OM System M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
Weighing just 113g, this Micro Four Thirds zoom uses a 14-42mm focal range and MSC autofocus for near-silent, smooth focusing in stills and video. Its collapsible barrel and 37mm filter thread deliver no-compromise portability, making it a budget-friendly everyday lens with consistent sharpness. It’s best for street photographers who need a discreet, grab-and-go zoom that handles quick, quiet captures without bulk.
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q1 201960/100
Buyers praised the lens as sharp, compact, and useful for beginners, though one review was rated 0 stars without clear criticism.
- Sharp and compact lens, good for general use.
- Useful and capable on PenF camera.
- Great for beginners with easy-to-follow videos.
- One 0-star review suggests possible issue, but no details given.
- Q4 201785/100
Buyers praised this kit lens for exceeding expectations in sharpness and value, though noted the plastic mount, lack of hood, and bulky collapsed size.
- Sharpness and contrast surpass typical kit lens quality.
- Plastic mount is a concern but deemed precise enough for beginners.
- Lens lacks a hood and is too large when collapsed for pocket carry.
- Versatile focal range and great value as a bundle for beginners.
- Q2 201788/100
Buyers praised this lens as a sharp, compact, and versatile everyday zoom, ideal for travel and daily use.
- Sharp image quality, outclassing other kit lenses in its price range.
- Compact and lightweight design, perfect for travel and everyday carry.
- Versatile zoom range, suitable for various photography scenarios.
- Slow aperture (f/3.5) is a tradeoff for size, but acceptable for most users.
- Q1 201775/100
Buyers love this lens for its versatility and image quality, calling it a favorite go-to. One reports a common lens error after heavy use, but still prefers it over other Zuiko primes.
- Favorite lens, always on camera, versatile with clear images.
- Great starter lens for learning focal lengths.
- Lens error common after much use; still preferred over other primes.
- Near-instant focus speed, sharper than EZ version, excellent on EM5.2.
- Q4 201685/100
Buyers praised the lens as light, versatile, and capable for everyday use, though some noted the small aperture limits photo quality.
- Lightweight and compact, easy to carry.
- Small aperture limits photo quality but expected for kit lens.
- Versatile for various uses, including underwater photography.
- Good value as a bundled or cheap lens.
- Q3 201687/100
Buyers praised this lens as a great starter kit lens, light and compact for travel, producing good photos for its price.
- Great starter lens for beginners, bundled with camera.
- Lightweight and compact, ideal for travel and everyday carry.
- Good value for price, produces very good photos.
- Useful as a walk-around lens, even for experienced users.
- Q2 201588/100
Buyers praise this kit lens for its surprising sharpness, compact collapsible design, and fast autofocus, though some note a plastic mount and lack of hood.
- Sharp image quality and good resolution across the frame for a kit lens.
- Compact, lightweight collapsible design praised for portability.
- Fast and quiet autofocus, suitable for video use.
- Plastic lens mount and no included lens hood noted as drawbacks.
- Q1 201378/100
Buyers praised the lens as compact, versatile, and good value for a kit lens, but noted softness wide open, a finicky lock mechanism, and a narrow wide end.
- Compact, well-built, and good value for an entry-level standard zoom.
- Sharp in good light but soft wide open and in low light.
- Lens lock mechanism is inconvenient when shooting quickly.
- 14mm wide end too narrow for interiors; wish for 12mm.
Based on 62 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
