OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
What Buyers Say
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
The Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R is widely praised as one of the best kit zooms available, offering impressive sharpness, compact size, and fast autofocus for its price. Users appreciate its lightweight, collapsible design and versatile focal range, though many note the variable aperture (f/3.5-5.6) limits low-light performance and bokeh. Common criticisms include the plastic mount, lack of included lens hood, and a sometimes-fiddly lock mechanism. Overall, it's considered a fantastic starter lens and a great value when bundled with a camera body.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Sharp image quality for a kit lens
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Versatile focal range (28-84mm equivalent)
- Great value when bundled with camera
Cons
- Variable aperture limits low-light performance
- Plastic lens mount feels cheap
- No lens hood included
- Lock mechanism can be cumbersome
- Small aperture restricts bokeh
Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens is highly praised for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and lightweight design, making it a versatile and affordable alternative to Sony's GM lenses. Users appreciate its performance in portraits and low light, though some note the plastic build and lack of weather sealing as drawbacks. Overall, it is considered an excellent value for both enthusiasts and professionals.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight design
- Versatile focal range
- Good value for money
Cons
- Plastic build quality
- No weather sealing
- Zoom ring reversed from focus ring
- Slightly long for discrete use
- Colors slightly duller than GM lenses
Scores
Specifications
| OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ | Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 14 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 42 mm | 75 mm |
| Elements | 8 | 17 |
| Groups | 7 | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | ZERO | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 5 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.09 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | 37 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | MSC | VXD |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 200 mm | 180 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.35 | 1:2.7 |
Pros & Cons
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
- Strong build (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong macro (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong versatility (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong social proof (74th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
- Strong bokeh (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong optical (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong macro (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
Pricing
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 91 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 21 specs.
