Best Compact Kit Lens? 12-32 vs 14-42 ED - G X or G Vario

Zodd · Apr 28, 2020

I recently grabbed myself an Panasonic Gx9 for a bargain on ebay without a lens and wanted to grab one of the cheap kit compact lenses to throw on to get me by until i'm able to afford one of the better lenses. (probably primes lens, one of 20/25mm & 42,5mm)

For now I'm stuck between these compact lens

1) Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ (2014)
2) Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS (2011)
3)Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS (2013)
4)Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS (2013)

I was wondering which one you will pickup?

Thanks.

Adam-T · Apr 28, 2020

Zodd said:
1) Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ (2014)

this lens is mediocre from experience, Oly make some great glass but kit lenses were never a strong point, I found this to be even worse than the regular Oly 14-42

Zodd said:
2) Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS (2011)

I`d ignore this, optically as bad as the Olympus above, used a few copies and I`d leave it

Zodd said:
3)Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS (2013)

These are excellent, had a couple of samples and sharp edge to edge end to end at F5.6 throughout , handling is a pain as you have to open it up before you can shoot and the action is cheap but optically a little Gem , distorts like crazy at 12mm which can come across as softedges In OOC JPGs in some images but if developed in Capture one with no correction its sharp edge to edge (and more like 11mm too so you get a bit more wide) add how much correction you need to taste .

Zodd said:
4)Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS (2013)

Optically the best of the lot , mine is perfect everywhere wideopen for sharpness, has a lot less distortion than the others here - the achilles heel is vignetting which can be corrected - Lovely colour and Microcontrast ..

Remember first that you`ll get DUAL-IS with the GX9 and Panasonic lenses, Oly lenses will rely on the cameras IBIS only

From experience Sample variation is rife with all these bar the tiny Pan 12-32 amazingly , I`ve owned two and used about 5 in total and all were bang on , the Pan 14-42-II I have now came with the GX7 and is perfect, I have seen decentered ones though ,

if you can put up with the 14mm wide end (rather than 12mm) and a slightly larger lens, a good copy of the Pan 14-42-II is well worth searching out - sharpest, most consistent across the frame , least distortion , nicest colour and Microcontrast and handles the best by a mile ..... best of all its the CHEAPEST .............. other wise go for the Pan 12-32 , easier to find a good one but get a recent one , the ones supplied with GM series cams with metal mounts tend to fall to bits .

--
** Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist **

rashid7 · Apr 28, 2020

AdamT said:
Adam-T said:

1) Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ (2014)

Click to expand...

this lens is mediocre from experience, Oly make some great glass but kit lenses were never a strong point, I found this to be even worse than the regular Oly 14-42

Adam-T said:

2) Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS (2011)

Click to expand...

I`d ignore this, optically as bad as the Olympus above, used a few copies and I`d leave it

Adam-T said:

3)Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS (2013)

Click to expand...

These are excellent, had a couple of samples and sharp edge to edge end to end at F5.6 throughout , handling is a pain as you have to open it up before you can shoot and the action is cheap but optically a little Gem , distorts like crazy at 12mm which can come across as softedges In OOC JPGs in some images but if developed in Capture one with no correction its sharp edge to edge (and more like 11mm too so you get a bit more wide) add how much correction you need to taste .

Adam-T said:

4)Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS (2013)

Click to expand...

Optically the best of the lot , mine is perfect everywhere wideopen for sharpness, has a lot less distortion than the others here - the achilles heel is vignetting which can be corrected - Lovely colour and Microcontrast ..

Remember first that you`ll get DUAL-IS with the GX9 and Panasonic lenses, Oly lenses will rely on the cameras IBIS only

From experience Sample variation is rife with all these bar the tiny Pan 12-32 amazingly , I`ve owned two and used about 5 in total and all were bang on , the Pan 14-42-II I have now came with the GX7 and is perfect, I have seen decentered ones though ,

if you can put up with the 14mm wide end (rather than 12mm) and a slightly larger lens, a good copy of the Pan 14-42-II is well worth searching out - sharpest, most consistent across the frame , least distortion , nicest colour and Microcontrast and handles the best by a mile ..... best of all its the CHEAPEST .............. other wise go for the Pan 12-32 , easier to find a good one but get a recent one , the ones supplied with GM series cams with metal mounts tend to fall to bits .

THIS ADVISE IS "BANG-ON"!

Paul De Bra · Apr 28, 2020

Years ago when these lenses were newer there were raving posts and complaints galore. This indicates quite a bit of copy variation.

I agree with your recommendation for the 12-32 which I never had, just because 12mm is really what you want on the wide end. (I had the Oly 12-50, pretty mediocre, and have the 12-40, outstanding.) But where the Panasonic 14-42X (or PZ, whatever you call it) got a lot of bad rap in the beginning, that was mainly due to it being bundled with the Panasonic GX1 camera, with shutter shock galore. Put this lens on a camera with anti-shock and you may fare a lot better. I had the 14-42X for a few years (until sadly I dropped it and it went into the bin) and optically it was very good. I have many great shots taken with that lens, and I often brought just that lens instead of the better 12-40 just because of size and weight. The handling is poor (everything with electronic levers, no zoom or focus ring), but the shots it took were great. Of course, I'm sure there are also many less sharp copies around, as with every lens. The main thing I didn't like about the 14-42X was still that it only went as wide as 14mm. I really wanted 12.

geejay101 · Apr 28, 2020

There is one cheap and super excellent lens you should consider:

The Panasonic 14-45 is one of the best zooms ever produced for m43 and goes for only 100$ these days on Ebay. Just took it out on a city tour with the 15mm 1.7 Pana Leica and could not tell the difference afterwards.

300$ Pana Leica 15mm 1.7 vs 100$ Panasonic 14-45 at f5 - which one is the PanaLeica?

Adam-T · Apr 28, 2020

geejay101 said:
There is one cheap and super excellent lens you should consider:

The Panasonic 14-45 is one of the best zooms ever produced for m43

It indeed was very good indeed with a few Caveats -- (again from my experience for what its worth )

1:- it suffered sample variation as much as the others, I`ve seen a few decentered ones

2:- it`s a lot larger than the lenses mentioned, the 14-42-IIHD is just as sharp and is a lot smaller - the 14-45 does have less distortion and Vignetting though

3:- its OIS is primative and as far as I know doesn`t support Dual-IS

4:- it`s getting old now (thinking future reliability) , the last camera it came with as a kit was the GF1 if I remember rightly so most will be 10 years old or more . it was available as a separate purchase after they switched to the mediocre 14-42 Mk1 as kit lens with the G2 and GF2 but it was such a high price that doubtful many sold ..

Just a few pointers on this lens - the biggie for the OP being its size, its almost if not actually as big as the 12-60 which would be a far better bet thesedays

--
** Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist **

Paul De Bra · Apr 28, 2020

The framing is too different: one is zoomed in a lot more than the other, making it impossible to compare sharpness on what is essentially the same scene. The one that is zoomed in more (first image) looks fuzzier than the other but that is normal when the framing is so different.

I like this type of challenge, but the framing has to be the same, otherwise you cannot make the comparison.

thinkinginimages · Apr 28, 2020

Zodd said:
I recently grabbed myself an Panasonic Gx9 for a bargain on ebay without a lens and wanted to grab one of the cheap kit compact lenses to throw on to get me by until i'm able to afford one of the better lenses. (probably primes lens, one of 20/25mm & 42,5mm)

For now I'm stuck between these compact lens

1) Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ (2014)
2) Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS (2011)
3)Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS (2013)
4)Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS (2013)

I was wondering which one you will pickup?

Thanks.

3 and 4. Optically, they've been discussed at length. Handling?

1. I found strangely big, yet somehow not all that solid feeling.

2. A stiff zoom ring, cheap feel

One lens you left out, there is a Panasonic 14-42 PZ, a power zoom/focus. Rather nice, smooth, handling for video, and it collapses. Optically, pretty good. There's a matching longer power zoom as well (doesn't collapse).

geejay101 · Apr 28, 2020

AdamT said:
Adam-T said:

There is one cheap and super excellent lens you should consider:

The Panasonic 14-45 is one of the best zooms ever produced for m43

Click to expand...

It indeed was very good indeed with a few Caveats -- (again from my experience for what its worth )

1:- it suffered sample variation as much as the others, I`ve seen a few decentered ones

2:- it`s a lot larger than the lenses mentioned, the 14-42-IIHD is just as sharp and is a lot smaller - the 14-45 does have less distortion and Vignetting though

3:- its OIS is primative and as far as I know doesn`t support Dual-IS

4:- it`s getting old now (thinking future reliability) , the last camera it came with as a kit was the GF1 if I remember rightly so most will be 10 years old or more . it was available as a separate purchase after they switched to the mediocre 14-42 Mk1 as kit lens with the G2 and GF2 but it was such a high price that doubtful many sold ..

Just a few pointers on this lens - the biggie for the OP being its size, its almost if not actually as big as the 12-60 which would be a far better bet thesedays

I have read reports backwards and forward on the 12-60 3.5 and the 12-35 because I considered to replace the 14-45 with a light-weight capable lens. Nothing I read convinced me that its worth the move.

My comparison of my freshly acquired 15mm PanaLeica with the 14-45 was actually a great disappointment because I hoped that the 15mm PL photos would really stand out in comparison. In fact, the 14-45 is so amazingly good that hardly any lens beats it. At least I havent found any yet.

thinkinginimages · Apr 28, 2020

I had the 14-45 and it was an excellent lens, just a little big, a little heavy, and a little noisy for video. The 14-42 II is smaller, lighter, quieter, and the quality is quite good.

Adam-T · Apr 28, 2020

thinkinginimages said:
I had the 14-45 and it was an excellent lens, just a little big, a little heavy, and a little noisy for video. The 14-42 II is smaller, lighter, quieter, and the quality is quite good.

Its as sharp as the 14-45 and I`d say with nicer colour too , it`s a lot smaller , its faster AF wise and the OIS is bang up to date so compatible with Dual-IS2 .. the only downer to the size drop is the vignetting at the wide end, the long end is fine , distortion is heavier too but nothing like the 12mm start kit zooms

The 14-42-II has got to be the most underrated M42 lens ever, I blame the 12-32 and 12-60 combo - both are excellent, one is tiny the other great range so the 14-42-II gets forgotten

--
** Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist **

Simon97 · Apr 28, 2020

Thanks for the information. I was wondering if it were the older (metal mount) 12-32 lenses that had the problem with the cover metal coming off. I have two copies of the newer plastic mount ones and both are optically the same to each other (no decentering) and haven't fallen apart. This is nice because I seem to be the one who gets stuck with decentered lenses all the time. :-D

Adam-T · Apr 28, 2020

Simon97 said:
Thanks for the information. I was wondering if it were the older (metal mount) 12-32 lenses that had the problem with the cover metal coming off.

Mine did (GM1 kit) , it fell to bits in the end ..... the plastic mount one which came with the GX80 did 2 years with no issues
Both versions were the same optically

Skeeterbytes · Apr 28, 2020

I find the minuscule 12-32 is a good lens that can make a small camera truly pocketable. It lacks a focus ring so a little limited in that regard. A screw-on hood can be added if desired.

I prefer 12mm standard zooms and it's the smallest for m4/3 by far.

Cheers,

Rick

geejay101 · Apr 28, 2020

Simon97 said:
Thanks for the information. I was wondering if it were the older (metal mount) 12-32 lenses that had the problem with the cover metal coming off. I have two copies of the newer plastic mount ones and both are optically the same to each other (no decentering) and haven't fallen apart. This is nice because I seem to be the one who gets stuck with decentered lenses all the time. :-D

The plastic 12-32 is great after fixing the shaky inner barrel which causes shutter shock.

thinkinginimages · Apr 28, 2020

AdamT said:
thinkinginimages said:

I had the 14-45 and it was an excellent lens, just a little big, a little heavy, and a little noisy for video. The 14-42 II is smaller, lighter, quieter, and the quality is quite good.

Click to expand...

Its as sharp as the 14-45 and I`d say with nicer colour too , it`s a lot smaller , its faster AF wise and the OIS is bang up to date so compatible with Dual-IS2 .. the only downer to the size drop is the vignetting at the wide end, the long end is fine , distortion is heavier too but nothing like the 12mm start kit zooms

The 14-42-II has got to be the most underrated M42 lens ever, I blame the 12-32 and 12-60 combo - both are excellent, one is tiny the other great range so the 14-42-II gets forgotten

I never noticed vignetting with the 14-42 II, but then again, it wouldn't bother me all that much on the wide end (for scenics). Distortion and vignetting I can correct out. For the price point, it is a great value.

Adam-T · Apr 28, 2020

geejay101 said:
Simon97 said:

Thanks for the information. I was wondering if it were the older (metal mount) 12-32 lenses that had the problem with the cover metal coming off. I have two copies of the newer plastic mount ones and both are optically the same to each other (no decentering) and haven't fallen apart. This is nice because I seem to be the one who gets stuck with decentered lenses all the time. :-D

Click to expand...

The plastic 12-32 is great after fixing the shaky inner barrel which causes shutter shock.

there is no need to do that on most cameras, G7 or GX1 maybe but its fine even on the GX8

Barry Twycross · Apr 28, 2020

Zodd said:
I recently grabbed myself an Panasonic Gx9 for a bargain on ebay without a lens and wanted to grab one of the cheap kit compact lenses to throw on to get me by until i'm able to afford one of the better lenses. (probably primes lens, one of 20/25mm & 42,5mm)

For now I'm stuck between these compact lens

1) Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ (2014)
2) Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS (2011)
3)Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS (2013)
4)Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS (2013)

I was wondering which one you will pickup?

I use the 12-32, it's surprisingly good (if somewhat fragile). I use it for a large majority of my travel photos. That was the kit lens, and I was expecting it to be junk, but when I tested it, it was more than good enough for me. I had also got the 14-42 PZ, because it was supposed to be a better lens, but in my tests the 12-32 was sharper, I haven't tried the other 2.

The 12-32 is also the most compact 12mm lens you can get, and it's stabilized, which can (in the right circumstances) make up for the slower aperture. I use 12mm a lot, so I wouldn't want to be without that, the others of course only starting at 14mm. (And there's a lot of difference between 12 and 14.)

I also wouldn't say other lenses are "better", the 12-32 works great for what I use it for I also carry around a 20/1.7, which is a great lens, but I'm using the 12-32 most of the time. Prime lenses are a different experience, not necessarily "better".

windmillgolfer · Apr 28, 2020

Of those you list, it'd be the 12-32mm, great performance and super compact. I use one on my GM/GF bodies when I want to carry the combo in a belt case. For a kit lens, my preference is the 12-60mm, great to have 12mm and a good zoom range for general use, , close focusing, plus it's weather-sealed and supports dual IS.

See my Flickr for lens-specific albums: 12-32mm, 12-60mm, 14-140mm and the 42.5mm

If you are UK based, it's worth looking at mpb.com, some lenses can be cheaper than eBay and you have the benefit of a warranty.

--
Stuart
Latest uploads
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/albums/72157669344521949
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FZ330 images https://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/albums/72157659823425652
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Aurora Borealis https://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/albums/72157663549812064

Tatouzou · Apr 28, 2020

Zodd said:
I recently grabbed myself an Panasonic Gx9 for a bargain on ebay without a lens and wanted to grab one of the cheap kit compact lenses to throw on to get me by until i'm able to afford one of the better lenses. (probably primes lens, one of 20/25mm & 42,5mm)

For now I'm stuck between these compact lens

1) Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ (2014)
2) Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS (2011)
3)Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS (2013)
4)Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS (2013)

I was wondering which one you will pickup?

Thanks.

On a GX9, I would rather put a Panasonic lens to get the best stabilisation and fastest DFD Panasonic AF.

Choosing between 12-32 and 14-42 should rely on whether you prefer the wide or the long end: 12 is much wider than 14 and 32 is a little short for many subjects.

As regards the PZ lens, the electric zoom is nice to have for videos and allows you to remote control the focal length. But still shooters usually prefer manual zooms.

As other posters wrote, regarding IQ, sample variation will matter more than any design difference between these lenses.

I suggest you also look for the 12-60mm f3.5-5,6, it is bigger but yet light (210g), sharp, and the focal range is very convenient. You should find dekitted new 12-60mm or second hand for cheap, as many are sold in bundle with most Panasonic higher end cameras.

Best Compact Kit Lens? 12-32 vs 14-42 ED - G X or G Vario

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