Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens
Panasonic's Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens is a standard zoom lens designed specifically for Micro Four Thirds System cameras. Its zoom range of 14 - 45mm (28 - 90mm in 35mm equivalent) is a good choice for a variety of subjects including landscapes and portraits. It has 1 Aspherical lens element which minimizes distortion at all focal lengths. Plus, it supports Panasonic's contrast AF system for accurate and fast image capture.
Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilizer helps keep photos sharp when your camera is handheld and in low light situations. It also has 7 aperture blades which deliver smooth-looking out-of-focus areas of your photos. This lens has a compact size of 2.63" (60mm) and weighs only 6.88 oz (195 g).
- Based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard
- MEGA O.I.S. is Panasonic's advanced Optical Image Stabilizer technology
- 1 Aspherical lens to reduce aberration
- Contrast AF system support
- 7-blade, circular aperture diaphragm produces softness in out-of-focus areas of your photos
- Multi-coated lens elements reduce ghosts and flare
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
14 - 45 mm Comparable Four Thirds and Micro 4/3 Focal Length: 28 - 90 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format Compatibility | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 75° - 27° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.00' (30.48 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.17x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:5.88 |
| Groups/Elements | 9/12 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 52 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.36 x 2.36" (5.99 x 5.99 cm) |
| Weight | 6.88 oz (195 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 30 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
92%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (20)
- Easy to use (20)
- Improves picture quality (13)
- Interfaces well with camcorder (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting outdoors (16)
- Shooting indoors (7)
- Upgrade (6)
- Close up filming (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (14), Technically challenged (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (28)
Most Liked Positive Review
If you're only getting one lens....
Solid, well built, great range. I elected to get both the 20 mm pancake, AND the 14-45 zoom and after using them, I think they're both very useful. If I could ...Read complete review
Solid, well built, great range. I elected to get both the 20 mm pancake, AND the 14-45 zoom and after using them, I think they're both very useful. If I could only afford one lens, it would have to be this one because of the range and although I love the pancake, I just don't need the f1.7 very often.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Loud Lens but Nice Image for Price
I use this lens to shoot documentaries and commercials. The price is right for the image quality, thought it might be wise to invest in a nicer, more expensive lens - too bad they...Read complete review
I use this lens to shoot documentaries and commercials. The price is right for the image quality, thought it might be wise to invest in a nicer, more expensive lens - too bad they don't make many that fit the ag-af100 micro 4/3rds. The lens is also rather loud! Not the best for zooming or documentaries. Not a good low-light lens, obviously. It is pretty wide though and that's nice!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 30 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
I wanted to upgrade my Lumix G Vario 14-42mm and honestly my choices were limited. I could wait for the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42 mm, but wasn't sure about power zoom only and limited hoods. The M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm rated well but didn't have image stabilization. That left me with the Lumix G Vario 14-45mm. I have to tell you that the rating charts were correct. This lens is cleaner around the edges than the G Vario 14-42mm. in addition, it is slightly smaller, and I love the external O.I.S. switch. Even the focus seems more exact, but I have no idea why. All I know is that this is a nice improvement from my G Vario 14-42mm that came with my G3 and I am getting some great shots. I also have the Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 and the 45-200mm f/4-5.6 G Vario.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
Pretty much everything has been already covered about this lens. It's a great little lens. I sold the 14-42mm to get this am am so glad I did.Just buy one!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
- Well built
Cons
- Worse Value
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
This lens is generally considered to be superior to the new Panasonic 14-42 in build quality and optics, but it's significantly more expensive. The 14-45 also has an external OIS on/off switch and larger front element.
Having heard issues with the 14-42 like rattling, softer corners and less consistent build quality, I decided to spring for this lens. It's built very well and takes great photos. Although the zoom ring is not damped, there's no zoom creep. It could be a bit smaller for a micro 4/3 kit zoom, but it's not that big of a deal.
The lens performs well, as expected. It's nice and sharp and the OIS really helps when shooting indoors, despite the average aperture size. Don't expect any wonders, though - it's still a kit lens.
Later I tried the 14-42 at a store, and it's not quite up to par with the 14-45. It feels cheaper and more 'plasticky.'
However, if I could do it over, I would go for the 14-42. Although the 14-45 is better, it's not good enough to justify the $100 price difference in my opinion. I almost never turn OIS off so the external switch isn't that important, and the difference in sharpness isn't that noticeable in regular use. However, this lens will probably have a better resale value than the 14-42 because of its overall higher quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Excellent mechanics
- Excellent picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- All around versitile lens
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
This is my second "copy" of this lens. I passed on the first 14-45 with my GH1 to a family member when I acquired a new GH2. I wouldn't want to w/o this lens in my kit. It seems quite sharp and contrasty. It delivers very competent image quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
My fiance uses this lens with the GH-1 camera and she loves it so far. She takes high quality pictures and uses it sparingly for video. The range of the lens is perfect for your basic consumer means and it has ample zoom for tha tpurpose.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Range is a bit limited
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
This is a great lens... Only con is that the coverage is limited as designed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Interfaces Well With Camcorder
Cons
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Shooting Indoors
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
Got nice photos at both ends of the lens. Quick foccus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
I'm a fan of lens IS. This little jem has it, and it works Very well.
I really like the light weight. I'm used to carrying around HEAVY Canon L lenses. So the light weight is surely appreciated. Did I mention Compact? :) This is the reason that I bought into M43. Build quality, IMHO is very good for a lens of this price. I consider it an outstanding value.
I find that this lens produces sharp photos all through the zoom range. Glad that I purchased it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
Outdoor photography
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
I have used the Olympus 14-42mm (Mk 1) M Zuiko, the Panasonic 14-42mm, and this lens on my EPL1 and G2 cameras. By far the 14-45mm has the best contrast, sharpness (especially edge to edge), and clarity of distant objects at all aperture settings of all three lenses. The OIS is very effective also.
Pros:
Excellent sharpness, contrast, clarity, edge sharpness at all apertures.
OIS has actual on/off switch on lens, not in software.
Nice,small size.
Cons:
Minimum focus distance is longer than the Oly kit lens, so not good for macro-type work
Color balance tends more (slightly) to the bluer end of the spectrum than the Oly or other Panasonic kit lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Fast accurate auto-focus
- Sharp
Cons
- Plastic build
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
I purchased this lens as a replacement for the same exact one that I unfortunately broke dropping it in Ireland.
The lens provides about a 3x zoom in a relatively compact format, with sharp and fast focus to provide beautiful images In combination with the 20mm pancake and the 45-200mm lens, I have a very versatile set of lenses on the Micro 4/3 format.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
This lens came with my Panasonic G1 and I am surprised how good the optical quality is. I usually stop it down 1 stop from maximum. I have not seen any flare problems but I always use the hood. Highly recommended for any micro Four Thirds camera. As other people have written, I wish Panasonic made a zoom with larger aperture, but, of course, then it would be larger and heavier.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
I bought this to go with a G2 body. I liked the 14-42, but prefer the metal mount on the 14-45. The lens has really good build quality and the image quality has been excellent. I have used a variety of other gear, and at this focal-length, this lens seems to be as good as any of them. The zoom ring and focusing ring are nice and smooth, and the lens focuses fairly close. Overall...well pleased.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
Sharp, light, and versatile. Works perfectly on my GF1.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
This lens has a solid build and is dead simple to use. The only knock is the small maximum aperture size. However, it is definitely a nice companion the the Lumix GF2.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
Much better than the kit lens -- sharp. Nice size and weight for micro 4/3.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
I purchased this lens for my wife to use on a pre-ordered G3 (body only.) My wife wants a simple camera with some zoom capability. I don't have the G3 yet but I am using this lens on my GH2. I am pleasantly surprised. The lens is light-weight, smaller than I thought, focuses extremely quick, and produces very sharp pictures. The lens appears to be solid construction. It is a shame that Panasonic chose to "replace" this kit lens with the lesser 14-42. It's a little expensive for what it is. I think this lens will mysteriously disappear off my wife's camera and appear on my camera from time to time...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Upgrade
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
This lens is better than the kit lens which comes with the Panasonic dmc-gh2. Images are good quality with slightly greater reach at the long end.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comes with a hood
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good stabilization
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
Nice, compact zoom lens with sharp resolution.
This is a must have for a first and only lens for the Panasonic GH2. The 20mm Pancake is next on my list. Nice build quality (metal mount and rubberized zoom ring) and optics. I didn't like the new 14-42MM Kit lens so I bought a GH2 body and this lens separately.
Would be nice if there was a faster zoom available, F3.5 is still pretty slow on the low end of the FL.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- No faults
Best Uses
- Portraits landscapes
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
Great portrait lens and also good for scenic landscape shots. The built quality is very good with a metal mount and it compliments the Panasonic 45-200mm. Focusing is fast on the GH2 picture quality is also very good. I can find no faults with this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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- Price: $8.95
- Price: $23.50
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- Original: $17.50
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- Price: $15.75
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- Price: $10.79
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Care & Cleaning
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- Price: $4.49
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood
- Lens Storage Bag
- 1-Year Parts/90-Days Labor U.S.A. Limited Warranty
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