Panasonic Lumix G lens 14-45mm or 14-140mm f3.5-5.6

[kmlim77]

Hi Recently just bought gx7 with prime 20mm kit lens. So looking for a zoom lens for it and concluded into either 14-45mm or 14-140mm f3.5-5.6 (new).

I read a lot of reviews and mostly positive on14-45mm with image quality, sharpness and very good stabilization. Just the zoom speed is a bit slow and black body only.(color not a big factor)

For 14-140mm f3.5-5.6, it has very good reviews too and one for all lens. My question is from 14-45mm (28-90mm equiv range), how is the image quality that compare to above lens mentioned? Faster zoom as it is a newer lens? I would go for it if the image quality is almost same and if not then I need to see how much the different. As I cannot find any comparison for both lenses..

Anyone can help to advise? Thank you very much!

 

[wildcat]

If you need a longer zoom, then go for the 14-140mm. I don't so I wouldn't even go there. In fact, with the 20mm, I wouldn't even bother with anything non prime but that's me and your experience may be different.

But I guess I am not the right person to advise you as I have never compared lens image quality (except where they are bad, e.g. super chromatic abberations destroying any good shots). For me, if I need a 14-45/14-42mm, I would get that for it's size alone (compared to 14-140mm, a much larger lens).

 

[kmlim77]

Thanks wildcat for comments. For 14-45mm, my thought is (28-90mm equiv) it can give slightly wider angle and better zoom at 90mm. So meaning you will just use 20mm (40mm equiv) to take all scenes?

I saw reviews that 14-45mm has very good sharpness for entire range even it is slightly slow focus at 45mm . So I just wondering how is the new 14-140mm f3.5-5.6 lens performance from 14-45mm... because if I get 14-140mm then no point to get 14-45mm and otherwise. .. anyway, appreciated your sharing too!

 

[shierwin]

Get the Panny 14-45mm instead of 14-140mm. The GX has a feature call digital zoom 2x or 4x. Good for those occasions where you need a longer reach, which may not be many. Together with the 20mm f/1.7 for low light.

 

[ricohflex]

14 to 45mm. I use this as a point and shoot. Good enough.

 

[keithwee]

14-45mm. Sharpest of all kit lenses and at most 1/3 of the price of the 14-140II. The IQ and performance at its price point is superb.

I'll only consider the 14-140II only if I need the reach. Don't forget using the 2x converter gives u 180mm on the 14-45mm which is already plenty.

 

[kmlim77]

Thank you all for comments and advise. Didn't use the Digital zoom so far.. 2x similar to crop right?

14-45mm. Sharpest of all kit lenses and at most 1/3 of the price of the 14-140II. The IQ and performance at its price point is superb.

I'll only consider the 14-140II only if I need the reach. Don't forget using the 2x converter gives u 180mm on the 14-45mm which is already plenty.

Keithwee, based on reviews the 14-45mm is excellent in sharpness.. Really the sharpest among all kit lens? .. Meaning even sharper than my gx7 kit lens 20mm f1.7? If so I really need to give it a try.. Hehe.. Thanks!

 

[kmlim77]

Finally, I found a review on 14-140mm that mentioned about 14-45mm. Although it did not has a detailed comparison for both lenses but it did mention about optical performance,

"this lens as slightly below the 14-45mm and 45-150mm in optical performance, but better than the 14-42mm Mk1 and 45-200mm. "

I also surprised that the 14-140mm lens can hold up well on sharpness even zoom up to 140mm which is a common problem w long range zoom lens.

http://cameraergonomics.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/calling-them-names.html?m=1

 

[keithwee]

Thank you all for comments and advise. Didn't use the Digital zoom so far.. 2x similar to crop right? Keithwee, based on reviews the 14-45mm is excellent in sharpness.. Really the sharpest among all kit lens? .. Meaning even sharper than my gx7 kit lens 20mm f1.7? If so I really need to give it a try.. Hehe.. Thanks!

Bro .... Against the 20/1.7 if course 20/1.7 wins la haha. Sorry , I should have been clearer ; against all the Oly 14-42 and Pana 14-42 kit lenses

 

[kmlim77]

Bro .... Against the 20/1.7 if course 20/1.7 wins la haha. Sorry , I should have been clearer ; against all the Oly 14-42 and Pana 14-42 kit lenses

Bro.. there are a few reviews on 14-42mm II has similar performance with 14-45mm while it is being smaller, lighter, faster, cheaper and choice of color. However, it has 2 versions of mount.. seems like difficult to get the metal mount..