Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens, for Micro Four Thirds Camera (Black)

I got this lens to go on a M10 for when I need to do some quick candid shots at some events. I wanted something lighter and more compact than the 12-50. I got it just before Presidents Day weekend and had a chance to take it out to some locations for everyday photography. I found that it focused quickly and accurately in nearly every situation. The surprise was that the images were quite sharp even at the edges when stopped down to about 7.1. Colors are accurate and contrasty. Lens flair is generally well controlled which was good as I didnt have a hood for it. I know there may be some variations out there, but the one that I got exceeds my expectations. Its likely to be on the camera most of the time.

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This is the best lens Ive bought in a while because of its convenience - I put it on an Olympus PEN E-P2 camera that wasnt being used. Now Ive turned my old camera into a good, go anywhere camera with no hassles. I just turn on the camera, the lens extends and Im ready to go. I also bought the automatically opening / closing lens cap for the lens, no cap to remove and store, perfect. The zoom works very smooth and is silent - I havent tried it on my GH4 yet but I like the silent operation. Also like that you can sort of program the zoom between two objects. For me, its made an old camera new again as I keep it close ready to shoot with. THE GOOD - 35mm equivalent of 28mm - 84mm for my M 4/3 format camera is just right for what Im using it for. Lens quality is good, pretty sharp, not that fast but for what Im using it for its great. Im using it for work and take 100-200 images a day of boat parts, on the ocean, parts and damage. Overall good lens for the money. 600 plus images so far, good. THE OK - Although I knew this before buying it, its not great for close work. If you need macro capabilities this isnt your lens but does work well at 7-8 inches. With the good image quality of my old E-P2, shooting in RAW I can get get really good cropped images so I havent really needed macro capabilities. Olympus sells a macro screw on adapter (dont like adapters too much) and I may buy and try. THE BAD - For Me - Nothing.

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I have been looking and researching a new camera for some time to replace an older Fuji X-100 as my primary camera and an Oly 620 SLR. However, I went back and forth about a Canon G5X and the Olympus OM-D M5 Mark II as I wasnt sure if I really needed all the features of the Oly. I decided to buy the Oly and the 12-42 pro lens but didnt know about this lens. My primary lens for the Oly will be the 12-42 Pro as it is a really outstanding lens. However, I saw this lens after I bought my Oly and thought I would buy it just to see how it works. Although it will never have the picture quality and low light capabilities of that pro lens, it essentially makes a pocket camera nearly identical to the Canon. Its a quick way to make a pocket camera and still have the features of the other lens capability. I wanted the sealing of the body of the Oly as the Canon doesnt have that. this lens isnt sealed, but my pro is and thats good enough. I wouldnt recommend this as the primary lens for the M5 II, but I think its a must have for your kit. I have an Alaska cruise planned in June, and will really get to put this Oly kit to the test. In test pictures side by side in the last few days, with and without the flash, this little pancake lens does a terrific job. I like that my M5 II is now like two cameras. Just make sure you get that Oly lens cover with this lens. I wasnt sure about that at first, but its a must have for this lens. You cant use a filter, but thats what my pro and my other lenses are for. If you are on the fence about this lens, I really recommend it for the M5 II.

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I own many olympus lenses and they all serve different purposes. To maintain the omd and pen series as a pocket camera, this is a must have lens. Sure, not great in low light. isnt made for action. But for a day with the family. a day in the city. or to make sure you always have your camera with you this is a must have lens that is very versatile. got it on sale for 200 and its a no brainer. Should have bought the auto close lens cap, Ill order it soon. Picture that is added has no post production. just threw it on on my OMD EM10 and this was one of the first shots I took at my kitchen table. Glad I bought this lens. The zoom process is slower than doing it by hand with the kit lens, but whatever. Im fine with it.

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Here is a just-got-it, digging-it review. Time will tell if I edit this to address any issues. This is a great walk-around lens that gives me the range that I want without the bulk of the kit lens. I am using it on an Olympus OM-D E-M10 and the two together are an awesome combination. Focus is quick, Zoom is powered which is a bit different from every other M4/3 lens that I have in my kit. But I am slowly getting used to that. I do wish that Olympus would include the lens cap that automatically opens with this lens. I will probably spring for that at some point, hopefully before I lose the simple cap that came in the box.

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I debated getting this lens to replace my kit lens for a long time. I wasnt sure if the cost justifies the only upgrade this lens offers over my kit lens, portability. I was really glad I got it after all. I am using it with a Olympus E-PM2. Paired with the auto lens cap, its barely larger than my old point and shoot, except with much better picture quality. If you value portability, this is a no brainer.

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Very nice and much better that the kit lens. Great street lens and nice closeups too.Nice all purpose lens. Olympus make some of the finest lenses on the market. My first Olympus was and OM-D 35 mm with a 50 mm 1.4 lens. I purchased that in the 1970s. I still use this lens today with my Olympus OM-D E-M 5II. At 100 mm shoots nice portraits.

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It might not be the fastest or the sharpest, but its certainly the smallest zoom youre going to find, especially when its powered off and in its physical stowed position. It sits on the front of my E-M10 most of the time and is the perfect travel combination. I got it while it was on sale, and thus consider it reasonably priced. Its focus is fast and silent, especially in regular light conditions.One feature I like is its metal bayonet mount. The original micro four thirds 14-42mm, released with the E-P1 and E-P2, also had a metal mount. The next two versions used plastic and I never cared for them at all. Of all the 14-42mm lenses Ive used so far, this ones overall build quality stands head and shoulders over all the others, including the original release. Image quality wise, its good enough, especially when you consider the convenience of its compact size, especially when off. One quirk about the lens to keep in mind, and thats when you turn the camera off, the lens is reset to its widest (14mm) zoom setting. So if you expect to leave it at a different setting, it wont be there the next time you turn it on. If you need to zoom in as soon as you power on the camera and lens, youre going to have to have your hand on the zoom ring immediately to adjust. For all its compromises its a lens worth owning.

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Very nice lens and what Olympus should ship with their cameras (its way more compact than the standard 14-42 kit lens, which is huge). Quick to deploy, sharp images and surprisingly easy on the battery.

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Small lightweight -- perfect companion for my Olympus micro 4/3 camera. 14-42mm is 35mm equivalent of 28-84mm so capable of handling nearly all assignments. Its a great all-day carry lens for sightseeing.

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