r/lmountalliance

Since the latest SL3 firmware, I find myself reaching for my SL3 over my Q2 more and more when I want autofocus. But unlike the Q, the SL3 with a Leica lens is much heavier; when Lumix released their 40mm f/2, I got curious about whether it would bridge that gap enough to give my SL3 a good lightweight travel option.

I’ve been using it for several weeks now, and I found that on the SL3, this Lumix lens balances surprisingly well. It successfully knocks the weight down to a very manageable level for longer walks, and I like that it allows me to use smaller bags than when I have my 50mm APO or the 24-90mm attached. I did a write up along with some sample photos if anyone is interested in this lens here: https://www.konstantinkokoris.com/reviews/lens-review-panasonic-lumix-40m-f2

Aside from using M-mount lenses, has anyone else been using this or found a smaller lens that they like to use on their SL?

I just took delivery of the LUMIX S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 a few days ago. Many first time LUMIX buyers who got it as their kit lens are flipping it on the used market, so I was able to get one for less than half of the listing price.

Compared to the all-metal Sigma Contemporary construction, if feels plastic fantastic in true LUMIX S fashion.

When it comes to length, we are in pancake territory. In locked position, it's about 5mm shorter than the Sigma Contemporary 45mm f/2.8 (40.9 mm against 46.2mm length), and it is nearly 1/3 lighter, with 155g against 215g.

Panasonic designed it so that you zoom out from 40mm to 18mm, and have to keep twisting until the whole lens collapses into its locked position, where the camera refuses to show what the sensor sees and asks you to zoom at least to 18mm.

Honestly, I don't mind, because it means that when not in use this lens can stay at its shortest length. It makes the S9 extremely comfortable to carry around for street photography.

When it comes to the focal lengths, as a big fan of 28mm and 45mm, this range works perfectly for me. I did get the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 which is much longer, but the LUMIX S is much closer to what I use.

This lens is getting me to rethink my life choices.

Images are sharp, and it renders colours very nicely. A very slight pin cushion effect that can easily be fixed in post. Macro can close up to 15cm, which allows to get really tight with the subject.

I lose between 1.3 and 2.3 stops compared to my other two lenses, but I have yet to see how it performs in low light. However, the thought is now lingering that it I find myself always bringing this LUMIX S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 with my S9, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 and 16-28mm f/2.8 might start picking dust ,and the option of selling them might be on the table.