The Panasonic Leica 8-18mm f/2.8-4 isn’t your typical first lens purchase, but the vloger above decided to go wide zoom instead of fast fifty for his first real lens, which is surprising. Wide lenses like these have a learning curve, but I am sure he will enjoy his purchase. The creativity of a wide can be more fun than a standard fast fifty focal length.
photobyrichard – LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH Review
ephotozine – Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. Review
imaging-resource – Panasonic 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT
cameralabs – Leica DG 8-18mm f2.8-4 review
“The Leica DG 8-18mm f2.8-4 becomes the fourth ultra-wide zoom for the Micro Four Thirds system, and arguably the most compelling overall to date. It may not zoom quite as wide as the Lumix and Olympus 7-14mm models, but the extra reach at the longer end makes it more flexible, and crucially the ability to mount standard (or even serious ND) filters without vignetting will be appreciated by many (especially long exposure) photographers. The Leica may not be quite as sharp in the corners as the Olympus 7-14mm at wide apertures and it also lacks the constant f2.8 focal ratio, but in turn it’s smaller, lighter and cheaper. It also out-performs the older Lumix 7-14mm f4, while mostly avoiding the purple flare issues of that model. Throw in quick and quiet focusing, and a weather-sealed body with smooth focus and zoom rings and you have a lens that’s easy to highly recommend. It’s become my favourite ultra-wide zoom for Panasonic and Olympus bodies, and a tempting upgrade for owners of the Lumix 7-14mm f4 or Olympus 9-18mm.”