Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4

Panasonic
89 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

Nikon
74 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4

88 out of 100 medium confidence 18 reviews

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
👍 Image quality 12
👍 Build quality 8
🤔 Value for money 6
👍 Portability 5
👍 Filter compatibility 4
👍 Autofocus performance 3

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

82 out of 100 high confidence 54 reviews

The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VRII is widely praised as a versatile, sharp, and well-built walk-around lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. Users love the constant f/4 aperture, effective VR, and the useful 24-120mm range, which makes it ideal for travel, events, and everyday photography. While some note it is a bit heavy and pricey, and a few report softness or quality control issues, the overwhelming majority consider it an excellent value and a worthy upgrade from kit lenses.

Pros
  • Versatile 24-120mm zoom range
  • Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
  • Effective Vibration Reduction (VR)
  • Sharp image quality across focal lengths
  • Solid build and durable construction
Cons
  • Heavier than some comparable lenses
  • Relatively expensive (new)
  • Some copies have softness issues
  • Maximum aperture f/4 is slow for low light
  • Zoom ring position can be awkward
👍 Image quality 28
👍 Zoom range versatility 25
👍 Build quality 18
👍 Vibration reduction 12
🤔 Weight 14
👍 Value for money 15

Scores

Landscape
Panasonic
83
Nikon
92
Portrait
Panasonic
89
Nikon
50
Video Cinema
Panasonic
85
Nikon
67
Travel
Panasonic
82
Nikon
85
Street
Panasonic
84
Nikon
57
Budget
Panasonic
82
Nikon
74
Professional
Panasonic
82
Nikon
71
Wildlife Sports
Panasonic
75
Nikon
71
Macro
Panasonic
69
Nikon
74

Specifications

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min8 mm24 mm
Focal Length Max18 mm120 mm
Elements1516
Groups1013
Aspherical Elements4★3
ED Elements3★2
CoatingNano Surface CoatingNano Crystal Coat, Super Integrated Coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/22
Min Aperture2.8-4f/4
Constant✗✓★
Diaphragm Blades79★
Build
MountMicro Four ThirdsNikon F
Formatmicro-four-thirdsfull-frame★
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.31 kg★0.63 kg
Filter Thread67 mm77 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF Type240-fps autofocus driveSilent Wave Motor
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops—4 stops★
Focus
Min Focus Distance230 mm★350 mm
Max Magnification0.12x1:2.56★

Pros & Cons

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4

  • Strong optical (94th percentile)94th %ile
  • Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
  • Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
  • Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

  • Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (25th percentile)

Pricing

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4

No current pricing available

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

Verdict

★ Winner: Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4

Scores 89 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 Better at:

BudgetStreetPortraitProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm Better at:

MacroTravelLandscape

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