Panasonic Lumix 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 G X ASPH. O.I.S Micro Four Thirds Le

Panasonic Lumix 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 G X Lens Handling and features

The lens barrel is constructed from high quality plastics which feel very robust and it weighs only 95g, which is incredibly lightweight. As this lens is marketed as a luxury alternative to their other standard zooms, the lens mount is metal. The small size of this lens means it is perfect for use with Panasonic's more compact Micro Four Thirds bodies and it makes the G1X used for testing quite pocket-friendly.

As focusing is performed internally the 37mm filter thread does not rotate during use, making this lens ideal for use with graduated and polarising filters. Manual focusing and zoom are operated via rocker switches similar to what you might find on a camcorder. On the G1X focal length and focusing information is displayed on the screen as the switches are moved. This mode of operation takes a little getting used to if you're used to using manually operated lenses, but should suit those moving up from a compact camera perfectly. It is especially suited to zooming during video recording, as it is easier to zoom in and out smoothly at low speeds.

The minimum focus distance is 20cm, which makes this lens suitable for shooting in tight spaces, or for frame filling close ups at maximum zoom.

The optical stabiliser is operated from the in-camera menu. With a little care, the optical stabilisation system allows sharp shots to be taken just over half the time at 1/10sec at 42mm, which is roughly three stops slower than the usual rule of thumb would dictate.

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