I have both the MK I and II version of this superzoom lens. On the surface, MK I is solidly built, has a rubber zoom ring yet also very heavy (460g). In comparison MK II feels much cheaper, has a non-rubberised zoom and focus rings, but is also much lighter (265g).
Since MK I is so heavy I didn't use it much, so I don't remember much difference between IQ of the two lens except that the new lens is sharper. However, I certainly noticed the improvement in minimum focus distance. (official figures are 50cm vs 30cm, a 40% improvement).
Now I never go on a trip without this lens in my camera bag. It's the most versatile travel lens and everyone should have one in their kit in my opinion.
Was planning to get this lens. But changed plans to get something else later.
Have the g85 with the 12-60. It is a good kit lens. But I didn't have anything longer. Thought of the 40-140 but decided that if my top end is around 140mm, better just get the 14-140.mm mk2 It was a bit expensive for me at U$550-600. Besides, I couldn't find any 40-140 in our country. So, I contacted a seller so I could get me the Panny 14-140 gray. Also no stock from my gray market vendor.
In the interim, I was able to get a used Oly 40-150 f4-5.6 for about U$80. It was good and I just put off getting a 14-140, though the chore of swapping lens is undesirable in some situations. Well, not until my vendor called 4-5 days after I got that used O 40-150 mk2, an Oly 14-150 f4-5.6 brand new was available to be parted off an Oly EM5-2 kit. Bit the bullet at U$490 for it and got it about 8 days afterwards, direct from Japan.
I think either one would be good. The Oly 14-150 mk2 did not have OIS. But what made me decide to get it were 2 things. 1)weather sealing. 2)I saved me U$130-150. This is not counting that the extra 10mm and better built of the Olympus.
I do miss the dual-IS, especially version 2 as what the 12-60 has demonstrated. The G85 does stabilize the Olympus well though not as good if it had IS or with dual IS. Optically, I think both Oly and Panny are about the same. But the weather sealing of the Oly was a big plus for me as the lens+g85 can now be used outdoors without fear. I think the Oly's weather sealing makes it a truly better travel lens. Our country is made up of 7,000 plus islands. That means lots of beaches, seas, rivers, lakes, etc, that makes weather sealing a must. I think I would be just as happy with the Panny if only it were a bit cheaper. It just so happens my vendor had the Olympus available first.
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- Caterpillar
'Always in the process of changing, growing, and transforming.'
