Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 vs Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 versus the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH gives that up to stay lighter (300g (10.6 oz)) and cheaper ($899). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is 8-18mm, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH is 7-14mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH is $899, $100 under the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 or the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 versus the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH gives that up to stay lighter (300g (10.6 oz)) and cheaper ($899). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 and the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 8-18mm | 7-14mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 107° – 62° | 114° – 75° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 16-36mm | 14-28mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 23 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.08x |
| 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 | $899 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | − |
| Diameter | 73.6mm | 83.4mm |
| Length | 88mm | 83mm |
| Weight | 315g (11.1 oz) | 300g (10.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
