Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II R Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)
Review
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II R is a versatile and compact zoom lens that has become quite popular among Micro Four Thirds users. This lens covers a focal length equivalent to 28-84mm in full-frame terms, making it a great option for a variety of photographic styles, including landscapes, portraits, and street photography. With its lightweight design, this zoom lens is particularly well-suited for travel and everyday use.
One of the standout features of this lens is its compactness. Weighing in at only 195 grams (approximately 6.9 ounces), it’s easy to carry around all day without tiring your arms. The retractable design also helps it fit comfortably in smaller camera bags. When it’s not in use, it reduces down to a smaller size, which is perfect for photographers who prefer a minimalistic setup.
Optically, the M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R produces sharp images with good color fidelity and contrast. The lens is made up of 8 elements in 7 groups, and it includes aspherical lenses to minimize distortion, ensuring well-resolved images throughout the zoom range. While it performs admirably in bright daylight conditions, it can sometimes struggle a bit in low-light scenarios, especially at its maximum aperture of f/5.6 when zoomed in. This characteristic can be a limitation for photographers who frequently shoot in less-than-ideal lighting.
When focusing on the bokeh quality, the lens does offer a pleasant out-of-focus rendering for a zoom lens in this class. The seven-blade circular aperture contributes to smoother background blur; however, keep in mind that the effects may not be as pronounced when shooting at the longer end of the zoom range.
Another aspect to discuss is the lens’s autofocus performance. The Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R incorporates a fast and silent focusing mechanism that works well for both still photography and video. Its compatibility with Olympus's contrast-detect autofocus system ensures that it locks onto subjects quickly, although it can occasionally hunt in low-contrast situations.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Versatile focal range (28-84mm equivalent)
- Sharp images with good color fidelity
- Fast and silent autofocus performance
- Retractable design for easier transport
Cons
- Maximum aperture limited to f/5.6 at the long end
- May struggle in low-light conditions
- Slight distortion at the wide end
Verdict
Overall, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II R is an excellent choice for Micro Four Thirds users looking for a lightweight, versatile zoom lens. It’s perfect for everyday shooting and travel, making it a reliable companion for many photographers. While it does have some limitations in low light and at certain focal lengths, its overall performance, portability, and image quality make it a worthy addition to your lens collection.