Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f 3.5-5.6 Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras by Olympus

SO)OLYMPUS 14-42MM F3.5-5.6 ED LENS

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
This lens is a newer version of the standard kit lens that comes with E-series Olympus digital SLRs. It is about 1/3 smaller in length and girth and weight than the 14-45 lens. It has the same apertures (3.5-5.6) as the old one but focuses a little closer. The first thing I noticed is that manual focusing is quicker, quieter and more positive than the old one. It has the feel of a "good old" prime lens when focusing manually. The smaller size really helps it fit in my bag better; the lighter weight makes carrying the camera (E-330) much easier. A fine point: Olympus now supplies a front-pinch type lens cap that makes it possible to remove and replace the cap with the lens hood in place. The previous model had an edge-pinch type that made it necessary to remove the lens shade first. The technical reviews suggest that this lens produces images that are sharper in the corners at full aperture than its predecessor. But what I do know for sure, is that although the near-focusing distance is about 1 foot, I was able to produce a sharp image (in Macro setting) at 5 inches on my E-330!! The mounting bayonet flange appears to be plastic. Only time will tell about its durability. I don't do a lot of lens changing, so I'm not concerned. The images I'm getting are excellent, so I'm glad I made the change. Recommended.