What 8mm at f/1.8 actually gives you
At 8mm this sits in ultra-wide territory, where straight lines near the frame edge stretch noticeably and a small step forward changes the composition a lot. On the Micro Four Thirds bodies it covers, it frames like 16mm would on full-frame.
f/1.8 is fast enough to keep shutter speeds up in poor light and to separate a subject from its background clearly.
Size and close focus
At 315g (11.1 oz) it sits in the middle for handling: substantial enough to feel planted, light enough not to dominate the kit.
It focuses to 13cm, which is close enough to fill the frame with small subjects.
Autofocus, stabilisation and weather sealing
Autofocus is driven by a Stepping motor.
There is no optical stabilisation in the lens, so handheld steadiness depends on the body having IBIS, or on keeping the shutter speed up.
The barrel is weather-sealed, so rain and dust are a manageable risk rather than a reason to pack up.
