Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3

The new Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 makes an ideal partner for the Lumix S9 rangefinder-style full frame camera

The Lumix S series cameras have been getting smaller since the first models were introduced in 2019, and the newest model, the Lumix S9 is only a fraction of the size and weight of the original S1R, S1H and S1 cameras. As the cameras have become smaller we’ve been gradually getting smaller lenses to go with them, and now that the tiny Lumix S9 is well established we have new smaller lenses designed specifically to pair with it. The latest is this Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3, a lens that’s built to the same scale as the Lumix S9 so that it balances perfectly with this tiny camera body.

Here (left) you can see the new 18-40mm lens compared with the 12-32mm zoom for the Lumix G series. Considering the S system uses a sensor twice the size of those in the G series, this 18-40mm is pretty small. On the right you can see it compared with the f/1.8 series lenses for the S cameras. These are ideal for the S5ll/X and work very well on the S9, but the compact dimensions of the 18-40mm make it an even better match

The Lumix S f/1.8 series of lenses and the Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 are small too and work brilliantly on the Lumix S9, but for some users their size makes them a better match of the Lumix S5 series cameras than the rangefinder-style S9. In response, Panasonic has introduced this cleverly designed zoom that offers a great range of focal lengths in a body that is smaller than the current series of S lenses. In fact, as of October 2023 this is the world’s smallest full frame zoom with autofocus for interchangeable lens cameras.

The retractable design of this lens allows it to pack away into a very compact form when not in use, but a twist of the zoom ring extends the barrels when we want to shoot with it

Part of the secret to the miniaturisation of this lens is the clever retractable design used by Panasonic’s engineers. This allows the lens to pack away to an extremely compact package but then pop out with a twist of the zoom ring when we want to use it. Lumix lenses have been using this idea for a long time, and the famous G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 that paired with so many Lumix G series cameras has been a great favourite amoung those who appreciate a pocketable camera and lens kit. While this 18-40mm is larger than the 12-32mm because it is designed for a sensor twice the size, it brings us the same benefits and continues the miniaturisation theme into the Lumix S series.

The Lumix S9 with the new Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 follows in the footsteps of the Micro Four Thirds Lumix GM5 with its 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 but now with a full frame sensor

When retracted the lens protrudes from the camera only 40mm, making the whole camera/lens package just 86mm thick from back screen to front element. This means, when not in use, the camera and lens together can be stowed in the smallest section of a camera bag, or a decent sized pocket in a winter coat. When we want to use the lens we need to turn the zoom ring about 30° to extend the two hidden barrels and send the front element out into the shooting position. Even then, at its longest, the lens is only 67.9mm and the whole kit 113mm from filter thread to the back of the camera.

The new lens mounted on the Lumix S9, showing it in the retracted and extended positions. Even at its longest it remains a very small lens

The lens is very well made, and comes with a metal mount. The main barrels are made from lightweight materials to ensure it adds hardly anything to the bulk of the camera

Of course with the new Hybrid Zoom feature of the Lumix S9 we can extend the focal range of this lens to 18-62mm while still maintaining 4K 422 10bit video at 25p or to an incredible 125mm in FHD. This digital magic uses the advantages of the high resolution sensor to scale images so we can achieve the effect of a longer lens without compromising the quality of our video footage.

Here is the lens in its extended position. You can see the pair of barrels that slide back into the body when the construction is closed

As size and weight have been the priorities in this design we have relatively small maximum apertures of f/4.5-6.3, but with dramatic advances in noise performance in Lumix sensors we need not be scared of higher ISO settings if conditions turn dim. These wider focal lengths also give themselves to extensive depth-of-field and for vloggers they present a chance to include lots of background context in the frame.

This comparison demonstrates the extent of the zoom, with the 18mm setting shown on the left and the zoomed in 40mm focal length on the right. Central resolution is excellent right across the zoom range

Panasonic’s engineers have employed a total of eight elements in seven groups in the design of this lens. The design uses three aspherical lenses, two Extra-low Dispersion lenses and one, the forward element, is made in Ultra High Refractive glass. These special elements not only keep the lens design compact but also ensure excellent resolution across the zoom range, and that high levels of contrast are maintained for nice punchy images. The heavily convex front element is also coated with a fluorine finish to repel fingerprints, oil and water, while all the joints are protected against splashes and dust – and the lens can be used in conditions where temperatures are as low as -10°C.

Part of the appeal of the Lumix S9 is that it looks very cool, and now we have a travel lens that sits just as pretty as the camera it will be mounted on

This is a lens that not only looks pretty on the front of the Lumix S9 – and in fact on all the Lumix S cameras – but is one that also offers excellent performance for a wide range of photographic subjects. Its size and weight make it an ideal travel companion, while its focal range takes in landscapes, architecture, street scenes, groups and portraits, and even distant subjects with the Hybrid Zoom feature. The Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 is ideal for stills as well as for video, whether you are pointing it at yourself or the world in front of you.