Panasonic Lumix G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II Lens Review

Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Sample Photos

Wide angle | 1/200 sec | f/6.3 | 16.0 mm | ISO 160 High-Res	Telephoto at 42mm is good | 1/320 sec | f/6.3 | 42.0 mm | ISO 160 High-Res
Closest focus varies depending what focal length the zoom is set to | 1/100 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 160 High-Res	Contrast holds up well shooting into the light | 1/160 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 160 High-Res
1/125 sec | f/9.0 | 18.0 mm | ISO 160 High-Res	1/320 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 160 High-Res
1/80 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	1/80 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 400 High-Res

Value for Money

This lens will costs around £219 when it becomes available, which is a good price for a brand new lens design.

Panasonic also offer three other lenses in this range. Two of the lenses are a little more bulky, but offer optical image stabilisation and the same f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture. The discontinued lens this replaces can still be bought new, for only £130. The 14-45mm lens, which is considered an upgrade to the discontinued lens by many costs around £230 and offers 3mm extra telephoto reach. Finally, Panasonic's 14-42mm X lens may also be considered. This lens is shorter when not in use, but uses a motorised zooming mechanism and costs around £250.

Olympus also offer a 14-42mm lens, which costs around £100. This lens sports a collapsible design, but lacks optical stabilisation, as this feature is built into Olympus camera bodies.

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