GH4 Panasonic 8-18mm thoughts?

[rob norton]

Just announced - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1328548-REG/panasonic_h_e08018_leica_dg_vario_8_18mm.html/19115/KBID/10779/

I know it's yet to be used but what do people think so far?

 

[Lpowell]

Yet another variable-aperture zoom?

 

[Atobit]

Seems to be a good lens for timelapse

 

[Thomas Smet]

Yet another variable-aperture zoom?

Or a constant f4.0 which is still pretty impressive.

 

[Jim Simon]

Would be worth half that price had it been a constant ƒ1.4 lens.

Definitely not worth paying double for an ƒ4.

 

[Jim Simon]

Yet another variable-aperture zoom?

Right?

 

[fboonzaier]

Price is better than I expected...perfect compliment to the 12-60 Leica/Panny 2.8

 

[dustylense]

LOL at the ones saying "variable zoom". Get real. You build a M43 wide angle constant 2.8, keep it compact, and put it on the market for $1000. One that takes filters without the bulbous front element. People are going to buy this lens for the 8mm side of it. They can put their 12-35 2.8 on to keep the speed.

 

[Bern Caughey]

Panasonic's 7-14mm has been a specialty lens that I don't use often, but occasionally is just what's needed. The PanaLeica 8-18mm offers a bit more zoom range, but much more importantly accepts circular filters, so will replace the 7-14mm for my needs. Will likely make a decent lens for use on a single handle gimbal too.

A lot of users may be better served by a Tokina 11-16/2.8 with a SpeedBooster, but for the most part I use m4/3 lenses on the GH bodies because I can pack more of them into a carry-on sized backpack, which is important for some of the documentary work we do in the more illiberal parts of the world.

 

[TheDingo]

The PanaLeica 8-18mm offers a bit more zoom range, but much more importantly accepts circular filters

The "smooth" aperture feature is something that would interest me. ( I might end up replacing most of my old Panasonic lenses just for this "smooth" aperture feature )