |
Zoom Mechanism ⓘSystem enabling zoom function |  Manual |
Zoom Ring ⓘIf zooming is adjusted using a zoom ring |  Yes |
Zoom Type ⓘThe design or approach to zooming |  Rotary |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 15 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.28x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features52/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. |  Yes |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
Zoom Lock ⓘZoom lock allows the zoom ring to be locked at the desired focal length | No |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction54/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 8 |
| Groups | 7 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 3 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 2 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |