This is an incredible kit lens, and a wonderful starting option for anyone looking switch to a micro four-thirds system!

Superb fast lens, much better contrast than the kit lens.

Great lens nice, clear, bright and natural colours . Works well with the DMC range of cameras. Filter effects really comes into its own. This lens is much preferred than its auto zoom equivalent.

Great lens nice, clear, bright and natural colours . Works well with the DMC range of cameras. Filter effects really comes into its own. This lens is much preferred than its auto zoom equivalent.

Handling and features Performance Verdict Specification This new, standard zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras covers a range equivalent to a 28-84mm lens on a 35mm camera, sports a compact design and optical image stabilisation.

Excellent sharpness in the centre throughout the zoom range; Compact size; Good build quality; Light weight; Optical stabilisation; Good value

Sharpness towards the edges of the frame could be better at 14mm

I needed a decent low price zoom lens for a video project and this pretty much fit the bill. Incidentally, I also needed a decent lens for taking pictures. I'm a cinematographer by trade and normally prefer to use prime lenses.

Works great, love it. And thank you for the fast delivery and thoughtful note.

Conclusions The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. Mega O.I.S. isn't a lens that you'll be chomping at the bit to own, but it's a fine starter zoom for photographers entering the Micro Four Thirds system.

Compact; Good sharpness through most of range; Minimal distortion; Optically stabilized; Includes lens hood

Soft edges and dim corners at widest angle; Plastic lens mount

For a while, the only way to get the Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. Mega O.I.S. ($249.99) was to buy it bundled with a new Micro Four Thirds camera. Now Panasonic is selling it on its own, albeit at a premium when compared with the cost of buying it along with a body. It's one of a number of starter lenses available for the system, and a fine choice for anyone starting out with a mirrorless camera—but you shouldn't pay full retail price for it. DesignEven though it's not a collapsible lens like the competing Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R ($224.00 at Amazon) zoom, the Lumix G Vario ($251.08 at Amazon)  is fairly compact at 1.9 by 2.2 inches (HD), and there's no need to extend it via a latch mechanism prior to use as there is with the Olympus zoom. Panasonic also includes a reversible lens hood, which Olympus makes you buy separately. And, since Panasonic cameras (for the most part) don't include the in-body stabilization that Olympus uses in its Micro Four Thirds...

The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. Mega O.I.S. is a good starter lens for Micro Four Thirds shooters, but it's not a standout.

Compact; Good sharpness through most of range; Minimal distortion; Optically stabilized; Includes lens hood

Soft edges and dim corners at widest angle; Plastic lens mount

Objectively the build quality is fine thanks to very tight tolerances as well as good quality plastics. Furthermore, the zoom and focus control rings operates smoothly. The lens extends when zooming towards the long end of the zoom range but there's no wobbling of the inner lens tube.