The Panasonic 14-140mm f3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Micro Four Thirds, MFT Cameras

[@carlashcroft6652]

Such a joy to hear his voice again. RIP David.

[@patrysscaron]

I miss your reviews David. 😪RIP.

[@Merjia]

I love when I'm looking for a lens review and I find one of David's. Hope you're getting some great shots wherever you are mate.

[@denni515]

Truly my favorite youtube review of all time. I sure do miss you.

[@312SES]

Miss you, Sir! Thanks for all your correspondence. I wish I could have met you.

[@gatto190]

"...A bit tighta and a bit shorta!" Yes! You are the man, David!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

:-)

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

I am considering this lens, reviewing a ton of videos. & where do I finish up? With the late great Mr. Thorpe! A fine review, RIP dear sir.

[@mindykateashley]

" if the older 14 to 140mm hadn't existed, my reaction to this new lens would have been astonishment". Thanks David for this comment. That's all I needed to hear :)

[@ernreeders1487]

You have a great gift for communicating. The visuals support a clear narrative. Metaphors like the little black skirt capture an essential point.

[@Hrochnick]

Came across this today while researching which version of the GX9 to get, with the 14-140 or one of the others options and was something of a surprise to suddenly see shots of my old hometown, Kingston! I left years ago and am now filled with a massive sense of nostalgia. Thanks for that :) Great video too, I think i'm convinced...

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! I don't know how long since you last went there but when did the London Road still ran through the town centre. They've built a bigger road skirting the centre now but the traffic jams still happen because everything has to filter over Richmond Bridge. Nice place to live, though. My own thoughts on Micro Four Thirds lead me to see the GX9 as about the best Micro Four Thirds camera available, taking into account the size and bagability of the design and the fact that it has the same IQ as the flagship cameras. The only downside is the small EVF but I find it perfectly usable. A good option is the 12-32mm and 35-100mm compact lenses, both very sharp and will fit in a small shoulder bag. But, as you say, so many options and the 14-140 is a superb one lens solution.

[@Hrochnick]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks for the reply David. it was about 14 years ago so I'm sure much has changed! Lived in New Malden for longer actually, worked in the old Forbouys there for a while. been in Brno in the Czech rep since then. Both lovely places to live. Both horrendous traffic at times :) Quite a novice with cameras to be honest, but looking at trying to take nicer pics. Have an old Fujifilm fixed lens 'prosumer' I think they call it, from years ago (S5500) with a 37-370mm equiv. 10x zoom. I do like to take some pictures at range, zoos etc, do you think I would miss the reach if I went for the 12-32mm and 35-100mm option? Haven't used that in a while though as it's only a 4mpx camera and really showing it's age. Upgrade long overdue!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you like the videos. Yes, another nice lens for MFT but there are some beautiful primes out there. My personal favourite, the Olympus 45mm f1.8 is one of them. The Olympus 75 looks a beauty, too.

[@618Fishing]

I love your lens reviews David! I am planning on buying the Gh4 and am having a hard time deciding which lens to start off with. I will be shooting mostly video and I like the versatility of the 14-140 II. The one thing keeping me from pulling the trigger is the posts and videos exposing a possible problem with it's O.I.S. There appears to be micro jitters in some of the videos I have seen. I am not sure if this problem is universal. It is noticeable on your footage of the frog @ 4:42. Have you noticed this with your original version, F/4-5.8, and do you think there will be a firmware fix for the new one in the future? Thanks!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+618 Fishing The jitter on my video is caused by my hand on the zoom ring, I think. Normally I'd never zoom during a video since it looks pretty awful. I haven't noticed the jitter problem myself but maybe someone else would have some information? The original version I never noticed any jitter either. I'm not a top video man, though! Certainly for one lens for video, this is it.

[@damancandance1]

another concern to consider is the noise the lens is constantly making as long as OIS is on... it sounds like a hard drive booting up, but sustained as long as its on.. the volume goe sdown SLIGHTLY once u hit record, but the noise is quite obviously there and picked up by the mic

[@larbueno]

You, David, are boringly consistent...all of your reviews have the same and exact level of calm brilliance. Well done. Again. As Usual. And for the benefit of us all.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Wow, thanks Larry!

[@fucq67]

Thank you David. I think my plan will be to get the 14-140 and bring the 7-14 and also the 20mm. Should be a good light package. I appreciate your advice!

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Very helpful David. Being new to the MFT world, I likely would not have known that there even was a new, smaller version of this lens. Very important since I buy quite a bit of my gear used on eBay, and I would only want the smaller version. Oh, and the "little black dress" analogy was a hoot! The humor and self-effacement in your reviews make them much more interesting and fun.

[@davidthorpe7732]

Patrick Fitzgerald Thanks, Patrick. The photography is fun, so I don't like to be _too_ serious in my videos. The fact is that the MFT cameras rekindled my enjoyment of photography and it's nice to know that I can pass that on.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

I'm with you on that my friend. The size, weight, quality and features of my newly acquired GX7 is making me want to get out there and take a look around with fresh eyes. Heck, I'm even experimenting with black and white again!

[@davidthorpe7732]

Patrick Fitzgerald It's very special, black and white makes you see differently. I love it.

[@olafreinhardweyer]

Patrick Fitzgerald Did you consider the FZ1000 or LX100 before deciding for GX7? 4k video is good bait but I am very hesitant to bite.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

olafreinhardweyer I wanted the ability to change lenses, so no. I'll pick up a used Panasonic camera body with 4K in the future, and I'll still be able to use my current lenses.

[@emilnilsson7991]

David Thorpe

[@rymdskrotet]

Oerhört saknad.

[@sess5206]

Miss you, Dave.

[@paultaylor5513]

Yes, I've pre-ordered one too David. I'm not sure when it will be actually available though.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Just tried it and yes, it is louder. Nothing to be concerned about as you can't hear it on video. I find that the volume is similar with OIS turned on or off but the character changes a little.

[@FrederickHagan]

Great review as usual David. BTW: I believe your review of the Lumix 12-35mm has me sold. Was going to get the Panasonic 25mm f1.4 Summilux Leica. Costs half as much and was really excited about the f1.4. But all things said and done looks like the 12-35mm covers more. Way more. Especially for video work. Thanks so much for that review also.

[@XHItube]

Thank you for opinion on that topic. I had this feeling as well, so I think I made my mind and will go for the G6 kit. :D If I still feel tempted by the OM-D I can always get it body only next year for a bargain! ;) Keep up your great work! We m43 interested people and for sure the the real users do appreciate your efforts!

[@GAUROCH2]

I miss you David...

[@1arjen8]

You're my primary source for all MFT purchases. Thank you, David.

[@davidthorpe7732]

Great to hear that, Arjen - thank you!

[@RichardEllaPhotography]

Excellent review David. I've been giving some thought to buying this lens for for general use on family vacations when I don't want to take all my primes.

[@guyo68]

You've been costing me too much in Panasonic gear lately, Mr. Thorpe. Reviews much appreciated, though. Thanks!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Haha! Of course, Panasonic pay me £2,500 per week to sell thier gear....not! Actually, they don't even reply to my emails :-)

[@alexm.6549]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Hi David, I think guyo68 meant something different: that thanks to your reviews, He is convinced to buy gears :)

[@wormburner37]

David, once again a brilliant review. I purchased the 20mm 1.7 after watching your review, and the photos are just breathtaking. This 14-140 will be the next addition for my Panasonic GF6... A wonderful camera that your don't hear much about... Perhaps too entry level for some. But paired with my Nikon D7100, I now feel like I can take outstanding shots regardless of what gear I bring. Thanks again for the informative videos. Your work is appreciated. Cheers, Thomas.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Sorry to say it doesn't have a motor in the lens like the little 14-42 compact zoom, so no. It would be a perfect video lens of it did, wouldn't it? But, thanks to your question, I found out something new. I had been using my GH3 on manual focus and when I connected it to my iPad, noticed a new slider on the screen - for manual focus. It works on my Olympus 45mm too! I can't see when I'd use it but nice to know - so thanks :-)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Debby. I'd lean to the 14-140 too. I'm not a technical whizz so can't make comparisons on a graph or anything but I use mine for its versatility, without doubts about IQ coming into it. Apart from primes, the only lens I have used that is better is the 12-35 f2.8 Panasonic. As I say in the video, for many photographers this is the only lens they will ever need.

[@danbei2232]

10 years ago and I still want to buy this lens!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Frederick. There's no question that the 25mm is a fantastic lens and the f1.4 aperture is good for shallow depth of field but the 12-35 is just as sharp for practical purposes - especially for video - and much more versatile. Also, it has the 58mm filter size the same as the 14-140 and 35-100 which is great for video people, one set of filters covers all. And highly effective stabilisation, too. It's all a trade-off in the end but I agree with your view, the zoom covers way more.

[@cory9437]

Lovely review, thank you! I managed to nab the Mk II of this lens for just $180 used. I have some primes which are much faster, but absolutely love the versatility in this lens.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

That was a good price. Yes, this is the lens to take out when you're not sure what you'll need and I see little difference in sharpness between this and much less versatile zooms.

[@mikehessey]

Thanks for brilliant videos - M4/3 user since original G1, lots since then. Common interests - cycling (I ran the Folding Society, the folding bike web site for a number of years), iPads & other computer gear (been programming computers since 1967, using digital cameras since around 1993). Thanks again for your superb videos - I have a lot of catching up to do. Mike PS: Even what I assume are your across-the-road photos are quite similar to mine, though mercifully I don't have much traffic.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Soon, I hope. I'm really excited about this one.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for the head-up. It was announced in January and I read a few rumours but still not available. Strange. I wonder how the price will compare to the Panasonic and Olympus equivalents if and when it surfaces?

[@simon_jakobsson]

I am waiting to get mine in the mail. After having used the pan/leica 25mm f1.4, the oly 45mm f1.8 and the slr magic 12mm f1.6 I am excited to have a more versatile walking around or travel lens in my lineup. At first I was hesitant with the alleged quality drop from primes, but your video and the other examples I've seen are looking great, so even if there is a difference, it's small enough to make the whole framing versatility advantage win out in the end. I hope! Thanks David for all your excellent reviews.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Simon Jakobsson Thanks Simon. Naturally it won't have the extreme sharpness of your primes but it's a very sharp lens in its own right and by any standards. When I go through all my stuff in LightRoom, it's this lens (and the previous version) that has taken the majority of it.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Richard. It's pretty well perfect for the use you describe. Not big enough to be an encumbrance and performing well enough that you are not getting a second best result. Plus covering almost as great a range of most sets of primes will. The compromise for people who don't like compromise :-)

[@baze3SC]

Thanks for the review. While I think the combination of 12-35mm F2.8 and 35-100mm F2.8 is probably the MFT "holy grail", based on your review I think I might seriously reconsider where to spend the money. This looks to be a solid all-round lens with all the necessary focal lengths covered.

[@MrCharlesTuna]

I have a GX1 and GH3. For the first time over the weekend I put my MK I 14-140 (my heaviest lens) on the GX1, and surprisingly it worked well and was a comfortable fit. I usually just use the 20mm with the GX1, but will use the 14-140 on it more. Still, I'd like to have the new version. Thanks for the comparisons.

[@mariejojones]

Thanks for your video. Completely agree that it's a very exciting upgrade. Ordered it and eagerly waiting for mine to be delivered. Thought that aside from weight, filter thread and aperture values, another major difference from the initial 14-140 mm was the motor element (like you have in the G X (lenses) so that the lens can be driven from a smartphone if the Pana body implements it (right now G6, GF6 and upcoming GX7). Right or wrong?

[@nikobizarr5652]

Another excellent review David. I think this lens might be exactly what my EM-5 needs.

[@oversteptheMark]

I bought this lens for my GM1 for traveling around South America off the back of your review David. Excellent piece of kit and did all I wanted in between my 12-32 & 100-300. I left those lenses at home as I had the 14-140. I think that anybody buying a Lumix G for the first time should just get the body + this lens. Excellent review mate.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Mark Lyons Thanks Mark. I do the same as you - if I'm going away without the express intention to take pictures, this is the lens I take.

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

It seems to be a good philosophy when switching to any system (e.g. DSLR to MFT, compact to DSLR); save up and get an affordable body that has all the features you need, then fit it with the broadest-range zoom you can reasonably afford. This buys you shooting time on the camera while the pennies re-accumulate. Little luxuries like ultra-telephoto (your 100-300) and fast primes or wide zooms can follow later as finances allow, but remember that as always, the best is the enemy of good enough, and unless money is no object, you ought to match your lens/body spending to the sort of shots you're taking.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

jsm666 Couldn't agree more. And in fact, although I have a good number of luxury lenses, when I look on LightRoom the 14-140 is my most used lens.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! On the lenses, if you have an Olympus camera body, I'd wait to see the Olympus offerings since they offer a greater zoom range and the lack of in lens stabilisation doesn't matter. If the performance is as good or better than the Panasonics and the price within reason then they'd be best. For a Panasonic body I'd go for the Panasonic lenses regardless since they have the stabilisation. The e-m1, if you don't have any older 4/3 lenses I'd stick with an O-Md or GH3 for now.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Interested? I've ordered one! Thanks for the kind words, Paul. A neighbour of mine has a GF1 I advised him to buy quite a while ago. He comes over and sees whatever camera I am using at the time but the GF1 has hit a sweet spot for him and he's seen nothing he likes better for his particular use so far. The GX7 might just pip it for him but it is a lot more expensive.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for the kind words. As long as the picture is good who cares about the quality, I go with that but up to a point. A good pic with good quality still trumps the good pic with poor quality. MFT meets my quality needs but we're all different. I can get shallow enough DoF for what I want but others want shallower. MFT is one compromise among many and for me hits the spot but that doesn't make it right for everyone or even a majority. If I were a working pro again, I would be using FF.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, if you find the old one a bit heavy, the new one is a big improvement. And while the 12-35 is definitely sharper than the 14-140, there's little in it with the 35-100 I find. Though, of course you have the two extra stops of the f2.8 35-100. But if this 14-140 was the on ly lens I could have, I could live with that.

[@artistjoh]

I have the original 14-140. It was my first MFT lens back in 2008. I never particularly liked the lens and I never used it since getting the 12-35 and 35-100 f2.8’s. It needed these improvements but I won’t be upgrading.

[@westwoodcreative]

David - I am about to embark on my first Panasonic G6 / 4/3 camera body and wanted help on which lens to get for it - your narration is wonderful and the remark about the upgrade comparing to the little black dress made me audibly laugh out loud - great videos bud.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

westwoodcreative Thanks! Actually, the 14-42mm kit zoom which comes with the G6 seems a very good lens and I'd probably go with that since the kits are always a bargain price, maybe looking to buy some other lenses later on. If we are talking of one lens only, I would be happy with the new 14-140 zoom you've just looked at and maybe a dealer would give a good price on that if bought with the G6 body. It's bigger but it covers every normally used focal length and as I say in the video could well be all many photographers would ever need. What I've done sometimes is buy with the kit lens and sell that on eBay, using the money towards the lens I wanted. The G6 with either of those lenses will be a joy to use.

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

sorely tempted to trade in 12-35 2.8 as that mostly gets used at 5.6 in the studio and f4 out and about. when does this new model stop down to f4? have the sigma 19 2.8, 14 2.5, 45 1.8 and the 25 1.4 if i need faster and the 7-14 if i need wider. would be nice to carry this super zoom, the 7-14 and the 25mm 1.4 as a holiday kit.

[@JessDemant]

Thanks again for a great test, I really enjoy every time you test cameras and lenses. Are you able to make a test of the Olympus 9-18mm.f.4-5.6, as I think it's an interesting lens for a better price than the Panasonic 7-14mm.f.4. Many Greetings jess

[@hedydd2]

I've been using a pair of this lens for many years and they continue to be my default grab-and-go lenses for M4/3. Also have a Sony A7iii and a 24-240, which is Sony's 10X zoom equivalent which gives the same advantages but is very significantly bigger and especially heavier and so isn't used anything like as often.

[@REP96st]

I always look forward to your reviews...Great job as usual. Thanks!

[@JeanV1986]

I really enjoy your reviews: informative, concise and comprehensive! Quite a feat, actually! Keep on the good work. And thank you, too :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's at about 24mm that it shows f4. I'd hate to get rid of my 12-35 but I agree, if it is used mostly in the studio at f5.6 it doesn't earn its keep.

[@JohnPaquette]

Great review. You are the master of the B-roll-only pre-scripted review. Great writing!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks John! I tried doing the voice over off shooting from the hip but get all these ums and ers and miss points. One thing I am never going to do is start with that "Hi guys" thing!

[@farouklens]

Awesome video David great work as usual!

[@superhashi]

Mr.thorpe your reviews are what got me into mft. Thanks for all the good work you put into it! Now I would like to ask you about your thoughts on the new e-m1 and the constant f2.8 zooms that olympus are putting out now. I am conflicted if I should go to olympus for my zooms and have to wait a little or buy the panasonic ones now and move on. Thank you again!

[@tonypowers123]

What a great review! If I do decide to go w Panasonic camera, this is the lens I’m getting! Thank you for the awesome and clear explanation!

[@robertlennon6923]

Hi David Thanks for the great review,, as usual,,, can you please tell me what is the difference between the 14-140mm in this review, and the new 2019 kk 2 version ?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Robert! The newer version has some weather sealing. Optically they are identical.

[@paultaylor5513]

Nice review as always. Thanks David. Are you interested in the GX7? It may be the camera to finally replace my GF1.

[@debbypollak530]

David- Really enjoy the video and find many of your videos very informative. Just thinking about getting into m4/3. My question is from a purely IQ standpoint, that is forgetting cost and convenience am I better off with the the 14-42 and 45-150 or 45-175 combo or the new 14-140. I would be getting the 14-42 as part of a kit as the 14-140 is not available in kit form here in the US. I'm leaning 14-140 but would appreciate your valued opinion

[@anibalibanezrisso6248]

Thank you for another great review. I'm considering buy this lens for traveling purposes.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It was made for that, really. Small things help, too, like in sandy or dusty environments no need to change the lens and expose the sensor.

[@igetsmart]

Nice video David. I have the old one and it is fine except weight compared to my Tamron 18-200 for my NEX7. So I think you sold me on an upgrade. Waiting on my GX7 and the Panasonic 35-100 F2.8 - will get lens before camera so will use on my OMD-5 and GX1. The primes are super nice like my 20mm 1.7 but an all-around to me is a must. Will be ordering 12-35 f2.8 shortly. Not sure if Olympus 14-150 is as good but it is light but IQ maybe not as good.

[@mrsyclone]

Hi David Do you think it is worth to replace the 35-100 mm to the 14-140mm? thanks Robert

[@kara-covermusc1995]

Hi, if you were to chose which kit lens is best for g85 being bundled with it, the 12-60mm or the 14-140mm? I saw some bundles for sale online with the 14-140mm and I have no idea which one would be better for me as my all around lens If I were to buy my first camera.

[@SethLadd]

I just received this lens, and it's quite loud when turned on. I suspect the noise is the Power OIS. It's much louder than the 12-35 f2.8 which also has Power OIS. What is your experience?

[@melvindada]

Thanks David for this review, very thorough and with class.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you, Richarrd. Glad you liked it.

[@melvindada]

David- I ended up buying this lens on the strength of your review and others and am very pleased to say the least. It is the perfect lens for me , reasonably priced and an all around range I need for a variety of video shooting situations. As you say, 'a kit lens par excellance.'

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Richard Bock Good to hear, Richard and thanks for letting me know.

[@soundknight]

nice final comments David. I'm thinking about up grading from gx1 with pz 14-42 to gx8 with something like this.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+Brian Cullen If you do, you'll find just about every parameter except physical size a big improvement. I doubt that there is a better all round camera in photography than a GX8 with this lens. And the gear you have is no slouch, highly capable. The combined body/ lens stabilization is excellent and the focusing speed is astounding.

[@soundknight]

+David Thorpe cool rock on, thanks for the advice.

[@OttoVonRaz]

Great review once again David. I had completely discounted this lens as a serious one to get. But now I'm reconsidering that view and may pick it up for my Lumix G6. Thank you.

[@XHItube]

Thank you for your opinion! I think I will really go for the G6 14-140 kit. I am also a beginner and new to the m43 system, so I think the G6 will be more than sufficient with respect to IQ and the 14-140 as a starter and explorer lens. :D The OM-D's look and feel are just so amazing, that it won't jump out of my head! :P

[@Pieee7]

I'm not really into zooms (i don't mind missing a shot or two - and i'm on a budget) but your videos are awesome and this seems like another very nice lens for micro4/3.

[@r.l.7160]

Mr. Thorpe, I made a mistake. The DXO Mark score for the Panasonic lens mentioned here is a "7" and the Olympus is a "4".

[@deane9050]

Hi David brilliant video again, what panasonic camera would you invest in for video but to use for occasional stills. thank you Jeff

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Jeff! For compactness and general ease of use, the GX9. Its normal main criticism is the EVF but for 16:9 it uses the whole screen area and is good. The EVF cropped for 4:3 which makes it appear smaller but for occasional use it's perfectly fine and the monitor is a good as any camera anyway. The G90 is nice but if you shoot 4K the sensor is a bit too cropped for my taste, making wide-angles less effective. At the present discounted prices the G9 is a steal. It's the dearest Panasonic but a top notch camera for both video and stills.

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

i have the OM-D and the G6 and can say that both are brilliant cameras. the G6 14-140mm kit would certainly be the better buy if you're wanting to take pictures of everything. the OM-D shines with specialist lenses but lacks in the quality of displays and obviously the wifi.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's a tough call between the Olympus and Panasonic superzooms, both excellent lenses of their type. If I had an OM-D I'd probably buy the Olympus, why pay for lens IS that you won't need? And the GX7 will have it too. The Panasonic is £70 more but I'd probably make my personal decision on the feel of the lenses in which case the Panasonic comes out better in my view. Plus, you pay extra for a lens hood with the Olympus! Either way, you have a very, very versatile and good performing lens.

[@soundknight]

02:53 - the blue inside the number zero in the image 12-35mm- is that red eye reduction going crazy?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+Brian Cullen No, a bit of chromatic aberration. You'd never see it normally but that is a really extreme enlargement.

[@carlycruise]

Ordering one of these apart of the new G7 kit. Selling my omd em5 mkii and 12-40 pro since the 4k video is so nice. Plus I have the Leica 15mm and 25mm that will go nicely on the g7

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Neverland Traders I think a lot of video people will go for the G7, 4k at a very reasonable price and this is an ideal all round lens for it. Superzooms used to be a bog compromise on IQ but the Panasonic isn't.

[@nolejd50]

This guy just sounds so convincing and professional. If he said that a window glass makes a great lens I'd trust him with my money :D Jokes aside, really great lens and body reviews are to be found right on this man's channel.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks you, much appreciated.

[@VevoSux]

very old video, but I am thinking about this lens or invest a little more for the 12 - 60 2.8

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I had the 12-60 and a very nice lens too. It's not as good as an 'all in one' solution, though because of the restricted long end. I took just the 12-60 on a trip to Paris and found myself constantly wishing I'd brought the 14-140 instead. Having said that, I am particularly fond of long lens perspectives. For myself, given the choice it is the 14-140. With the money saved, a fast prime like the 25mm f/1.7 could be added to the mix.

[@cyvan1750]

RIP David. I'm still telling ppl to stop down to F8 for best sharpness with this lens thanks to you :(

[@r.l.7160]

Mr. Thorpe, Nice review. There are other reviewers of this lens that share your thoughts. I looked at Flikr and found good image quality. I Have an Olympus OM-D E-M5 and don't need the stabilization; however, I do like the weather sealing of the new Olympus M.Zuiko ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II. Have you had a chance to compare these two lenses and if so, what do you think? Also, DXO mark rates the sharpness' of the Panasonic a "5" and the Olympus a "4", which below that of the terrible 12-50mm. My other two lenses are the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 and the Olympus 75mm f/1.8. What are your thoughts?

[@biscuitsalive]

Great review. I just did some tests with this lens for video. (Unfairly comparing it to the 70-200 2.8 canon lens) Found its great. But Image stabilization suffers greatly in video use)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

biscuitsalive In what way suffers? I use it for video but my video knowledge is pretty basic so it seems OK to me.

[@biscuitsalive]

If you have a glance at my 2nd most recent video. It kind of showed up the IS as very twitchy for video. I still think it's a good lens. And I was unfairly comparing it to a lens that is twice the price and 3times the weight. But as far as my lens collection goes they were the nearest in length I have.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

biscuitsalive I suppose the test is unfair but that stabilization glitch shouldn't be there regardless of that. It seems to actually ruin the video. I've used it almost exclusively on a tripod with stabilization turned off or in a dimly lit blues club hand held where judder like that wouldnt be noticeable if present.

[@biscuitsalive]

+Peter Seo as I explained in my test. Normally you are completely correct. But it was blowing 30+ kts and even with a heavy tripod my camera was shaking lots. So it would have been worse with no IS.

[@biscuitsalive]

+Peter Seo have a look on my channel for those tests. Not the best test I could have done. But both cameras were bolted together for as fair comparison asi could do on the day.

[@cliffordlee1166]

Just watch this. Thanks. Would like to kmow does it work with olympus including the stabilisation feature?

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

I'm told the OIS does not work with the Olys. But, if you have IBIS, you're good to go anyway. Mr. Thorpe is no longer with us , sadly.

[@57Carlibra]

Hello, how are the two 14-140 lens differentiated, one is new and one is older....? What is the newer and older one called exactly?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+Carl H The easiest way to tell is that the newer one is f/3.5 ~ f/5.6 and the older one f/4 ~ f/5.8. They are both optically excellent.

[@57Carlibra]

thank you, David... all your videos are really excellent.

[@BillBooz]

Great, honest review, David. Especially like the “little black dress” analogy! 😀 The announcement about Olympus’ new Pro lens, the 12-200mm, which I’m considering buying when it’s released next month (March 2019) has prompted me to explore alternatives and this Panasonic popped onto my radar. I’m interested in a versatile travel lens. I now typically travel with my E-M5 II, the Pro 12-40mm, and the tiny Panasonic 35-100mm, f/4-5.6. The new Olympus would add 60mm of reach and is weather sealed, but slower compared to this Panasonic lens. Plus, it has no OIS. What do you think? Also, how does one distinguish the older version from this newer model?

[@BillBooz]

See aperture range is f/3.5-5.6 on newer version, David, vs f/4-5.8 on older version.

[@BillBooz]

David Thorpe, thank you for reply! For my needs and how I find I use lenses when I travel (I might take three extra lenses but, typically, I find I never take off my 12-40mm anyway!), the Panasonic 14-140mm is looking better and better. Plus, I recently purchased a used Panasonic GX85 so having the IS in lens would be useful. I think you just saved me $400! Cheers!

[@WildBeret]

I checked firmware on new GX80 it says it is 1.3 is manfucturers release the same model with updated firmware ? cause it should be below 1.2 , also the lens which comes with GX80H version doesn't have HD is it worse lens ? I wanted to buy gx9 but out of spite it was not aviavable for 2 weeks and now is available but only one piece with 14-140 on amazon , now I am thinking that gx80 and 14-140 is to heavy combo without bigger grip

[@hvalenzuela8]

Hi . you know ? . I bought the 14 140 yesterday. But it makes a lot of internal noise. This or not activated the stabilizer and when activated also does. Is this normal? It really is a loud sound from a small engine inside. You that have it could comment some of this to me?

[@subliminallyinc]

Rest in peace friend!

[@reubendocea9804]

Hello David. I have a question, but first I'd like to mention how good your videos are. I have just bought the Panasonic lumix GX1, for reasons such as low cost/ lower weight/ I'm a beginner. I am wondering whether newer lenses such as the one in this video would not function as well as older lenses on the GX1? - Thanks.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Reuben. Thanks for the kind words. Yes, this lens will function just as well on your GX1 as any other MFT camera, regardless of size or age.

[@philipgowdy]

As always very down to earth and informative. I had the old lens and loved its versatility and am trying to decide between this and the Oly 14-150 mk11 Any Thoughts...its for a old e-5 mk11 Thanks

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Philip - I prefer the Panasonic 14-140 overall because its edge to edge performance is better. But if there is a big difference in price, there's nothing wrong with the Olympus. That E-M5ll can't be that old :-)

[@dbmathis]

Hi David. I am completely new to photography and plan to film 4K video of nature, up close of insects, zoom for birds, etc and wide angle for mountains, rivers, lakes oceans, etc. Then there will be times I will want to do low light, like a campfire, sunrise or sunset. I just purchased the GH4 and the new 14-140mm f3.5 to f5.6 lense. I was curious if you had any suggestions for me? What other lenses should I get? I keep seeing that the Metabones speed booster and the Nikon lenses might be the way to go for low light.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+David B. Mathis Hi David - the 14-140 will do a lot of what you need but not the high speed camp fire light, possibly. However, with a highish ISO settings it might do that perfectly well. Certainly with sunrises and sunsets it is easily capable. With landscapes, I find longer lenses good as much as wide angle since often a detail of a scene can tell you more than trying to get everything in, which tends to diminish the scale of a scene. You see a lot of ultra wide angle landscapes with a large object in the foreground. In general, a 14mm should be wide enough for most landscapes. For close-ups of insects, you really need a dedicated macro lens. In my opinion the Olympus 60mm is the best available for Micro Four Thirds. Macro is not easy with movie, though because it is so hard to keep the subject i focus. Birds, that is very specialized and requires a long lens. The Metabones and Nikkor lenses is good but remember that you have no automatic functions and the combination will be very hard to use. You can have auto functions with some Canon lenses but again, I'd stay with native Micro Four Thirds lenses if I could. Plus, the extreme aperture speed you can get with Metabones isn't necessary for day to day work. Probably the new Panasonic 100-400mm would be suitable or the 300mm f/4 with 1.4x converter. This is big money, though. My overall suggestion would be that the only lens you _need_ is the macro, assuming that the close focus of the 14-140 won't do. I would then do my best to do all the other things with the 14-140 and note what it cannot do to your satisfaction. But don't assume that if you can't do something, it needs more equipment. The 14-140 is a highly versatile lens and getting the best out of it can take some learning. Which is the fun of it all, of course!

[@ahmedkanfer3223]

Wow. I really like the phrases you use. So between this one and the 35-100 2.8 which one you recommend regarding sharpness. I don't shoot in low light much.

[@davidthorpe7732]

Thanks Ahmed! The 35-100 has better central sharpness but the 14-140 is much better at the edges. Overall, in day to day use, you won't see much difference. The 35-100 only makes sense if you intend to use it at f/2.8 a lot. Otherwise the 14-140 is much more versatile - for many photographers the only lens they need and it sounds your best bet to me.

[@fransvaneijk3790]

Hi David, thank you for your review. Shortly I bought a GH5 with the 14-140 lens, latest version. I noticed that I when pull zoom very fast in video mode, AF drops out and needs a lot time to get in focus. Do I have a problem? Please your reaction

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

No, it's fact of life, I'm afraid. A panfocal lens will hold its focus as it is zoomed and so is ideal for video but comes in at much, much higher prices. For stills panfocus really doesn't matter since refocusing is so fast. The only thing you can do in video is zoom at a pace that the autofocus can cope with or stop and start a new sequence each time you alter focal length. I don't think there are any panfocal zooms for stills.

[@TheHudsonValleyWanderer]

Will the OIS work on an Olympus camera?

[@SkiwithMike]

Great video, intriguing lens. Thanks Would you go with this lens or the Olympus 12-200mm please?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Unequivocally, the 14-140. Thanks for the kind words. The Panasonic gives little away by having a wide focal range. It holds up very well at the 140 end which is unusual for such lenses.

[@SkiwithMike]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks very much

[@damiansciberras]

Love your reviews! I have the original version of this lens and I really like it for travel video. When we come home again at the end of the year, I want to make some upgrades to my kit. I want to pair the new version of this lens with the 12mm Samyang Cine T2.2 but am wondering whether the money is spent elsewhere? Weight is always an issue but it seems like a large layout just for size or like you said should I be seeing this as a different lens with the same focal length?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! I don't think you'd see any big difference in sharpness with this lens but the weight is noticeably less and auto-focus with DfD and dual stabilization (with a suitable Panasonic body) are both improved. If this is a lens you use a lot for travel, I think an upgrade would be worthwhile now. For cine, if you want a wider angle and aperture, I'd say the Samyang would be ideal at not too heavy a price but whether the extra angle is worth the outlay is uncertain. If you just want the extra angle, the 12-32mm would be good because it gives you a much smaller bundle, almost like having a second outfit while being no trouble to take along with the 14-140mm.

[@damiansciberras]

David Thorpe thanks for your advice! If I can find the newer 14-140 cheap enough I will take the plunge! I have a G7 but thinking upgrading to a G85 for the IS and weather proofing. The reason i want the samyang is its manual only, the wider angle, which I know is minimal and the t2.2. The 12-32 panny is ok but only f3.5, plus the samyang has a clickless aperture ring too! Sadly the 10mm samyang doesn't have a thread for filters otherwise i would consider that!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Because you are used to the G7, you'd find the G85 a very logical upgrade. the IS, weather sealing and the new shutter are worth having, too. I take your point about the Samyang. Kowa do some decent manual wides but they are too pricey and their 12mm is not a star performer.

[@SGCinematography]

Hi David, I have a bit of a dilemma - I am looking at this lens as a general all purpose lens but I shoot mainly video and have recently been eyeing up the Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40 f/2.8 for video instead, what lens do you think I should opt for? Thanks in advance!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

SGC If you have a Panasonic body it really is useful to have stabilization and I'd opt for the 14-140 whatever. But even if you have an Olympus body I'd opt for that too, personally. The 12-40 f/2.8 is a great lens but as an all rounder, the extra 100mm reach of the 14-140 makes it a better all purpose lens. For video, a couple of mm wider isn't crucial and the faster aperture is less important with the slower shutter speeds of video. In terms of IQ, the 12-40 is the better lens (as it ought to be) but in day to day use there's not enough difference to overcome the advantage of the super-zoom. Given the difference in price, you could buy the 14-140 _and_ Olympus 25 or 45 primes for interviewand shallow DoF stuff. In which case you get wider range zoom plus shallower DoF when you want it..

[@fucq67]

Hi David, I was planning to get the new 35-100mm for an upcoming vacation, but now after watching this video, I'm not sure which would be better? My current lenses are 20mm, 12-32mm, 45-150mm, 7-14mm and the olympus 60mm macro. I shoot mainly landscape and street photography, but really take pictures of anything I see, haha.. My plan is to bring 2-3 lenses, most likely the 20mm and 7-14, plus something with a little more reach.. The closest I have for that would be the 45-150mm, but I don't find myself using that lens much... I was planning on the 35-100 because I figured it would mate well with the 12-32.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

voms vom The little 35-100 is perfect for travel. It and the 12-32 zoom are both sharp and tiny. On the other hand, the 14-140 is a real do it all lens and has the advantage of no lens changing (I dislike changing lenses in dusty or sandy places) and the extra reach. I could go either way but if you don't mind the extra bulk (by MFT standards!) I'd take the 7-14 and a 14-140. That's a comprehensive outfit and if you like to take pictures of anything, as you say, that combo with the xtra reach really will cover about anything.

[@mpess8569]

Thx for the great video. My question is: Just got the Gh2 for video shooting only and looking to buy the 14-140mm lens but do u suggest for video I get the old or new version? Many Regards

[@davidthorpe7732]

M Pess Thanks for the kind words. I'd go for the new version because it is generally all round a bit better. As I said in the video, I wouldn't bother to upogarde to the new one if I had the older one but given the lighter weight and slighly faster aperture of the new one I'd opt for that. On the other hand, if I saw the old one at a really good price that enabled me to buy that _and_ the Olympus 45mm f1.8 for shallow depth of field video, I'd do that.

[@mpess8569]

David Thorpe Last questions please: Is that first or second Generation: www.bestbuy.com/site/panasonic-lumix-g-x-vario-14-140mm-f-4-0-5-8-ois-zoom-lens-for-g-series-cameras-w-3-uv-cpl-nd8-filters-tripod/1311722278.p?id=mp1311722278&skuId=1311722278

[@davidthorpe7732]

M Pess That's the original one. That one is f4-f5.8, the newer one is f3.5-f.56.

[@rahmatrad4599]

Thanks for the great review as always are good and useful. if i buy panasonic GH4 do you recommend kit lens 12-35/2.8 vs 14-140/3.5-5.6 for both stills and video. thanks again

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Rahmat Rad Thanks for the kind words, Rahmat. I'd buy the 14-140. It doesn't have the speed of the 12-35 but it is much more versatile and for many people would be the only lens they need. It's excellent for video since you are covering all those focal lengths without a lens change and while you'd expect to pay a hit in image sharpness on a super-zoom, this one retains great quality all the way through. Probably my most used lens, actually.

[@SethLadd]

Thanks for confirming. Enjoy the lens!