Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Pentax DA* 12345 18mm
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
The Panasonic 8-18mm f/2.8-4 lens is highly praised for its excellent image quality, sharpness, and build. Users appreciate its compact size, light weight, and the ability to use screw-on filters, which is a key advantage over some competitors. While a few users noted it is pricey and one had sharpness issues on an Olympus body, the overwhelming majority recommend it for landscapes, interiors, and travel photography.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Sharp and crisp
- Compact and lightweight
- Accepts screw-on filters
- Weather-sealed
Cons
- Pricey
- Variable aperture
- No OIS
- Sharpness issues on some Olympus bodies
- Slight distortion at 8mm
Pentax DA* 12345 18mm
The Pentax HD DA 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW* is overwhelmingly praised for its exceptional sharpness, build quality, and versatility across landscape, astrophotography, and portrait work. Verified users report it becoming their go-to lens on K-3 and K-1 bodies, delivering images that rival or exceed competitors like the Sigma 10-20. Minor issues include incompatibility with some filter holders and a high price, but the overall sentiment is highly positive.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- High build quality
- Versatile for landscape and astro
- Fast f/2.8 aperture
- Filter mount compatibility
Cons
- Filter holder incompatibility
- High price
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Pentax DA* 12345 18mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 11 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 16 |
| Groups | 10 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Aero Bright II Coating, Super Protect Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax K |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.70 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | DC |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 1:10★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
Pentax DA* 12345 18mm
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong macro (69th percentile)
- Strong versatility (67th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 offers 2.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
