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Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£290Lens mount:Micro Four ThirdsMaximum focal length:42 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):5.6Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:75 °

Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

80%

4.5

Technical score

20%

8.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 94% of camera-lenses
4.5

Technical score

Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

35%

4.1

Optics & Aperture

24%

4.2

Build & Handling

20%

5.8

Focus & Controls

10%

8.3

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 96% of camera-lenses
8.7

User score

User score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 65% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

8.9

Number of reviews

Based on 1,211 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 65% of camera-lenses
  • olympus-m-zuiko-14-42mm-f3-5-5-6-ii-r
  • olympus-m-zuiko-14-42mm-f3-5-5-6-ii-r
  • olympus-m-zuiko-14-42mm-f3-5-5-6-ii-r
olympus-m-zuiko-14-42mm-f3-5-5-6-ii-r
olympus-m-zuiko-14-42mm-f3-5-5-6-ii-r
olympus-m-zuiko-14-42mm-f3-5-5-6-ii-r

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R

Technical score
Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

35%

4.1

Optics & Aperture

24%

4.2

Build & Handling

20%

5.8

Focus & Controls

10%

8.3

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

4.5
User score
User score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 65% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

8.9

Number of reviews

Based on 1,211 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.7
Popularity
Popularity
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Popularity:
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has a popularity score of 8.9 points, which is higher than 77.2% of camera lenses.
8.9
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components:

60%

5.4

Overall score

40%

9.0

Price

6.5
Lens type
zoom
Lens mount
Micro Four Thirds
Sensor format coverage
Micro Four Thirds
Filter thread size
37 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
14 mm
Maximum focal length
42 mm
Optical zoom
3xx
Maximum angle of view
75 °
Minimum angle of view
29 °
Show more
Focus motor
STM, MSC
Minimum focus distance
0.25 m
Minimum focus distance
0.25 m
â–² Better than 66% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.25 m, which is closer than 65.6% of camera lenses and equal to 8.1% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.19xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.19x
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.19x, which is higher than 45.8% of camera lenses and equal to 5% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Override via AF+MF setting.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
128 g
Weight
128 g
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 128 g, which is lighter than 95.1% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens length
50 mm
Lens length
50 mm
â–² Better than 88% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 50 mm long, which is shorter than 88% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
56.5 mm
Lens diameter
56.5 mm
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 56.5 mm, which is slimmer than 97.5% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
no
Metal mount
no
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
This camera lens does not use a metal lens mount. 93.7% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
0.7 EV
DxOMark vignetting
0.7 EV
â–² Better than 89% of models
Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
This camera lens has DxOMark vignetting of 0.7 EV, which is lower than that of 89.1% of camera lenses and equal to that of 3.4% of camera lenses.
Show more

Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • 382 g lighter
    Weight
    128 g
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (128 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    128 g vs 510 g
  • 42.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    50 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (50 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    50 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 20.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    56.5 mm
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (56.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    56.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.5 EV less vignetting
    DxOMark vignetting
    0.700 EV
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
    This camera lens has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.7 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
    0.700 EV vs 1.2 EV
  • 1 more aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    3
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    3 vs 2
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.25 m
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.25 m vs 0.3 m
  • 1 more aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    3
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    3 vs 2
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.25 m
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.25 m vs 0.3 m
  • 382 g lighter
    Weight
    128 g
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (128 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    128 g vs 510 g
  • 42.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    50 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (50 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    50 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 20.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    56.5 mm
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (56.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    56.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.5 EV less vignetting
    DxOMark vignetting
    0.700 EV
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
    This camera lens has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.7 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
    0.700 EV vs 1.2 EV
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    5.6
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    5.6 vs 2.8
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • No metal mount
    Metal mount
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This camera lens does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
  • No lens hood
    Lens hood included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This camera lens does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 88.7% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • Fixed lens hood
    Reversible lens hood
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This camera lens does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 81.4% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    June 2011
    2011 vs 2016
  • 6.6% worse value for money
    Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.46 vs 6.9).
    6.46 vs 6.89
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    5.6
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    5.6 vs 2.8
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No metal mount
    Metal mount
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This camera lens does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
  • No lens hood
    Lens hood included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This camera lens does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 88.7% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
  • Fixed lens hood
    Reversible lens hood
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This camera lens does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 81.4% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    June 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
ephotozine.com
09/07/2011
Summary of the review
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 MkII Lens Review
M
mountaintripper.com
19/10/2023
Summary of the review
Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R Lens Review
B
bhphotovideo.com
22/12/2015
Summary of the review
Hands-on Review: Olympus PEN Lite E-PL6 with M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R LensGo to product viewer dialogue for this item.
D
digitalkamera.de
30/08/2011
Summary of the review
Review: Olympus Pen E-P3 (Lab Test with 14-42mm II R)
(Translated)Show original
D
digitalfototreff.de
03/04/2015
Summary of the review
Olympus 14-42mm vs Panasonic 14-42mm
(Translated)Show original
D
digitalkamera.de
20/09/2011
Summary of the review
Review: Olympus Pen E-PM1 (with 14-42 mm II R Lab Test)
(Translated)Show original
S
saggiamente.com
27/03/2015
Summary of the review
Review: Olympus OM-D E-M10, good things come in small packages (Kit II Lens Test)
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
14/12/2011
Summary of the review
Four compact mirrorless cameras tested
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
13/12/2012
Summary of the review
Olympus E-PL5: Better on the Inside
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 1,211 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R

  • Impressive sharpness for a kit lens, especially at the center and wide focal lengths
  • Lightweight and compact design makes it highly portable and ideal for travel or street photography
  • Fast and nearly silent 'MSC' (Movie & Still Compatible) autofocus, suitable for both photography and video
  • Minimal barrel distortion, especially for a budget zoom lens
  • Excellent value for money, often available cheaply as part of a kit or on the used market
  • Versatile close-focusing distance of approximately 25cm (9.8 inches) for near-macro shots

What we don't like about Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R

  • All-plastic build including the lens mount can feel 'toy-like' or less durable
  • Narrow variable maximum aperture (f/3.5-5.6) limits performance in low-light conditions
  • Lack of built-in optical image stabilization (OIS), relying entirely on camera body IBIS
  • Collapsible design requires the lens to be manually extended before shooting, which can be slower than non-collapsing lenses
  • Lens hood is not included in the box and must be purchased as an optional accessory
  • Potential for edge softness and chromatic aberration, particularly in the corners at wide angles

Verdict

The Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R is a compact, versatile standard zoom lens designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, offering a 35mm equivalent focal range of 28-84mm. Its optical construction features 8 elements in 7 groups, including 3 aspherical elements to reduce distortion and spherical aberration, paired with a 7-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh. Key pros include its incredibly lightweight 112g build, a close minimum focusing distance of 25cm, and a Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) autofocus system that provides fast, near-silent operation ideal for video. However, its main cons include a plastic lens mount and barrel that may lack durability, a collapsible design that requires manual extension before use, and a rotating front element that complicates the use of polarizing filters.

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