Compact Ultra-Wide Angle Prime. The Panasonic Lumix S 18mm f/1.8’s ultra-wide focal length makes it a particularly great option for landscape, interior, and architectural photography. Its bright f/1.8 aperture and rounded nine-blade diaphragm produce pleasing bokeh and smooth defocus gradation. Using an APS-C camera? You’ll get a 27mm focal length.

L-Mount Alliance. This wide-diameter lens mount is a joint collaboration between Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma that’s focused on a line of premium cameras and lenses in a mirrorless format. At 51.6mm mount diameter and just 20mm flange distance, the L-mount is well-suited for fast-aperture full-frame optics with compact dimensions.

Linear Autofocus System. The 18mm f/1.8’s autofocus system uses a linear motor to provide fast, accurate, nearly silent performance for still and video use while suppressing focus breathing. You can use the AF/MF switch to easily toggle between autofocus and manual focus modes, and a 7.1-inch minimum focusing distance will let you get in pretty close.

Premium Optics. This lens’s twelve-group/thirteen-element optical formula features three aspherical elements, three extra-low dispersion elements, an ultra extra-low refractive index element, and an ultra-high refractive index element to reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing, producing sharp, clear, color-accurate images.

High-Quality Build. The lens barrel’s metal construction provides a solid, yet lightweight feel, while its splash-. dust-, and freeze-resistant design lets you work in inclement weather conditions down to -14° with confidence.