Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH premium wide angle lense
Panasonic and Leica have come up with premium wide angle glass in the form of the new DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH lens (equivalent field of view of 16-36mm in 35mm). The lens is small and lightweight, and robust being weather-sealed and is resistant to temperatures as low as -10℃. The 8-18mm lens is comprised of 15 elements in 10 groups, including an aspherical ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens, three aspherical lenses, two ED lenses and an UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The lens features Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology to minimise ghosting and flaring. This lense will be well suited for high-quality video work with a sensor drive at max. 240 fps enabling it to take full advantage of cameras with high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF. According to Panasonic, the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Series will eventually expand to include a 50-200mm telephoto zoom lens. The Panasonic Leica 8-18mm f/2.8-4 has an MSRP of US$1099.99 and is expected to start shipping in late May.
