Focus on Imaging 2010: Alongside the Lumix DMC-G2 and G10 Micro Four Thirds cameras, Panasonic has also released the Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega O.I.S. image stabilized lens. Offering an equivalent zoom range of 28-84mm, the lens is a new optical design but offers a similar specification to the original 14-45mm G System zoom. The new lens, known as the H-FS014042, loses the image stabilization on/off switch and metal mount of its predecessor and comes in a slightly larger body.

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Press Release:

A New Compact and Lightweight Standard Zoom Lens
LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S.

February 7, 2010: Panasonicis pleased to announce a new standard zoom interchangeable lens for LUMIX G Micro System that complies with Micro Four Thirds System standard.  Ultra-compact  and light weight, the new LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens offers a versatile zoom range of 14-42mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-84mm) suitable for a wide range of scenes from dynamic landscape to portrait.

The lens system features excellent contrast at entire zoom range and the inclusion of an aspherical lens improves optical performance by minimizing distortion, even at the 28mm wide end. Adopting an inner 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.

The new LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens incorporates Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which makes it easy to shoot super clear shots even in low-lit situations by suppressing the blur caused by a hand shake. When mounted on the cameras of Lumix G Micro System, users can use and take advantage of the contrast AF system and the convenient functions applied from it.

With its minimum focus distance of 30 cm even at full zoom, the new lens provides a maximum photographic magnification of 0.32x (35mm equivalent). Seven aperture blades consists a circular aperture diaphragm and produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas even shooting at large aperture. The new lens system uses multi-coated lens elements that reduce ghosts and flare to an absolute minimum, helping deliver a high optical performance.

The new lens will be available to purchase in the UK from June 2010 – with either the new DMC-G2, DMC-G10 or as a standalone lens.

LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. specifications

Focal length 14-42mm (28- 84mm equiv)
Maximum Aperture F3.5 - 5.6
Angle of View 75° (W)-29°(T)
Lens Construction 12 elements in 9 groups (1 Aspherical lens)
Minimum Focus Distance 0.3m at all focal lengths
Maximum Magnification

Approx. 0.16x / 0.32x

Filter Diameter

52mm

Image Stabilization Yes
Diaphragm Blades 7 blades
Minimum Aperture F/22
Overall Length 63.6mm
Maximum Diameter 60.6mm
Weight

165g (5.82oz)

Standard Accessory Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Rear Cap, Lens Storage Bag
Mount

Micro Four Thirds mount