Are de-kitted lenses more prone to sample variation?

Wasabi Bob wrote:

Assaft

I've had some professional interaction with Panasonic as well as having the opportunity to visit their facilities in Japan. There is no such thing as a "bad copy" of a lens. When the lens leaves the factory, all are equal. The assembly is all automated, so they've removed the human factor which could introduce variations. If you see any difference, it's likely due to shipping related damage. When I see such comments, it almost sounds like some people believe that they are running some sort of lens counterfeiting operation.

The "kit" lens is the same lens that you would receive if purchased separately. It was probably selected (by price point) as the most viable lens to allow the camera "package" to be sold within a specified price range. Undoubtedly, there are better lens that will cost more.

assaft wrote:

I'm about to order the Panasonic 14-140 and I know I won't have time to properly test it within the return period. Therefore, I'm trying to reduce the chances of getting a bad copy (e.g a de-centered lens)

That's a load... Machines aren't perfect, there are always tolerances within the manufacturing process even when it's automated. Not that shipping couldn't exacerbate things, but there are most definitely bad samples coming off the line. They've just decided it's within their acceptable losses and you can bet they've done the math on returns etc.