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Panasonic LUMIX G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical Lens for Micro Four Thirds, Black

SKU: IPC1442XB MFR: H-PS14042K
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Key Features

  • Capture stunning detail with this Panasonic lens's sharp image quality, perfect for everyday shots.
  • Experience smooth, silent zooming with the LUMIX G X Vario lens, ideal for video and stills.
  • Compact and lightweight, this 14-42mm lens is great for travel, ensuring you never miss a moment.
  • Enjoy versatile shooting with a wide-angle to standard zoom range on your Micro Four Thirds camera.
  • The f/3.5-5.6 aperture excels in various lighting, making this lens a reliable choice for any scene.
  • Enhance your photography with aspherical elements that reduce distortion for clearer, crisper images.
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Questions & Answers

drew p : How can/do you switch off OIS on this lens when used with an Olympus camera with in-body IS?FRED S : I have looked at my lens and can find no way to shut down the OIS system mechanically. My other lenses have a switch for the OIS. If having both systems operating causes a problem, you might be able to shut down the Olympus in-body system and let the Lumix optical system do the job. I use Lumix and Canon cameras with optical stabilization and find that it does work nicely. With long lenses, I found the optical system preferable the in-body system. With shorter focal lengths, like this lens, either system works well.RICHARD F : The bigger Panasonic lenses have an OIS switch on the lens. The compact models uses electronic switching through the menu on the camera. This lens was designed specifically with the smaller micro 4/3rds Panasonic cameras and wil likely not have full compatibility with an Olympus body. Bottom line is that with the low profile 14-42 you will need to check to see if it even turns on in the first place and if it does you should shut off the in -body OIS on the Olympus. You may be able to get away with leaving both on but I doubt it.
Shopper : Is this the lens you would recommend for portraiture?DAVID R : As a general purpose lens that can be used for occasional portraiture this would be a good choice; however if you want a lens specialized for portraiture I would advise a fast 50mm prime.CECILIA L : For portraits, I would actually recommend the Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7ALAN F : This lens can be used for portraiture if zoomed to the long end, but the working aperture will be pretty small. If your primary use is protraiture, a better choice in the same price range would be the Olympus 45mm f1.8. However, by going with the Olympus you would lose the zoom feature of the Lumix and the wide angle capability. However, as a pure portrait lens the 45mm would be ideal.Jonathan S : yes, but the auto zoom is painfully slowMICHAEL V : No, for Portrait its not the best choice. For portrait I recommend the Olympus 45mm/f1.8. The Panasonic power zoom is in my eyes good for traveling because its small and with the zoom range its very flexible.PATRICK H : Sorry; I don't know enough about photography to answer that question. The lens wasn't even for me, so I can't tell you how it's working out.RICHARD F : It would do okay for portrait photography. However the best lens in the Panasonic line-up for that is the Leica Elmarit 45mm f2.8 macro. It is tack sharp, you can blur the background more easily using the larger aperture. It is a prime, fixed focal length lens so you don't have the framing advantage of a zoom. It is much more costly but the results are correspondingly better.MARK K : NO, the olympus 45mm 1.8 is a great choice for portraits
Solange P : hi...i would like to know if this lens works in the LUMIX GF2??KEITH N : It should since this lens made by Panasonic. I bought this lens for my Olympus Pen and it works great.RICHARD F : it works perfectly if you get the firmware update. It is necessary in order to fully utilize the power zoom on the lens. This is very easy to do. Dowlnload the file here: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/dl/gf2.html Just copy the file onto your pre-formated SD card in root directory without any other updates... charge battery to full status, and insert the SD card in, turn on the camera and voila!MARK K : YesRICHARD F : it works perfectly if you get the firmware update. It is necessary in order to fully utilize the power zoom on the lens. This is very easy to do. Dowlnload the file here: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/dl/gf2.html Just copy the file onto your pre-formated SD card in root directory without any other updates... charge battery to full status, and insert the SD card in, turn on the camera and voila!MICHAEL K : The lens will work in all interchangeable lens micro 4/3 cameras, including the LUMIX GF2. It would be an excellent choice for the camera.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2021-08-26T12:07:01

Rated 3 out of 5

Lens

Returned item.

MANFRED H.

2020-06-03T09:32:29

Rated 5 out of 5

Panasonic Zoom

Great lens, easy to use on my Inspire 2. Now my primary lens.

MARK H.

2019-02-20T22:39:53

Rated 5 out of 5

HD Zoom Lense

This lens is working perfectly and I like it a lot. None of the bugs or complaints described in other reviews have materialized after a month of using the Vario PZ 14-42 lens mounted on my Panasonic Lumix GR-6 camera. I really appreciate the smaller size after lugging my GR-6 around with the standard kit lens on it. The Vario PZ reduces the size and weight noticeably. I had some surprises using this lens. Once in place it activates the digital zoom feature on the camera and all of the camera features available with the kit lens remain, albeit some are accessed a little differently on the touch screen monitor. The function lever can be set to become the power zoom control while the lever's previous exposure compensation function is accessible on the monitor screen. There is a manual zoom right on the lens itself if one prefers to make the adjustment that way. Actually, my Lumix GR-6 can set the function lever to AUTO so the zoom can be adjusted on both the lens and on the function lever.

MARCUS G.

2018-03-25T09:52:33

Rated 5 out of 5

Works great on my X5S and GH5

If you have any of the Zenmuse MFT cameras, this lens is a must! I also use it as my main lens for my GH5 when shooting on the run, except in low light.

Lane W.

2017-09-02T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

A wonderful lens. I have concidered getting a spare.

I cannot find a lens shade. There must be one. I have found 52mm threaded. The only thread on this lens is 37mm. A fine lens but the quality is significantly reduced by flare as I d not h ave a hood.

pops

2016-02-16T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

great lens

if you are looking for a compact zoom lens, this one is the best. great for trips and when space is at a premium

justin

2015-11-16T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great everyday lens

Purchased this lens to make a truly pocket sized high quality camera without giving up my zoom and other adjustments. This lens delivers. No complaints. I definitely recommend it!

WaterBug

2013-02-04T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great little lens with great power zoom

Really like its size and power zoom.

malibu1101

2012-06-16T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I love it!!

After much research, I decided to get this lens since on paper it seemed perfect for me. I had heard all about the many complaints regarding this lens which are well documented in many of the online reviews. I am happy to report that I have none of those problems. The output is very consistent, and the quality of the images is significantly better than the 14-42 kit lens that I was using previously. I shoot with the GH2, and it is so much more portable with this lens, and much more fun to use for both stills and video use. I would highly recommend this lens even though it is pricey. I would however recommend buying from a dealer who has a 30 return policy since there may be bad copies of this lens, as reported online.

Aperl

2012-04-14T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

A "fitting" solution

When a longer zoom lens means you might choose to leave your camera at home, or switch to a p&S, this lens offers a solution. Amazingly light and compact, when collapsed. With a G3 it can fit in a large jacket pocket, and it would be perfect with the GF series or Olympus EM or Pen series. I tested mine at 42mm at shutter speeds reported to trouble early versions of the lens (with OIS on and off)….I did not see any of the double/blur issues. Panasonic should have addressed that openly and definitively since the "X" lenses are supposed to be higher quality optics. I do see a bit of light falloff in the corners of some shots. It is not as outstanding as the older 14-45 (IMHO that should still be the kit on larger Panasonic m43 bodies), but IQ has been quite good. The zoom by lever is fine (you can dictate how slow/fast, or if you want focal length stops), but I find trying to manually focus a game of overshoot and retract and repeat and repeat. Thankfully auto focus is quick, and the touch focus on the G3's screen works great.

WILLIAM M.

2012-03-14T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good street lens when used with add- ons

I use this "X" lens with a 37-52mm step-up ring + a 52mm rubber lens shade that can be folded completely back over the lens when storing the lens. As the lens shade is also threaded for a 52mm lens cap I use one and store the 37mm cap in a drawer. I use the 14-42X lens on one of my GH2 bodies that I carry so it is always ready for street/landscape photography. The second GH2 is carried with one or another of six other Lumix 43 lenses depending on the task of the moment - wildlife (100-300mm) macro (45mm F2.8) or architectural photography (7-14mm). I am shifting away from my pro-level Nikon gear due to its bulk, especially when traveling.

Yalmer

2012-03-07T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Not all of these have problems

Some of these lenses have some sort of vibration induced double image problems as reported widely on the internet. I believe that the owners of bad copies make a lot of noise, and those of us that got good copies tend to be silent. All I know for certain is that mine is a 5 star lens.

Targa86

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Panasonic 14-42mm Specifications

General

General

Jump to...
  • Lens Mount

    Micro Four Thirds

  • Lens Format

    Micro Four Thirds

  • Zoom Focal Length

    14-42mm

  • Focus Type

    Auto Focus

  • Aperture

    f/3.5 to 5.6

  • Lens Type

    Wide Angle Zoom

  • Kit Style

    Base

  • Compatibility

    Olympus OM-D E-M1X, Panasonic DMC-G6KK, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4, Panasonic G9 Refurbished, Olympus E-M10 Mark IV, Olympus E-M10, Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, Olympus OM-D E-M10, Panasonic DC-GX9, Panasonic DMC-GH3, Panasonic DMC-GF2 Digital Camera, Panasonic DC-GH5s - Refurbished, Panasonic DMC-GM1, Olympus E-PL5, Olympus PEN E-PL10, Panasonic DMC-GF5, Olympus E-M10 Mark II, Panasonic DC-GH5 Refurbished, Olympus E-PL8, Panasonic DMC-GM5, Olympus E-PL7, Olympus PEN E-PL9, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

  • Lens Series

    Pansonic Lumix G X

  • Special Features

    Aspherical, Image Stabilization

  • Filter Size

    37mm

  • Focus Distance

    7.87" / 0.2m

  • Filter Diameter

    37 mm (Front)

  • Image Stabilization

    Yes

  • Angle of View

    75° to 29°

Physical Details

Jump to...
  • Weight

    0.21lb / 95g

  • Dimension

    2.4 x 1.1" (60.96 x 27.94mm)

  • UPC Code

    885170052314

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Designed For Use With:

  • Olympus E-M5
  • Olympus E-M5 Mark II
  • Panasonic G9
  • Panasonic GH6
  • Olympus E-M1 Mark II
  • Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • Olympus E-M10 Mark II
  • Olympus E-M10 Mark III
  • Olympus E-M10 Mark IV
  • Olympus E-M1X
  • Olympus E-M5 Mark III
  • Olympus E-PL10
  • Olympus Pen F
  • Panasonic G100
  • Panasonic G100D
  • Panasonic G7
  • Panasonic G85
  • Panasonic G95
  • Panasonic GH4
  • Panasonic GH5
  • Panasonic GH5 II
  • Panasonic GH5s
  • Panasonic GM5
  • Panasonic GX85
  • Panasonic GX9
  • Panasonic Lumix GH7
  • Olympus E-M1
  • Olympus E-M10
  • Olympus E-P1
  • Olympus E-P2
  • Olympus E-P3
  • Olympus E-P5
  • Olympus E-PL1
  • Olympus E-PL2
  • Olympus E-PL3
  • Olympus E-PL5
  • Olympus E-PL6
  • Olympus E-PL7
  • Olympus E-PL8
  • Olympus E-PL9
  • Olympus E-PM2
  • Panasonic DMC-GF3
  • Panasonic G1
  • Panasonic G10
  • Panasonic G2
  • Panasonic G3
  • Panasonic G6
  • Panasonic GF1
  • Panasonic GF2
  • Panasonic GF3
  • Panasonic GF5
  • Panasonic GF6
  • Panasonic GF7
  • Panasonic GH1
  • Panasonic GH3
  • Panasonic GM1
  • Panasonic GX1
  • Panasonic GX7
  • Panasonic GX8
  • Panasonic GX850

Need Help?

For any questions about compatibility with this product, call us at 800-223-2500 or you can email us any time.

About Panasonic 14-42mm

FEATURED REVIEWS

A wonderful lens. I have concidered getting a spare.

By pops

I cannot find a lens shade. There must be one. I have found 52mm threaded. The only thread on this lens is 37mm. A fine lens but the quality is significantly reduced by flare as I d not h ave a hood.

I love it!!

By Aperl

After much research, I decided to get this lens since on paper it seemed perfect for me. I had heard all about the many complaints regarding this lens which are well documented in many of the online reviews. I am happy to report that I have none of those problems. The output is very consistent, and the quality of the images is significantly better than the 14-42 kit lens that I was using previously. I shoot with the GH2, and it is so much more portable with this lens, and much more fun to...

View full Review

Panasonic interchangeable lens LUMIX G x VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. with electric-powered zoom operation wiht new premium lens brand "x" for LUMIX G Micro System that complies with Micro Four Thirds System standard.

Exclusive Nano Surface Coating
Crystallizing Panasonic's optical technologies, the "x" lens features superb image rendering for lifelike textures, crisp edge-to-edge contrast, a unique Nano Surface Coating for minimal ghosts and flaring and natural atmospheres with remarkable transparency.

Compact Retractable Lens Barrel Design
Although the lens is not a single focus length lens but is a zoom lens, the retractable-type zoom lens boasts outstanding compactness with approx. 26.8 mm* in length and approx. 95g in weight to realize ultra-high mobility. Notably, theastonishingly short overall length is realized by the inclusion of 4 aspherical lenses. The zoom lever on the lens barrel gives user a stable zooming while manual focusing is also available with manual focus lever for more precise control.

Premium Lens Design
The new LUMIX G x VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. lens offers a versatile zoom range of 14-42 mm (35 mm camera equivalent: 28-84 mm) suitable for a wide range of scenes from dynamic landscape to portrait. Comprising of 9 lenses in 8 groups, the lens system features excellent contrast at entire zoom range. The inclusion of 4 aspherical lenses that helps achieving the downsizing of lens unit also improves optical performance by minimizing distortion, even at the 28 mm wide end. The 2 ED lenses effectively compensates for the chromatic aberration.

Plus, Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating technology is adopted to minimize the reflection at entire visual light range (380nm-780nm) by applying the extra-low refractive index coating with nano-sized structure on the surface of the lens. It results in the super clear picture with dramatic reduction of ghost and flare.

POWER O.I.S.
The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) which is newly integrated in the LUMIX G x VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. makes it easy to shoot super clear shots even in low-lit situations such as in night time or indoors. With the improved sensitivity of the gyro sensor, the new POWER O.I.S. suppresses large, slow movement 2x more effectively. On the other hand, small, fast movements are compensated by the conventional MEGA O.I.S..

Support for Light Speed AF
When mounted on the cameras of LUMIX G Micro System, users can take advantage of the contrast AF system and the convenient functions applied from it. Adopting aninner focus system driven by a stepping motor, the superior optical design realizes outstanding smoothness to support the high speed AF system of LUMIX G cameras. It achieves approx. 0.1 second Light Speed AF thanks to the downsizing of focus lens and its amount of movement. By s peeding up the aperture control, shutter time lag is also shortened by approx. 40% compared with the LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S..

Focus and Aperture Design
With its minimum focus distance of 0.2m (14-20mm) / 0.3m (21-42mm), the new lens provides a maximum photographic magnification of 0.34x (35 mm equivalent). 7 aperture blades consists a circular aperture diaphragm and produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas even shooting at large aperture.

Two Lens Barrel Color Options
Offering more fashionable, sophisticated look with two color option of black and silver, the new LUMIX G x VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. perfectly matches any color of cameras from LUMIX G Micro System to be a part of the photographic life.

Panasonic 14-42mm Features

  • Exclusive Nano Surface Coating for minimal ghosts and flaring
  • Zoom range of 14-42 mm (35 mm camera equivalent: 28-84 mm) for versatility
  • Compact Retractable Lens Barrel Design for ultra-high mobility
  • High-quality image rendering for lifelike textures and crisp edge-to-edge contrast
  • POWER O.I.S. for clear shots even in low-light scenarios
  • Light Speed AF for quick and precise autofocus
  • Focus and Aperture Design for beautiful bokeh effects
  • Available in both black and silver for added style and customization
  • Micro Four Thirds System compliant
  • Durable lens with 7-blade diaphragm

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 36 months.

Key Features

  • Capture stunning detail with this Panasonic lens's sharp image quality, perfect for everyday shots.
  • Experience smooth, silent zooming with the LUMIX G X Vario lens, ideal for video and stills.
  • Compact and lightweight, this 14-42mm lens is great for travel, ensuring you never miss a moment.
  • Enjoy versatile shooting with a wide-angle to standard zoom range on your Micro Four Thirds camera.
  • The f/3.5-5.6 aperture excels in various lighting, making this lens a reliable choice for any scene.
  • Enhance your photography with aspherical elements that reduce distortion for clearer, crisper images.

What's in the box:

  • Panasonic 14-42/3.5-5.6 LUMIX GX Vario Zoom Micro 4/3 Lens
  • Front Lens Cap
  • Rear Lens Cap
  • Lens Storage Bag
  • Panasonic 3 Year Limited Warranty