Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 (II) ASPH. Mega O.I.S. HD Lens for MFT (Micro Four Thirds), Black {46}

Panasonic's compact MFT kit zoom with built-in stabilization

The 14-42mm focal range translates to a 28-84mm equivalent on Micro Four Thirds, covering wide-angle through short telephoto in a single lens. That's a practical spread for daily shooting: wide enough for interiors and environmental shots, long enough to compress a portrait or isolate a subject across a table. The f/3.5 maximum aperture at the wide end gives you a workable starting point in decent light.

Mega O.I.S. optical image stabilization is built into the lens itself, which matters on bodies that lack in-body stabilization. The ASPH. aspherical elements keep distortion and field curvature in check across the zoom range, and the HD video optimization means focus breathing and motor noise were considered during the optical design. The zoom lock switch prevents barrel creep when the lens is pointed down or carried in a bag. Filter threads are 46mm, a common size with easy filter availability.

This is a standard zoom for the MFT system, and at its price point in the used market, it's a low-friction way to get a capable walkaround lens paired with any Micro Four Thirds body.

Who It's For

Travel photographers who prioritize a light kit will get a 28-84mm equivalent range without bulk. Video shooters on stabilizer-less MFT bodies benefit directly from the Mega O.I.S., which compensates for handheld movement without relying on the camera. New MFT system owners looking for a reliable standard zoom to pair with a Lumix or Olympus body get a solid optical baseline with the ASPH. construction. Street photographers who want one lens that covers a full day of shooting without swapping glass will find the zoom range genuinely covers most situations.

Key Features

• 14-42mm focal range with f/3.5-5.6 aperture on Micro Four Thirds mount
• ASPH. aspherical elements minimize distortion across zoom range
• Mega O.I.S. optical image stabilization built into lens body
• Zoom lock switch prevents barrel creep during transport
• HD video optimized design with controlled focus breathing
• 46mm filter thread with standard filter compatibility

FAQ

What's the 35mm equivalent focal length on this lens?

28-84mm on Micro Four Thirds bodies. That covers wide-angle through short telephoto in a single zoom.

Does this lens have image stabilization?

Yes, Mega O.I.S. is built into the lens itself, which is essential if your body lacks in-body stabilization.

What's the maximum aperture?

f/3.5 at the wide end (14mm), stepping down to f/5.6 at 42mm. Workable in decent light, but it's not a fast lens.

Are aspherical elements important on a kit zoom?

They control distortion and field curvature across the zoom range. On a 14-42mm, that matters for consistent sharpness corner to corner.

Will focus motor noise affect my video?

The lens was HD video optimized during design, so focus breathing and motor noise were already engineered for video use.

What filter size does this lens use?

46mm, a standard size with plenty of filter options available at any price point.

Does the zoom lock actually work?

Yes. It locks out barrel creep when the lens is pointed down or packed in a bag, which prevents the zoom from drifting during travel.