Customers say
Customers find the lens performs well with the Lumix G5 and appreciate its compact design that retracts to a very small size. The zoom capability is particularly praised for smooth video transitions, and customers note it’s fractionally sharper than the old Panasonic 14-42 model. The image quality and build quality receive mixed reviews, with some finding it sharp while others report double image issues, and some praising the solid construction while others find it lacking. The focus and lens speed also get mixed feedback, with quick focus but some losing focus, and relatively slow performance.
Make It Yours – See Your Price On Amazon!
Your Sales Price $397.99 - $347.99
A quick rundown of this product’s key features:
28mm-84mm in 35mm equivalent zoom
Nano Surface Coating technology minimizes reflections at entire visual light range
POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) integrated into the lens makes it easy to shoot sharp images even in low-lit situations
Power zoom
Our Top Reviews
Reviewer: Richard L. Steiner
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: No Problems
Review: Maybe I am one of the lucky ones. 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.The lens accepts a 37mm filter and that means the larger filters designed for the Lumix kit lens won’t fit. That is not a big problem for me since the only filter I use is a standard UV type for lens protection. Those are cheap and easily found in a variety of sizes.This Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 14-42mm lens is actually the H-PS14042 lens as described in the Lumix GF6 instruction manual. I was not absolutely certain of that until the lens arrived and I put it on my camera. It is a micro 4/3 lens that will probably fit a variety of cameras.I thought the price on this power zoom lens was about right and a good investment for expanding the potential of my camera. The lens is probably best suited for travel photography, family photos and candid shooting. The pictures I have taken with this lens are sharp,accurately colored and show no edge anomalies. It is well made and looks great on my camera.As an advanced amateur photographer with an interest in taking pictures without fighting my camera, I can recommend this lens enthusiastically.
Reviewer: Bill W
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: What a fun lens.
Review: After reading ALL reviews I could find I was reluctant to try it. I have the original 14-42mm that came with my GX1. While it takes decent pictures it is not an easy lens to use. Sticky to adjust from one position to another. Not a small lens. I purchased the GX1 primarily for travel and like the small size and weight compared to my DSLR system. Took a chance and ordered the PZ; very, very happy that I did. Maybe I got a good copy but I have not experienced any of the problems associated with this lens. Great travel lens. Great walk around lens. Sharp with good resolution. I have the 20mm 1.7 and while this lens is not quite as sharp it is close and since it is a zoom it is more versatile. A pleasure to use; I highly recommend it.Update – I spent an afternoon taking photos in various conditions along with my original 14-42 kit that came with the GX1. I found that in most all situations the quality of both was very similar. I am keeping both, why? I think the bigger kit lens lends itself better for taking serious landscape photos; is easier to use with filters such as ND, Grad ND, Circular Polarizing filter etc. Handles better on a tripod. The PZ is a far better lens for candid photos, street photography and a general walk around lens. Fun to use. I found that while they are both f3.5-5.6 the bigger kit lens is a little faster. It does not go to f5.6 as soon as the PZ lens does. Now, a number of reviewers say that it is not as good as the Olympus lens. This is contrary to sites like Photozone that rate the Lumix higher in their testing as do all other test sites. Lumix rates quite a bit better. I continue to recommend the PZ 14-42. Has to be better with the Lumix/Panasonic line cameras.I might add that I also own, and use the Lumix LX7. A camera that I strongly recommend. LX has a far smaller sensor and lens is fixed. Can not put on a longer lens for wildlife etc. Most every time I leave my home, I bring a camera with me. Most of the time it is the LX7. Smaller, lighter and a joy to use. But if I’m heading out for a shoot, I take the M43 or DSLR. Example; next week I’ll be on a cruise to Hawaii. Need to travel light. Will bring Lumix GX1, PZ 14-42, PZ 45-175 and 20 f1.7. ALSO the LX7 as a back-up.
Reviewer: Mark P.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Lumix GX 14-42mm lens
Review: After waiting for six months after it was promised I finally managed to buy this lens as a replacement for the kit 14-42mm Lumix lens ( not a bad lens itself).So far no complaints. it is fractionally sharper than the old Panasonic 14-42, smaller, and easier to use. Now I finally have some room in my camera case. I have found the motorized zoom and manual focus to be faster and easier than the old manual zoom. It seems slightly contrastier than the old lens and the color rendition is very pleasing.As far as rumors of this lens being soft at f8 and losing a bit of focus with the stabilizer set. I didn’t see it. I ran tests with various f stops with and without stabilization and saw very little difference if any. f8 seemed as sharp as the rest. I generally shoot without the stabilizer unless the shutter speeds are below 25th, probably reason being my other two Lumix lenses (20mm f1.7 and 7-14 zoom) don’t offer this feature and it hasn’t been a problem even though I often shoot at low light levels.i have not tried the lens with video yet. If any problems I’ll update the review.An innovative lens design with performance to match. A fine lens. I give it 4.5 stars, five if they hadn’t made me wait six months after promising the lens would be available.UPDATE: see reader kevdog’s review. I ran the tests suggested by reader Kevdog and saw no evidence of a double image with or without stabilization…I guess I’m one of the lucky ones. My lens is not a kit lens but was purchased separately and it’s possible I got the lens from Canada, at least a card which came with the lens was in French. My firmware is 1.1. I continue to be very positive about the lens.
Price effective as of Apr 09, 2025 19:12:26 UTC
As an Amazon Associate Dealors may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
