Olympus M.Zuiko ED 14 42mm F3 5 5 6 EZ Review | 54 Data compared

The Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ ED MSC is an ultra-compact, electronic pancake zoom designed for maximum portability on Micro Four Thirds cameras. Pros highlighted in the ePHOTOzine review include a lightweight build, automated retraction, and very good sharpness at the wide 14mm setting, along with a useful 20cm minimum focusing distance. However, the review outlines limitations at longer focal lengths, noting that sharpness drops significantly at 26mm, with further degradation at the 42mm telephoto end. While highly convenient, the lens sacrifices edge performance, often requiring users to stop down to achieve optimal results.

The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ is a highly compact Micro Four Thirds zoom lens that earns a "Good" 3.5 rating for its design and portability. Retailing at a direct price of $349.99, it stands out as one of the smallest zoom lenses available on the market. Its standout features include a very compact footprint, smooth power zoom operation, and minimal image distortion. While it does not rank as a top-shelf optical performer, it serves as a solid choice for photographers who prioritize a lightweight, pocketable setup. The review notes that users must be willing to accept some compromises regarding image quality, particularly when shooting wide open. The primary downsides of the lens are its so-so performance at its maximum aperture and edge sharpness that leaves a lot to be desired. It is slightly sharper than the comparable Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm, but users seeking superior image quality over size are advised to consider the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm alternative instead.

The Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED EZ is a standard pancake zoom lens designed for the Micro-Four-Thirds system, offering a full-frame equivalent focal length of 28-84mm. Reviewed by Klaus Schroiff on Opticallimits (formerly Photozone), the lens stands out for its ultra-compact "transport mode" and incredibly low weight of just 93 grams, making it a highly portable option. It achieves its pancake size through a motorized "EZ" power zoom mechanism that automatically extends when the camera is powered on and retracts when turned off. Despite being primarily constructed of plastic, the build quality is noted as quite good, featuring a sturdy metal mount and an inner focusing system that prevents the front element from rotating. However, the review highlights several compromises made to achieve this miniature form factor. On the pros side, the lens delivers fast and silent autofocus performance, boasts a small footprint, and includes a dedicated, albeit tiny, manual focus ring that works reasonably well "by-wire". On the cons side, the motorized zoom action is not as instantaneous as conventional mechanical zooms, and the inner lens tubes exhibit a...

The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ is an exceptionally light pancake zoom lens weighing under an ounce, specifically designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It stands out for its ultra-compact form factor, making it small enough to fit into a jacket pocket when paired with compact camera bodies. A key feature is its smooth, silent electro-magnetic power zoom ring, which produces excellent zoom movements for video recording and allows for remote operation via smartphone. Optically, the lens automatically corrects for errors in-camera, delivering good sharpness and a versatile 3x zoom range that handles everything from landscape to macro-style close-up photography. Additionally, users can purchase a unique optional automatic lens cap that opens and closes mechanically when powering the camera on or off. The review highlights several pros and cons regarding its performance and daily usability. On the positive side, it delivers fast and accurate autofocus, decent sharpness starting at full aperture, and excellent performance when utilizing the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) of Olympus cameras. However, on the downside, the telescopic design requires the lens to extend before a...

The Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ is a motorized pancake zoom lens that prioritises portability, affordability, and flexibility over raw technical specifications. The reviewer traded in his premium Olympus 17mm f/1.8 lens because he missed the pocket-friendly form factor of smaller gear, finding the 14-42mm EZ to be an excellent, "good enough" everyday option that ensures his camera is always with him. Tested on an Olympus E-P5 body, the lens proved highly effective for spontaneous photography and casual video shooting, working seamlessly alongside the camera's 5-axis image stabilization to deliver silent autofocus and smooth motorized zooming. The lens boasts several distinct advantages, starting with its automated extending and collapsing power mechanism, which prevents the missed shots common to older manual kit lenses. Additional pros include its substantial physical heft despite its tiny size, acceptable background bokeh, easily distinguishable zoom and focus rings, and sharp image performance on the wider end. On the downside, the primary con is that it lacks the ultimate sharpness found in high-end prime or professional zoom lenses. Ultimately, the author concludes that the immense gains in mobility...