Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The lens is perfect...very easy to use...but i think the color of black is more cool...(FOR SILVER BODY)