Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver)

by Olympus

Product Details

• Item Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002CGSYLM
• Item model number: 14-42mm Silver
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 15, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The standard 3x zoom comes in an extremely compact size with an overall length of just 43.5mm. Covering wide-angle to a moderate telephoto, this lens is suitable for a variety of applications, including day-to-day shooting and traveling. With a digital-dedicated design as well as multi-coated lens components, this Micro Four Thirds lens boasts very high imaging performance.

Product Description

The Olympus Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 3x Standard Zoom Lens is the smallest and lightest in its class and features a closest focusing distance of only 25cm. The ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and two aspherical lens elements correct aberrations without increasing lens dimensions. The circular aperture diaphragm enables beautiful defocusing - one of the big advantages of this lens. Excellent mobility is assured by a weight of less than 190 grams.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Panasonic micro four-thirds Lens is *much* faster, June 25, 2010

By 

Eric S. Imsand - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver) (Electronics)

I received this lens as part of the E-PL1 kit. The first thing that struck me about it was that, on the E-PL1, it was very slow to focus. The 1.1 firmware update helped, but not as much as I expected.

To do a proper comparison I also purchased the Panasonic GF1 micro four-thirds camera at the same time.

I don't know the mechanics behind it. All I can say is that the Panasonic lens is a heckuva lot faster when being focused -- on both the Panasonic GF1 and the Olympus E-PL1.

On the other hand, the Olympus lens is also a heckuva lot smaller than the Panasonic. When fully retracted for storage I would estimate that the Olympus is about a full inch shorter.

As far as the images go, I find the image quality to be good.

So... it's a fine lens. The size is awesome. But it is really slow when being focused is comparison to the kit lens that comes with the Panasonic GF1.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Sharp lens with shaky build quality, October 17, 2010

By 

A photographer (Planet Earth) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver) (Electronics)

I originally bought this to use with an E-P1 and 17/2.8 kit. My purpose was a bit more versatility in focal length range. The lens is very good in image quality but I have little confidence in its build quality. The folded design and plastic material make for shaky lens barrels. I'm concerned about carrying it and bumping the lens front section and simply breaking it apart. I'm also not very fond of the lock closure concept. The whole mechanical and physical design of this lens scares me.

Subsequent to buying this lens, I also bought a Panasonic Lumix G1 with the 14-45 kit lens. The Panasonic lens, although still made of lightweight plastic, is built considerably better and also comes with a nice lens hood. Comparing photos made with both lenses shows me that the Olympus lens actually is the better lens based on image quality. So, it is something of a toss-up between the two. Personally, I use the Panasonic lens on the G1 and stick with prime lenses on the E-P1. While the Olympus 14-42 lens is capable of making excellent photos, it's too fragile for me to trust in the field.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Standard zoom lens for Olympus EP-1, June 17, 2010

By 

Sais (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver) (Electronics)

The Pros - small, lightweight, easy to carry, priced right

The Cons - small aperture, just OK image quality, it seems to be loose, not a precise feel.

If you're just looking for a convenient "kit lens" then this is the one but if you're looking for a great optic you might want to investigate other options.