Announced in April, the Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Power O.I.S. lens is a second-generation 10x zoom lens that is smaller, lighter, faster and less-expensive than the G Vario HD 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8 ASPH Mega O.I.S. which we reviewed in June 2009.

Gary Wolstenholme reviews the new, more compact, Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 telephoto zoom lens.

Consistently good sharpness throughout the zoom range; Low distortion and falloff; Effective stabiliser; Compact and lightweight; Good build quality

CA levels may be high enough to cause concern for some; Maybe a tad expensive (but probably worth it!

With this update of the LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm F4.0-5.8 ASPH Power O.I.S., Panasonic offers a much smaller and lighter version of its kit lens, which has a smooth and silent operation mode and looks perfect fitted to the GH3 and G6 LUMIX cameras.

This new 10x zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds system cameras, is an update to the existing lens, which is essentially the same specification, except that this lens has a marginally faster aperture throughout the zoom range.

The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. Power OIS ($699.99) features an ambitious 10x zoom range, but doesn't suffer from the extreme distortion issues that often plague similar designs. It is compatible with Micro Four Thirds cameras , and offers integrated optical stabilization.

Optically stabilized; 10x zoom range; Very little distortion; Good center sharpness through range; Quiet, snappy focus motor

Some edge and telephoto sharpness issues; Pricey

The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. Power OIS ($699.99) features an ambitious 10x zoom range, but doesn't suffer from the extreme distortion issues that often plague similar designs. It is compatible with Micro Four Thirds cameras, and offers integrated optical stabilization. The stepping motor delivers quick, silent focus that can adjust a 240fps rate, which makes it an ideal choice for the video-centric cameras produced by Panasonic. Olympus shooters can disable the stabilization via a toggle switch and take advantage of the 5-axis in-body stabilization found in its E-M5($499.00 at Amazon) and E-M1($999.00 at Amazon) cameras. Due to the size of the Micro Four Thirds sensor, the lens( at Amazon) acts like a 28-280mm in full-frame terms. It's a good wide-angle to telephoto range, making the lens an appealing option for traveling light or for outdoor use when you don't want to worry about changing lenses in the field. Its small size and weight (3 by 2.6 inches, 9.4...

The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. Power OIS lens boasts a long 10x zoom range with surprisingly few compromises in optical quality.

Optically stabilized; 10x zoom range; Very little distortion; Good center sharpness through range; Quiet, snappy focus motor

Some edge and telephoto sharpness issues; Pricey

Great lens nice, clear, bright and natural colours . Works well with the DMC range of cameras. Filter effects really comes into its own. This lens is much preferred than its auto zoom equivalent.

The LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. description says "Smooth, silent operation for both photo and video recording". My lens emits a constant whirring sound that is only silenced when the camera is turned off. Silent should mean silent. I would like a silent lens.

I bought this lens from a guy that got it as a kit lens for his camera and he prefer using prime lens only. I put it on my Panasonic GX7 and use it when I travel. This lens gives sharp images at all focal length from center to edge.

Light sharp@all focal length

I bought this lens from a guy that got it as a kit lens for his camera and he prefer using prime lens only; I put it on my Panasonic GX7 and use it when I travel; This lens gives sharp images at all focal length from center to edge.

Excellent bit of kit, light, good quality & so far brilliant results. This lens means 1 camera & 1 lens, ideal for outdoors, hiking etc without a lot of clutter to carry.