Panasonic Lumix S 18 mm f/1.8 review

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Panasonic Lumix S 18 mm f/1.8

2 January 2026

Maciej Latałło

4. Image resolution

Our tests of L-mount/SL-mount optics system are based of RAW files from the Panasonic Lumix S1R II. We develop them with neutral software such as dcraw so they don't undergo any additional processing (e.g. sharpening, compression, or correction of other optical aberrations). The resolution of files amounts to 8152x5428 pix (44.24 Mpix) and the linear density of pixels is here by less than 2.3% higher than in the Sony A7R IIIa and by less than 1.5% lower than in case of the Nikon Z7. All these differences are comparable to our measuring levels so we think the results rom all three main testing platforms of full frame systems can be compared directly to each other.

We can also mention the fact that the decency level is positioned here near 40-42 lpmm, the best system primes should reach about 80 lpmm and the record-breakers might go as high as near 85 lpmm or even slightly exceed this value. Of course as we add more and more tests of lenses from this system to our database we might refine these estimations even further. So far the best results belong to the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75 mm f/2 (83.4 lpmm) and the Panasonic S Pro 50 mm f/1.4 (85.4 lpmm).

Now let's check how the performance of the Panasonic S 18 mm f/1.8 compares; a graph below presents its results in the frame centre, on the edge of the APS-C sensor and on the edge of full frame.

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Panasonic Lumix S 18 mm f/1.8 - Image resolution

In case of the frame centre you deal with very good values but still they are far from outstanding. At the maximum relative aperture the lens exceeds 48 lpmm so offers you completely useful images. Still this result is lower than in case of other f/1.8 L system lenses, tested by us. For example the Lumix S 50 mm f/1.8 had a result of 52.6 lpmm and the Lumix S 85 mm f/1.8 that of 52.1 lpmm. In order to defend the tested Panasonic a bit you have to add that out of all these three instruments it is a lens most difficult to design.

An important feature: image quality improves very quickly on stopping down the aperture so by f/4.0 you have a result of 69.1 lpmm, by almost 2 lpmm more than a respective value of the 1.8/50 model. Of course it is still by 4 lpmm less than in case of the 1.8/85 lens.

The results of the Panasonic 1.8/18 aren't especially impressive when you compare it to its ultra wide angle rivals. After all the Sony FE 1.8/20G for some time was among our record-breaking lenses, exceeding 80 lpmm without any problems. The FE 16 mm f/1.8G, a lens more dificult to construct, managed to reach 76-77 lpmm without any trouble. Compared to that the level of less than 70 lpmm, reached by the Panasonic, doesn't impress at all even though it allows to get sharp images. When it comes to the edge of the APS-C sensor at the maximum relative aperture you see a result exceeding slightly 39 lpmm so brushing against the decency level. After stopping down the aperture MTFs are able to exceed a very good value of 50 lpmm. Still, once again the Panasonic loses to both Son models that perform better both at the maximum relative aperture and on stopping down.

The edge of full frame is very difficult to correct with such a wide angle of view and good aperture fastness. We are not surprised by the fact that by f/1.8 and f/2.0 we got results that are below the decency level. In order to achieve this level you have to stop the lens down to near f/2.5, a similar effect that in case of both Sony models. Still, their resolution increases a tad quicker so both were able to exceed 50 lpmm, something the tested Panasonic failed to achieve, with the highest level of 48.1 lpmm.

To sum up the Panasonic Lumix S 18 mm f/1.8 is a well-put-together lens you will enjoy using; the only slip-up worth noticing is the performance on the very edge of the frame in the area close to the maximum relative aperture. You should also add that the same slip-up was present in tests of other models from this segment. Still, Sony decided to construct optically more complex lenses; that's why their performance is better than that of the Panasonic. Of course the Sony lenses are also more expensive – you have to pay about 3900 PLN for them while the Panasonic comes with a lower price tag, that of about 3200 PLN.

At the end of this chapter, traditionally, we present crops taken from photos of our resolution chart; they were taken from JPEG files saved along RAW files we used for the analysis above.

Panasonic S1R II, JPEG, 18 mm, f/1.8