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Olympus 14-42mm Silver — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Camera LensesOlympus 14-42mm Silver

Olympus 14-42mm Silver — image 1

OM System

Olympus 14-42mm Silver

Expert Review Analysis

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R is a compact, retractable standard zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras, offering a 28-84mm equivalent focal range in a lightweight 113 g package with silent MSC autofocus.

✓ Best for: Beginners, travelers, street photographers and vloggers who need a lightweight, versatile kit lens for Micro Four Thirds bodies and value silent autofocus for video.✗ Not ideal for: Low‑light, astrophotography, professional studio work, or situations that require heavy filter use, built‑in stabilization, or a constant wide aperture.

Pros

✓Extremely compact and lightweight at only 113 g, making it easy to carry for travel and everyday shooting.
✓Silent MSC autofocus provides fast, quiet focusing suitable for video recording and stills.
✓Non‑rotating 37 mm filter thread allows use of polarizing filters without affecting composition.

Price History

Current

$349.00

Average

$243.98

Lowest

$97.00

Highest

$349.00

Price trend (90d):+263.5%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#194Best#2Worst#907 -97

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Accessories

Lens HoodOptional square-shaped bayonet mount (Olympus LH-40)

Camera

Focal Length14-42 mm (35mm equivalent: 28-84 mm)

Maximum Aperturef/3.5-5.6

Minimum Aperturef/22

Lens Construction8 elements in 7 groups, including 3 aspherical elements

Angle of View (Diagonal)75°-29°

Design

Height55.9 mm mm

Width55.9 mm mm

Length48.3 mm mm

Maximum Diameter56.5-56.6 mm

Maximum Length (retracted)50 mm mm

Features

Zoom MechanismManual zoom ring (retractable)

General

BrandOM System

ManufacturerOlympus

ModelM.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R

Release Date2013-08-01

Warranty1 year

Autofocus

MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) technologyFast, silent AF for video and stills

Zoom Mechanism

Manual zoom ring (retractable design)Smooth operation with no wobble

Stabilization

Optical image stabilizationNone (relies on camera body stabilization)

Focus Type

Inner focusingFocus elements move internally, preserving length

Mount

Micro Four Thirds mountCompatible with Olympus PEN and OM‑D series

Dimensions & Weight

Height2.2 Inches

Width2.2 Inches

Depth1.9 Inches

Weight0.24691773344 pounds

Research Sources

en.wikipedia.org

explore.omsystem.com

explore.omsystem.com

backscatter.com

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User Reviews

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4.4

(225 reviews)

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V314050BU000Silver 1 year manufacturer

✓

Close‑up capability down to 20 cm enables decent macro‑like shots despite not being a true macro lens.

✓Manual zoom ring with retractable design offers smooth operation and a solid feel compared to earlier version.

Cons

✗Softness and noticeable chromatic aberration at the wide‑end (14 mm) reduce image quality in landscape shots.
✗Plastic construction feels less sturdy and can struggle when multiple filters are attached, affecting durability.
✗Variable maximum aperture of f/3.5‑5.6 limits low‑light performance and depth‑of‑field control.
✗No optical image stabilization or built‑in focus ring, requiring reliance on camera body stabilization.
✗Lens hood is not included as standard and must be purchased separately, limiting protection from flare.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Portability highlighted by reviewers: the 113 g weight and retractable design make it one of the lightest kit zoomes.
✓Improved build quality over the previous version, with a solid feel and no wobble in the zoom mechanism.
✓MSC silent autofocus praised for video work, delivering quick and noise‑free focusing.
✓Mid‑range sharpness is good when stopped down, offering acceptable image quality for everyday use.

Criticized by Experts

✗Wide‑angle softness and chromatic aberration noted by reviewers, especially at the 14 mm focal length.
✗Variable aperture and lack of stabilization cited as drawbacks for low‑light and handheld video shooting.
✗Plastic barrel and lack of a built‑in lens hood considered less robust compared to higher‑end lenses.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users love the pocketable size, with the lens collapsing to about 2.4 cm, making it easy to carry in a bag or pocket.
✓Sharpness in the middle of the zoom range is praised, delivering clear images when stopped down.
✓Fast and silent autofocus is appreciated for casual photography and vlogging.
✓Close focusing down to 20 cm is highlighted as useful for close‑up subjects without needing a macro lens.
✓Non‑rotating front filter thread is valued for using polarizers without rotating the composition.

Users Complain About

✗Many users report softness and chromatic aberration at the widest focal length, limiting landscape quality.
✗The plastic construction feels flimsy, and the lens can strain when heavy filters are attached.
✗Absence of a built‑in lens hood and stabilization makes it less suitable for low‑light or flare‑prone situations.
✗Variable aperture reduces performance in dim environments, requiring higher ISO or tripod use.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers commend the lens for its ultra‑lightweight, pocketable design and the addition of MSC silent autofocus, which makes it video‑friendly. They note improved build quality over the earlier version and acceptable sharpness in the mid‑zoom range, but repeatedly point out wide‑angle softness, chromatic aberration and the lack of stabilization as limiting factors for demanding work.

What Users Say

Everyday users love how small and light the lens is, praising its quick silent AF and decent close‑focus capability. Common complaints focus on soft corners at the wide end, the flimsy plastic feel, and the absence of a built‑in hood or stabilization, especially when using filters or shooting in low light.

Common Complaints

Wide‑angle softness and chromatic aberration, plastic construction that feels flimsy, lack of lens hood and optical stabilization, and variable aperture limiting low‑light performance.

How It Compares

vs. Panasonic Lumix G 14-42mm II

Advantages

✓Slightly lighter at around 95 g, making it marginally more portable.
✓Similar optical formula provides comparable image quality.
✓Standard lens hood thread is included for flare protection.

Disadvantages

✗Uses a manual zoom ring without the refined feel of Olympus MSC version.
✗Build quality is similarly plastic, offering no advantage.
✗No MSC silent AF, which can be noisier for video recording.

Choose Panasonic if you prioritize minimal weight and already own Panasonic accessories; choose Olympus for MSC AF and smoother zoom.

vs. Olympus 14-42mm EZ (Pancake)

Advantages

✓Ultra‑compact pancake design at 70‑93 g, the lightest option for Micro Four Thirds.
✓Retractable electronic zoom offers a very slim profile for travel.
✓Ideal for situations where absolute size is more important than manual zoom feel.

Disadvantages

✗Electronic zoom lacks the tactile manual control some users prefer.
✗Build is even more plastic and may feel less robust than the II R.
✗Optical performance is similar, providing no clear advantage over II R.

Pick the EZ pancake when absolute minimal size is critical; pick the II R for a manual zoom with MSC AF and slightly better build.

Rating Trend

Rating4.4/ 5Reviews226+77 reviews