One of the major benefits of the micro four-thirds system is the mature lens lineup and it has come so far that Panasonic is now releasing second generation iterations, as seen in the 12-35mm 2.8 II and 35-100mm 2.8 II. With the arrival of the new 8-18mm 2.8-4.0, Panasonic has provided the final pillar in their version of the holy trinity of zooms; giving the GH5 a trio of top tier lenses that are optimized to capitalize on what it can offer. This is lens arrives just in time to kick off NAB 2017 and gives micro four-thirds shooters a versatile wide to standard zoom, which is something I imagine many have been yearning for since it was announced back in Photokina last November. Let’s check the specs and see what this lens brings to the table.

[REWIND:GH5 Autofocus Showdown with Max Yuryev & PhotoJoseph]

Specs & Features

This lens promises to be durable as stated on the Panasonic website:

With its splash/dust/freeze proof construction*, this durable lens is also tough enough to withstand heavy field use in nearly any weather or location. The system inside is protected from sand, rain, and temperature. Now there’s nothing holding you back from capturing the creative nature, landscape and other shots you want.

  • Lens Construction 15 elements in 10 groups (1 aspherical ED lens, 3 aspherical lenses, 2 ED lenses, 1 UHR lens)
  • Nano Surface Coating: Yes
  • Optical Image Stabilizer: No
  • Focal Length = 8-18mm (35mm camera equivalent 16-36mm)
  • Aperture Type 7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm
  • Maximum Aperture: f2.8 (Wide) – F4.0 (Tele)
  • Minimum Aperture: f22
  • Closest Focusing Distance: 0.23m / 0.75ft
  • Maximum Magnification Approx. 0.12x / 0.24x (35mm camera equivalent)
  • Diagonal Angle of View107°(Wide) – 62°(Tele)
  • Weatherproof Splash/Dust/Freeze proof
  • Filter Sizeφ: 67mm
  • Max. Diameterφ: 73.4mm / 2.89 inch
  • Overall Length Approx. 88mm / 3.46 inch (from the tip of the lens to the base side of the lens mount)
  • Weight Approx. 315g / 11.1oz (excluding lens cap, lens rear cap and lens hood)

[REWIND:The Panasonic GH5 Is Showing Evidence Of Real Autofocus Problems]

In the early days of the mirrorless insurgency into the market, micro four-thirds cameras touted the advantages of a smaller form factor and a correspondingly smaller price tag. But, in the GH5’s larger body size and with the 8-18mm, 12-35mm, 35-100mm, and even the 12-60mm all priced at around $1,000 or more, those claims have not stood the test of time. Yes, equivalent full frame lenses are more expensive, but these lenses cannot be considered cheap. Much of that has to do the Leica brand inflating not only the prestige of the lenses but the price. Yet, this is must have lens for many and if you know yourself to be amongst those in need of it, you can preorder your copy here.