Panny new 14-140 3.5-5.6 (matte black) vs previously new 14-140 3.5-5.6 (black)

S. Miller wrote:

alcelc wrote:

S. Miller wrote:

Hi,

Quick question. Is there any non-cosmetic difference between the currently available Panasonic 14-140 f/3.5-5.6 and the recently announced version that only comes in matte black? B&H has the the current version for $499 while listing the yet to be released new version for $698. As far as I can tell, the only differences are the color (black or silver vs matte black) and the type face and removal of "HD" in red from the top of the current lens barrel. Weight, dimensions, elements, etc all seem the same.

Any actual changes to the internal lens? I just got a GX-8 and am considering a general purpose small walk around lens for when I don't want to use primes or PRO Oly zooms. It appears that the currently available version has the firmware update available to make it Dual IS compatible on the GX-8.

Thanks,

Steve

Note: I'm not referring to the old 4.0-5.8 version of this lens. I know that one is different.

Firstly, they are all the same.

Secondary, B&H lists all 3 14-140 M2s (Black, Matt black, Silver) at the same price here. Except for the matt black one is a kit lens of GX8, not aware Panny will release another 14-140.... BTW, the matt black version has HD, but in deeper color (IICR, at the bottom side of the lens) instead of the red HD mark on the front of the lens as the 2 older versions.

Thanks Albert.

I figured the "old" black/silver versions were the same, just wanted to confirm it.

By the way, when you click on that link in your post, it takes you to the black version with the red HD logo on the top of the barrel. It shows three color versions (thumbnails) that you can click on but when you click on the new matte black version, it reloads the page with a price tag of $697.99. I can only assume it's a placeholder price because there is no way that a slight shift in black color should result in a bump in the price of almost $200.

Steve

Ooooh, sorry to have over looked (under the assumption that same lens of different finish in the same page should ask for the same price!?). Can't find a clue on it.

Back to last week when I tested GX8 in Panny's showroom and after a long chat with the staff there, had posted a thread as per my understanding from them that both of the new and old M2 are the same. The new matt black look was guessed to make it be distinguishable from the normal retail version (kit version is cheaper than retail version) avoid buyers might paid full retail price for a de-kit lens from GX8.

But after watched B&H's listing of the matt color lens, I withdrew my post worrying that Panny showroom might has a wrong information. As far as to Hong Kong, that matt version is not available as a stand alone retail item yet.

Also keen to know any special reasons behind....