OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4
The bottom line
The Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is a zoom (8-18mm) and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO is an 8mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 8mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.22x magnification vs 0.1x.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 18mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 8-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 8mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO opens to f/1.8 vs the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO is 8mm, Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is 8-18mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is a zoom (flexible framing), the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 better?
The Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is a zoom (8-18mm) and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO is an 8mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 8mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.22x magnification vs 0.1x.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 if you need more reach — it goes to 18mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 8-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 8mm can't reframe.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO and the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO opens to f/1.8 vs the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 8mm | 8-18mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 107° | 107° – 62° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 16-16mm | 16-36mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 13 cm | 23 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.22x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | − | 67mm |
| Diameter | 66mm | 73.6mm |
| Length | 84.6mm | 88mm |
| Weight | 315g (11.1 oz) | 315g (11.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
