Is Panasonic 14-45 still the best cheap start zoom today ?

Renatoa wrote:

Lots of good advices, thank you.

12-32 is surely not a choice, I am not a wide fan, my (realistic) dream lens would be something like 18-70 3-5-4.5, or 16-70/4, such lens exists for other brands, and I would love having such glass instead the current offering. I know these lenses are not for MFT, the other brands use APS-C, but as I said, I am rather leaning to tele side than to wide.

As a result of my preference, and digging more, I think will change my focus to Olympus 14-54 2.8-3.5 with MMF adapter. Was a bit hesitant due to weight, but after testing a 500 grams lens on a NEX, I think will be fine with this choice, that also save me buying a standard prime, because this zoom will give me 2.8 at 25mm, enough for my bokeh needs.

Now tell me I am wrong

I wouldn't presume to tell you you're wrong, but I'd caution that if you're not intimately familiar with m43 you might be overestimating the amount of bokeh you'll get with f2.8 at 25mm. As a reference, DoF will be the same as f5.6 with a 50mm lens on 35mm-sensor camera. Not what I'd call shallow. For portraits with a fairly soft background, I'd be looking for 25mm f1.4 or 45mm f1.8. I have a 20mm f1.7, and if I want shallow DoF effects with it, I need to get pretty close. If you're into selective focus at shorter focal lengths, I'm afraid there's no getting away from fast primes. A 35-100mm f2.8, OTOH, can give you good subject separation.

I had a Panny 14-45 and really liked it. Good build & optical quality and smoother zooming action than some.