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 34 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
90%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (22)
- Compact (21)
- Improves picture quality (15)
- Interfaces well with camcorder (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting outdoors (19)
- Shooting indoors (8)
- Upgrade (7)
- Close up filming (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (17), Technically challenged (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (32)
Most Liked Positive Review
Good lens, but at a price
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 ...Read complete review
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.
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!
Reviewed by 34 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
- Heavy bulky
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:
Don't know why everyone has given this lens such high marks - on the GX-1 performance is far from great. In fact, not very sharp focus, lots of variance and also slower AF than I had thought it would be. Also, this lens is just a tad heavier than the new 45-175X, so the 14-45 is the largest/heaviest lens in my M43 kit.I will be selling on Amazon and sticking with the primes, including a new Sigma 30mm f2.8, which consistently gives very sharp IQ, no need for post-processing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- 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 bought this to replace the kit 14-42 lens on my G3. I felt kind of dumb when I ordered it, shelling out all that cash for such a similar lens.
After using the lens for a while, I do not regret buying it. When I'm editing, I often mistake the pictures taken with this lens for ones taken with my 20mm prime. They're a lot sharper. The build quality is also better, and it's nice having the IS switch on the side.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Nicely Built
Cons
Best Uses
- Snapshots
Comments about Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens:
I have a GF1 with the 20MM 1.7 its definately a winning combination for size and IQ. But sometimes you just need a little zoom; enter the 14-45mm. Just right for those zoom situations maybe with a flash, snapshots, when my wife uses the camera. I haven't played with the 14-42mm so I can't offer a comparison but this one is well built and the OIS works nicely.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
- Interfaces Well With Camcorder
Cons
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:
Its the first lens I've bought for the af100 as it was the most affordable, and can also be used with the new gh2 which came with a similar lens. A great lens for general use, High quality lens. Could have had more range.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- Lumix GVario 14-42mm
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
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