Panny new 14-140 appreciably better than old?

I have re-acquired the old 14-140 I gave away years ago (along with a  GH2 which I just didn't love).

It's OK for a walkabout lens but not great. I gather the new one is a bit faster; is the IQ appreciably better?

As far as I remember reviews indicated that it is a little bit sharper. But more importantly it is faster, dual IS compatible (latest incarnation), shorter, slimmer and weighs less

Rens wrote:

I have re-acquired the old 14-140 I gave away years ago (along with a GH2 which I just didn't love).

It's OK for a walkabout lens but not great. I gather the new one is a bit faster; is the IQ appreciably better?

I acquired a 14-140 Mark ii about 2 months ago. Looking through reviews and forums while shopping, I came across many references to the improved IQ, but I don't know really to which degree (as the other poster said, most of the gains seem to have been in terms of weight/size).

I never owned the first version. All I know is that I was shocked at how sharp mine was when compared to some of the primes I own (let alone the kit lenses). It's now the lens that is on my EM10 by default.

I had the original 14-140 on the GH1 & at the time, thought it was great - but in reality it was soft at the long end. I've got the MkII and it is better - maybe not a huge amount but definately sharper.

All the reviews and sample pictures seem to show the new version to be sharper especially the corners, but not night and day difference.

The reduced size/weight, and support for Dual IS are much bigger factors (being slightly faster are bonuses too). Of course the new version suffers from shutter shock on some cameras, so that should be considered.

Hi. I've had this lens for about six months. I bought it with the G85. I thought I'd sell it on, but after using it I've definitely changed my mind. Just one man's opinion....

Marriott wrote:

Hi. I've had this lens for about six months. I bought it with the G85. I thought I'd sell it on, but after using it I've definitely changed my mind. Just one man's opinion....

Great set of pics to show off that lens' capability. Your experience mirrors mine. My only regret: not to have bought it earlier. Given its great range I was under the impression that the tradeoff would have to be lackluster IQ. I was completely wrong.

I had the Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8 with my original Lumix GH1, and it served a purpose as a good superzoom.

However, I replaced it when I got my GH3 with a Lumix G Vario 14-140mm Mk2, and I have to say that it was better in every aspect: image quality, weight, size, faster aperture at both long and wide ends, and better OIS.

I found my original zoom to be quite soft, while with the Mk2 I sometimes struggled to tell the difference between shots taken with it and the PL25mm - it is that good.

Cheers,
Paul