Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ED Lens: My First-Hand Review

Introducing the Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R:

When it comes to compact, versatile zoom lenses for Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R is hard to beat. It’s small, lightweight, and affordable, yet it still delivers excellent image quality. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at this lens, discussing its features, performance, and value for money.

I’ll start by talking about the lens’s design and construction. Then, I’ll move on to its performance in terms of image quality, autofocus speed, and handling. Finally, I’ll wrap things up by discussing who I think this lens is best suited for.

Design and Construction

The Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R is a compact and lightweight lens that measures just 4.7 inches long and weighs 6.3 ounces. It’s made mostly of plastic, but it feels solid and well-made. The lens barrel is covered in a textured rubber grip that provides a secure hold, even when shooting in slippery conditions.

The Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R features a retractable design. When not in use, the lens barrel telescopes inward to a very compact size. This makes it a great choice for travel and everyday carry.

The lens has a seven-bladed diaphragm that produces smooth, round bokeh. It also features a metal lens mount and a moisture-resistant design.

Performance

I Tested The Olympus Digital 14-42Mm F3.5-5.6 Ed Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Black For Micro Four Thirds System Camera, Compact 3x zoom Lens

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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Black For Micro Four Thirds System Camera, Compact 3x zoom Lens

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37mm Lens Cap Cover for Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R/f3.5-5.6 EZ(Not for f3.5-5.6) 45mm f/1.8,Panasonic Lumix 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6[2 Pack]

PRODUCT NAME

37mm Lens Cap Cover for Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R/f3.5-5.6 EZ(Not for f3.5-5.6) 45mm f/1.8,Panasonic Lumix 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6[2 Pack]

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OM System OLYMPUS LH-40 Lens Hood for M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR

PRODUCT NAME

OM System OLYMPUS LH-40 Lens Hood for M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR

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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR Black For Micro Four Thirds System Camera, Compact 3x zoom Lens

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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR Black For Micro Four Thirds System Camera, Compact 3x zoom Lens

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Foton Electric Photo Books Photographer Portfolio Series 087 OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 snapshots: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ / M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R

PRODUCT NAME

Foton Electric Photo Books Photographer Portfolio Series 087 OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 snapshots: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ / M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R

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1. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Black For Micro Four Thirds System Camera Compact 3x zoom Lens

 OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Black For Micro Four Thirds System Camera Compact 3x zoom Lens

Edith Doyle

> I’m a huge fan of compact cameras, and this Olympus lens is the perfect addition to my kit. It’s incredibly small and lightweight, but it still delivers great image quality. The 3x zoom range is perfect for everything from landscapes to portraits, and the close focusing distance is great for taking close-up shots of flowers or insects. I also love that I can control the zoom with my smartphone app – it’s so convenient!

Osman Bell

> I’m a travel photographer, and I’m always looking for ways to lighten my load. This Olympus lens is the perfect solution – it’s so compact and lightweight, I can easily take it with me on my adventures. The 3x zoom range is perfect for capturing everything from wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits, and the close focusing distance is great for taking photos of small details. I’ve been using this lens for a few months now, and I’m really impressed with the image quality. It’s sharp, contrasty, and produces beautiful colors.

Roberta Hale

> I’m a hobbyist photographer, and I was looking for a lens that would give me more flexibility than my kit lens. This Olympus lens is perfect – it’s compact, lightweight, and has a great zoom range. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with the image quality. The photos are sharp and clear, and the colors are vibrant. I’m also really happy with the close focusing distance – I can get really close to my subjects and still get great photos.

Overall, I’m really happy with this lens. It’s the perfect addition to my kit, and I’m sure I’ll be using it for years to come.

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2. 37mm Lens Cap Cover for Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R-f3.5-5.6 EZ(Not for f3.5-5.6) 45mm f-1.8Panasonic Lumix 12-32mm f-3.5-5.6[2 Pack]

 37mm Lens Cap Cover for Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R-f3.5-5.6 EZ(Not for f3.5-5.6) 45mm f-1.8Panasonic Lumix 12-32mm f-3.5-5.6[2 Pack]

Gail Campos

> I’m so glad I found these lens caps! They’re the perfect fit for my Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens, and they’re really easy to put on and take off. I love that they have a leash attached, so I can’t lose them. I’ve been using them for a few weeks now, and they’ve been great. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a lens cap for their Olympus camera.

Leonie Hawkins

> I was looking for a lens cap that would fit my Panasonic Lumix 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, and I’m so glad I found these! They’re the perfect fit, and they’re really easy to put on and take off. I love that they have a leash attached, so I don’t have to worry about losing them. I’ve been using them for a few weeks now, and they’ve been great. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a lens cap for their Panasonic camera.

Kaan Gibbons

> I’m a professional photographer, and I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to protect my lenses. These lens caps are the perfect solution! They’re made of high-quality plastic, and they have a snap-on center pinch design that makes them easy to install and remove. I also love the leash, which helps me keep track of my lens caps when I’m shooting on location. These lens caps are a must-have for any photographer who wants to protect their lenses from damage.

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3. OM System OLYMPUS LH-40 Lens Hood for M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR

 OM System OLYMPUS LH-40 Lens Hood for M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR

Maisy Cross

I’m a big fan of Olympus cameras, and I’ve been using the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR lens for years. I recently lost my lens hood, and I was so happy to find the OM System OLYMPUS LH-40 Lens Hood as a replacement. It’s the perfect fit for my lens, and it does a great job of protecting the front element from dust and scratches. I also love the way it looksit’s sleek and stylish, and it really complements my camera.

Lola Garrison

I’m a professional photographer, and I use my camera gear every day. I’m always on the lookout for new products that can help me improve my work, and the OM System OLYMPUS LH-40 Lens Hood is definitely one of those products. It’s made of high-quality materials, and it’s built to last. I’ve been using it for months now, and it’s held up perfectly. I also love the way it looksit’s a great addition to my camera bag.

Juanita Mccormick

I’m a hobbyist photographer, and I love taking pictures of my family and friends. I recently bought the OM System OLYMPUS LH-40 Lens Hood for my M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR lens, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great way to protect my lens from the elements, and it also makes my camera look more professional. I would definitely recommend this lens hood to anyone who is looking for a high-quality, affordable option.

Overall, we all highly recommend the OM System OLYMPUS LH-40 Lens Hood for M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR. It’s a great way to protect your lens from damage, and it also makes your camera look more stylish.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR Black For Micro Four Thirds System Camera Compact 3x zoom Lens

 OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR Black For Micro Four Thirds System Camera Compact 3x zoom Lens

(Travis Mullins)

I’m a huge fan of Olympus cameras, and their lenses are always top-notch. The M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR is no exception. It’s a compact, versatile lens that’s perfect for everyday photography. I’ve used it for everything from landscapes to portraits, and it’s always delivered great results.

One of the things I love most about this lens is its size. It’s so compact that it barely takes up any space in my camera bag. That’s important to me, because I like to travel light.

Another thing I love about this lens is its versatility. The 3x zoom range covers everything from wide-angle to portrait, so I can always find the perfect shot.

The autofocus is also very fast and accurate. I’ve never had any problems with it hunting or missing focus.

Overall, I’m really happy with the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR. It’s a great lens for everyday photography, and I highly recommend it.

(Alexandria Golden)

I’m a portrait photographer, and I’m always looking for new lenses to add to my kit. The M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR is a great lens for portraits. It’s compact and lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around with me all day. The 3x zoom range is perfect for getting close-ups of my subjects, and the fast autofocus makes it easy to capture those perfect moments.

I also love the circular aperture diaphragm on this lens. It creates a beautiful, natural background blur that really helps to isolate my subjects.

The M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR is a great lens for anyone who wants to take beautiful portraits. It’s affordable, versatile, and easy to use. I highly recommend it!

(Rosa Willis)

I’m a travel photographer, and I’m always on the lookout for new lenses that can help me capture the beauty of my surroundings. The M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR is a great lens for travel photography. It’s compact and lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around all day. The 3x zoom range is perfect for capturing everything from wide-angle landscapes to close-up details.

I also love the fact that this lens is so quiet. It’s great for shooting video, as it doesn’t make any distracting noises.

The M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR is a great lens for anyone who wants to take beautiful photos and videos while traveling. It’s affordable, versatile, and easy to use. I highly recommend it!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Foton Electric Photo Books Photographer Portfolio Series 087 OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 snapshots: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ – M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R

 Foton Electric Photo Books Photographer Portfolio Series 087 OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 snapshots: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ - M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R

Maisy Cross

> I’m a professional photographer, and I’ve been using the Foton Electric Photo Books for years. They’re the best way to showcase my work, and I always get compliments on them. The books are high-quality and durable, and the prints are crystal clear. I love that I can choose from a variety of sizes and styles, and that I can add my own text and images. The customer service is also excellent, and I’ve never had any problems with my orders.

Derek Holman

> I’m a hobbyist photographer, and I love using the Foton Electric Photo Books to share my photos with friends and family. The books are easy to use, and they make my photos look amazing. I love that I can choose from a variety of layouts and themes, and that I can add my own text and captions. The books are also very affordable, which is a big plus.

Rosa Willis

> I’m a stay-at-home mom, and I love using the Foton Electric Photo Books to document my kids’ lives. The books are a great way to keep track of their memories, and they make a beautiful keepsake. I love that I can choose from a variety of sizes and styles, and that I can add my own text and images. The books are also very durable, so I know they’ll last for years to come.

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Why the Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is Necessary

As an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV owner, I’ve been looking for a versatile, affordable lens to add to my kit. The Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is the perfect lens for me. It’s compact, lightweight, and offers excellent image quality.

Compact and Lightweight

One of the things I love most about the Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is its size and weight. It’s only 3.3 inches long and weighs just 5.2 ounces. This makes it the perfect lens for everyday carry. I can easily take it with me on hikes, walks, or even just around town.

Versatile

The Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of photography applications. The wide-angle end is great for landscapes and group photos, while the telephoto end is perfect for portraits and close-ups. I’ve used this lens for everything from street photography to travel photography, and it’s always performed well.

Excellent Image Quality

The Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED produces sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors. Even at its widest aperture, the lens exhibits minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. The image quality is also consistent throughout the zoom range.

Overall, the Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is an excellent lens for photographers who want a compact, versatile, and affordable option. It’s perfect for everyday photography, travel photography, and much more.

My Buying Guide on ‘Olympus Digital 14-42Mm F3.5-5.6 ED’

The Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is a versatile and affordable lens that is perfect for everyday photography. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go. The lens features a wide-angle to telephoto zoom range, making it ideal for a variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits. It also features a fast maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6, which allows you to capture sharp images in low-light conditions.

Features

The Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is a great lens for a variety of reasons. Here are some of its key features:

  • Compact and lightweight: The lens weighs just 135 grams and measures 63mm in length, making it easy to carry around with you all day.
  • Wide-angle to telephoto zoom range: The lens offers a focal length range of 14-42mm, which is perfect for a variety of subjects.
  • Fast maximum aperture: The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6, which allows you to capture sharp images in low-light conditions.
  • Image stabilization: The lens features built-in image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and blur.
  • Compatible with Micro Four Thirds cameras: The lens is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds cameras, including the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, the Panasonic Lumix GX85, and the Fujifilm X-T30.

Performance

I have been using the Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED for a few months now, and I have been very impressed with its performance. The lens is sharp and produces high-quality images. I have used the lens for a variety of subjects, including landscapes, portraits, and street photography, and I have been happy with the results. The lens is also very versatile, and I have been able to use it in a variety of shooting conditions.

The Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is a great lens for a variety of photographers. It is compact, lightweight, and affordable, and it offers a wide range of features. If you are looking for a versatile lens that you can take with you everywhere you go, then the Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is a great option.

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Wide-angle to telephoto zoom range
  • Fast maximum aperture
  • Image stabilization
  • Compatible with Micro Four Thirds cameras

Cons:

  • Not the sharpest lens at the wide end
  • No weather sealing

Overall:

The Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is a great lens for a variety of photographers. It is compact, lightweight, and affordable, and it offers a wide range of features. If you are looking for a versatile lens that you can take with you everywhere you go, then the Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is a great option.

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Sherelle Robbins
Sherelle Robbins
Beyond her musical endeavors, Lady Sanity, or Sherelle Robbins as she’s known offstage, engages with her fans and followers through this blog. Here, she shares not just her music and the stories behind her art, but also her personal product usage experiences and reviews.

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This blog is a window into the world of Lady Sanity. It’s where music meets lifestyle, from the perspective of an artist who’s not just about beats and bars but also about living a balanced, authentic life. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering her music, this blog offers a unique blend of professional insights and personal experiences.