Announcement expected April 19 now.

@Cde

1. It is Panaleica. Whether that matters to you or not, it does to some.
2. It takes a screw on filter/hood.
3. it combines elements of the two lenses you mentioned with regard to light transmission. So, it is its own class in a way.

Not that any of that needs to matter to you, but it is not redundant.

Specs also updated

PR

Panasonic is proud to introduce a new wide zoom digital interchangeable lens, the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH. (35 mm camera equivalent: 16-36 mm) as the second lens to be introduced from its LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Series.

Covering a focusing distance from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto, this new LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 series achieves exceptionally high descriptiveness for both photo and video recording and yet its size is compact. All lenses also take advantage of Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology to minimize ghosting and flaring.　The 8-18 boasts a rugged, dust/splash-proof design and is freeze-proof down to -10℃ to deliver professional use under harsh conditions. The high-quality video recording capability is also one of the advantages of this lens series.

The new LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH offers a zoom range of ultra-wide16 mm to versatile 36 mm (35mm camera equivalent). It covers a variety of daily shooting situations, from dynamic landscapes to street photography. Taking advantage of the F2.8-4.0 high-speed performance, it is suitable for capturing starry sky or a night scenery. With a filter (67mm) such as ND or PL, this lens provides various expression in both photos and videos.

Comprised of 15 elements in 10 groups, the lens system features an aspherical ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens, three aspherical lenses, two ED lenses and an UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The use of these lenses effectively suppresses spherical distortion or chromatic aberration to achieve high resolution and contrast from center to corners.

The sensor drive at max. 240 fps enables to take full advantage of cameras with high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF. It also helps to reduce wobbling. Notably, the new lens excels in video recording performance. In addition to the silent operation achieved by the inner focus drive system, the micro-step drive system in the aperture control section helps the camera to smoothly capture brightness changes when zooming or panning. The optical design achieves exceptional barycentric stability to minimize image shifts during zooming. The AF tracking performance when zooming is also improved thanks to high-speed frame analysis for focus control.

Offered in sharp, metallic black, it stylishly matches the LUMIX G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) cameras.

The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Series lineup will expand with additional 50-200mm (100-400mm, 35mm camera equivalent) telephoto zoom lens.

Samples

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2017/04/18/panasonic-introduces-a-new-wide-angle-zoom-lens-the-leica-8-18mm-f-2.8-4

https://www.dpreview.com/samples/5181596515/panasonic-leica-dg-vario-elmarit-8-18mm-f2-8-4-sample-gallery

http://www.photographyblog.com/previews/panasonic_leica_dg_vario_elmarit_8_18mm_f2_8_4_asph_photos/

Review

Lens is a little soft wide-open at 18mm, where it's best used stopped down for the best results, there's some predictable barrel distortion at 8mm, and it is susceptible to flare when shooting directly into the sun, but otherwise it delivers fantastic sharpness at all focal lengths, even at the edges of the frame.

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_leica_dg_vario_elmarit_8_18mm_f2_8_4_asph_review/

In stock at

http://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/lumix-camera-lenses/H-E08018.html

http://www.photolari.com/leica-8-18-mm-f2-8-4-prueba-de-campo-en-el-pacifico-de-mexico/

In stock at

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1328548-REG/panasonic_h_e08018_leica_dg_vario_8_18mm.html

Review

https://www.cameralabs.com/leica-dg-8-18mm-f2-8-4-review/