Name: Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R
Brand: Olympus

Technical Specifications of Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R

Overall score

6.6

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Popularity

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.

Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Micro Four Thirds

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Micro Four Thirds

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

37 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

Optics & Aperture

7.9

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

14 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

42 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

75 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

29 °

Focus & Controls

5.6

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

STM, MSC

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

4.0

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

Lab Scores

7.7

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Why is Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R better than the average camera lens?

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20.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R is slimmer than the average camera lens (56.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R 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
42 mm shorter lens
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R is shorter than the average camera lens (50 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R is shorter than the average camera lens (50 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.50 mm vs 92 mm
0.5 EV less vignetting
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.7 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R 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
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R 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
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R 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.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R 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
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R 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.
20.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R is slimmer than the average camera lens (56.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
42 mm shorter lens
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R is shorter than the average camera lens (50 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
0.5 EV less vignetting
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.7 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.

Why is Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R 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.
2 fewer aperture blades
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Not weather-sealed
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No metal mount
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
No lens hood
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
Fixed lens hood
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
Older release date
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R was released earlier than the average camera lens.
June 2011
0.4 % higher optical distortion
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.7% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
1.6 T-stop higher transmission value
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (4.7 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
Not weather-sealed
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R 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.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R 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
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R 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
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.
Importance: HIGH
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
No lens hood
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
What it is: Whether a matching lens hood is supplied in the box.
When it matters: When you want flare protection straight out of the box without buying extra accessories.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
0.4 % higher optical distortion
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.7% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.7% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.0.7 % vs 0.3 %
Fixed lens hood
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
What it is: A hood design that can be mounted backward on the lens for more compact storage.
When it matters: When compact packing matters and you want the hood stored neatly on the lens.
Importance: LOW
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
1.6 T-stop higher transmission value
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (4.7 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (4.7 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.4.7 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop

Expert reviews

ephotozine.com

09/07/2011

Summary of the review

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 MkII Lens Review

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 MkII as an exceptionally compact, 112g lens featuring a smooth zoom mechanism, an internal focusing system, and a non-rotating 37mm front element for convenient filter use. Optically, it offers outstanding center sharpness at 14mm with peak performance between f/4 and f/5.6, though it features a plastic mount rather than the metal one found on its predecessor. On the downside, the lens exhibits very high native distortion, requiring digital correction to address significant barrel distortion at the 14mm wide end. Additionally, it struggles with reduced contrast and flare when shooting into bright light, particularly at longer focal lengths.

mountaintripper.com

19/10/2023

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Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R Lens Review

The Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R is a lightweight, ultra-compact consumer-grade kit lens designed for Micro Four-Thirds camera bodies. It is heavily praised for its impressive center sharpness and remarkable value when bundled as a kit with a camera body. Its minuscule 4-ounce build makes it highly portable and ideal for landscape photography or hiking, as long as it is stopped down between f/5.6 and f/8 to correct edge softness. Additionally, the zoom, focus rings, and collapsing mechanisms feel well-dampened despite the construction. However, the reviewer highlights several notable drawbacks, particularly its cheap, 100% all-plastic build and a slow, variable aperture that makes it poorly suited for low-light handheld shooting. A major usability complaint is the awkward "unlock" button requirement, which forces photographers to manually twist the zoom ring before shooting, potentially causing them to miss fast-moving moments. Finally, the lens is considered a poor financial decision at full retail price, especially since alternative options like the Panasonic 14-45mm offer better sharpness for a similar cost.

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.

The B&H Explora review characterizes the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL6 as a compact, fast-performing camera delivering high-quality 16.1MP images, featuring a 180° tilting touchscreen and a versatile 14-42mm kit lens suitable for travel. Key advantages include rapid autofocus, in-camera art filters, and an electronic level, while disadvantages center on limited high-ISO performance, a lack of built-in Wi-Fi, and potential front-heavy handling with larger lenses.

digitalkamera.de

30/08/2011

Summary of the review

Review: Olympus Pen E-P3 (Lab Test with 14-42mm II R)

The digitalkamera.de review highlights the Olympus Pen E-P3 as a refined, high-performance mirrorless camera featuring exceptional image quality, a brilliant OLED touchscreen, and extremely fast autofocus. While praised for its robust build and customization, the camera is critiqued for a cluttered menu system and a 16:9 screen ratio that displays 4:3 images with black bars.

digitalfototreff.de

03/04/2015

Summary of the review

Olympus 14-42mm vs Panasonic 14-42mm

The Digitalfototreff forum thread compares the Olympus 14-42mm and Panasonic 14-42mm kit lenses, noting that while sharpness is similar, the Panasonic lens offers superior contrast and better backlight handling, while the Olympus lens is plagued by significant ghosting and red spot artifacts. Mechanically, the Panasonic is praised for its performance, whereas the Olympus is criticized for its cumbersome, manually retractable design, causing many to abandon it for alternatives.

digitalkamera.de

20/09/2011

Summary of the review

Review: Olympus Pen E-PM1 (with 14-42 mm II R Lab Test)

The digitalkamera.de review highlights the Olympus Pen E-PM1 ("Pen Mini") as an exceptionally lightweight, stylish, and responsive mirrorless camera, praising its "Fast AF" system, attractive image quality, and accessible user interface, particularly for beginners. However, the compact design sacrifices ergonomics, lacking a dedicated grip, a mode dial, and a built-in flash, while the fixed 16:9 LCD and high ISO performance at12 megapixels pose limitations in bright light and high-sensitivity shooting.

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27/03/2015

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tweakers.net

14/12/2011

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This article reviews four affordable compact mirrorless cameras from late 2011: the Olympus E-PM1, Panasonic Lumix GF3, Sony NEX-C3, and Nikon 1 J1. The Sony NEX-C3 stands out with the largest APS-C sensor, delivering the best high-ISO noise performance and photo detail, though it suffers from a bulky 18-55mm kit lens and a spread-out menu interface without a quick menu. The Panasonic Lumix GF3 is the most affordable and smallest-feeling option with a useful touchscreen, but its high-ISO performance finishes last, its menu layout feels outdated, and it lacks a hot shoe for external flash or viewfinder expansions. Meanwhile, the Nikon 1 J1 uses a smaller 1-inch sensor that limits resolution and depth-of-field control, but it features a completely silent electronic shutter and an incredibly fast phase-detection autofocus system that excels at tracking moving targets in good light. However, the Nikon 1 J1 loses points due to a clumsy menu navigation system, a poorly placed mode dial that lacks direct PASM exposure settings, and lenses that feel somewhat cheap. Ultimately, the roundup names the Olympus E-PM1 (also known as the...

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Olympus E-PL5: Better on the Inside

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

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Technical Specifications of Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R

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

Why is Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R better than the average camera lens?

Why is Olympus M.Zuiko 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 II R worse than the average camera lens?

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Third-party reviews

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