Panasonic Lumix G X 14-42mm PZ Lens

Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Performance

I'm not in a position to scientifically test this lens but in real world use, and viewing images at 100%, optical performance is very similar to Panasonic's identically specified kit lens throughout out the zoom range.

Best performance came in at around f/8. Focusing speed and accuracy are excellent, even in low light conditions. It is difficult to judge distortion and chromatic aberrations since these are effectively taken care of in software on Panasonic's own cameras. Be aware, however, that if you use the lens on an Olympus camera, CA will show at wide apertures and angles and you will need to remove it manually.

Minimum focus is a useful 0.2m / 8 inches, close enough for flowers for example but not for insects. The powered manual focussing works well but manual focussing is never ideal with small sensor cameras and focusing by switch cannot do anything about that. Whatever, it is no more difficult than using a focusing ring and for movies – especially off tripod - is actually better.

The anti-flare nano coating of this lens seems to work very well, as you can see from my example pictures shot directly into the sun. The flare has an appearance of almost being suppressed. Although I'd prefer to be able to fit a lens hood, it doesn't seem necessary with the nano coating.

The inbuilt OIS stabilisation is effective, I found that 1/20sec exposures were quite reliably shake free even at the lenses 42mm longest setting. Additional sample photos from this lens can be viewed in the equipment database.

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