Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 09/25/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 09/24/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 09/23/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 09/22/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R

Camera and Lenses: Images with an M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R, praised as an exceptionally sharp, quiet, and lightweight kit zoom lens for MFT (Micro Four Thirds) cameras, valued for delivering high-contrast images.

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The M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R, third in the series of standard zoom kit lenses for MFT (Micro Four/Thirds) cameras, was a follow-up of the original M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED (2009), M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II (2010), and was launched before the ultra compact electronic zoom pancake, the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ (2014).

The II R was bundled as a kit lens for the Olympus PEN E-PL2 (2011), with updates to the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) system support and an updated exterior. The lens is fitted with a lock ring and features a better manual zoom and focus ring than its predecessor, which enhances its suitability for handheld video shoots.

While the latter pancake f/3.5-5.6 EZ is a design focused on extreme portability, the f/3.5-5.6 II R is the most refined of the series and is generally considered the better all-around manual zoom lens. The lens measures approximately 56.5mm in diameter and 50mm in length, takes 37mm filters, and weighs 113 grams.

Common to the II R and the series is the 8-element in 7-group construction, which includes 3 aspherical elements to control distortion and spherical aberration. The II R, however, features a 7-blade circular diaphragm for improved bokeh and focuses slightly farther away at 0.25-0.30 meters compared to the EZ (which has 5 blades and focuses at 0.2 meters).

The II R is normally available in two colors, black and silver, which were designed to match the then-current batches of Olympus Pen camera bodies. Both color variants share the same 3x zoom capabilities, MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) technology for fast, quiet autofocus, and close-focusing distance.

On the 1.5x crop sensor Lumix DMC-G5, the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R is equivalent to a standard 28-84mm zoom (or a wide-to-normal zoom) on a full-frame camera, a very versatile "walk around" lens ideal for travel, street, and event photography. The focal range covers from wide-angle views for landscapes and architecture to moderate telephoto for portraits and compressed scenes.

Key tips for using the focal range include the use of the wide (28mm) end for deep, immersive shots that are slightly wider than normal, but with natural and undistorted perspective; getting in close to make the subject prominent, especially at the same wide end; and setting the lens to a narrow aperture (f/8 to f/11) to keep both subject and background in focus.

The lens is also known for its quick and silent autofocus (MSC), decent close-up capabilities, and images with good center sharpness and strong, punchy colors. The 7-blade rounded diaphragm adds to the pleasant and soft background blur.

Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R

The Panasonic Lumix DMC‑G5, a mirrorless MFT (Micro Four/Thirds) DSLR‑style camera with a 16MP Live MOS sensor and Venus 7 HD II engine, was released in 2012. The camera is a solid choice for a compact camera body with good image quality and solid manual controls. Though not vintage, but rather an early-generation digital, the G5 has real potential as a capable enthusiast collectible, especially when paired with suitable and appropriate lenses.

Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 09/04/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 09/03/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 09/02/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 09/01/26

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Pinpoint AF on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

Cameras and Lenses: The Pinpoint AF function on the Lumix DMC-G5 lets you magnify a tiny cross-section of the image frame, an aid for getting precise macro shots or critical focusing.

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Pinpoint AF, a feature I recently explored on the 2012 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 (an early-generation, older Micro Four Thirds mirrorless digital), is designed to achieve highly precise focus on a specific, small area of a subject, commonly used for stationary subjects or macro photography. The mode allows me to zoom in on the focus area to confirm focus before taking the shot.

The function is akin to using peak-focusing with manual-focus lenses mounted on applicable digital bodies.

The pinpoint AF, however, works only when the camera is set to AFS (Autofocus Single) mode, and the selection is made via the Quick Menu or AF Mode menu by selecting the last icon (with the crosshair) from the four displayed options. Pinpoint AF does not work when using third-party lenses or adapters that do not communicate with the camera.

A disadvantage mentioned on BirdForum is the way the function enlarges a portion of the screen for a digital zoom, a distraction when trying to keep the camera handheld on the moving subject.

The crops and close-ups here were shot with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ, an ultra-compact MFT (Micro Four/Thirds) pancake launched in 2014. The lens was then one of the world's slimmest wide-angle zoom lenses. While it is not as sharp as premium primes, the lens is excellent for center sharpness, more so when stopped down slightly, and is also known for its electronic power zoom.

The 8-element in 7 groups lens, which equates to a 28-84mm equivalent on 35mm full-frame cameras, includes 3 aspherical, 1 ED (Extra-low Dispersion), and 1 S-HR (Super High Resolution) element, has 5 circular blades, a minimum focusing distance of 0.2 meters in wide mode and 0.25 meters in tele mode, takes 37mm filters, and weighs 93 grams.

This highly pocketable lens (the fourth in the series after the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II, and M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R) is recommended for travelers and casual users who prefer portability over professional-level sharpness. Being an MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) system lens, it is fast and silent, and works well with video shoots. Bokeh is pleasant and smooth, especially at the 42mm end, while colors are generally described as vibrant and accurate.

Lumix DMC-G5, M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 is a highly capable 16MP Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera with excellent autofocus speeds, a sharp electronic viewfinder (EVF), and a fully articulated touchscreen. The mirrorless digital is widely considered a solid, ergonomic, fast-performing enthusiast camera, noted for good image quality up to ISO 1,600 and effective 1080/60p video.

Lumix DMC-G5, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 06/26/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 06/25/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 06/24/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 06/23/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8

Cameras and Lenses: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 and the Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/2.8 are an ultra-compact, lightweight everyday setup with seamless mounts and no adapters.

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For the vintage enthusiast looking for a compact carry-around to enjoy photography with, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5, fitted with an Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 wide-angle lens, is an enviable choice not only for street, documentary, and travel photography but also as an everyday camera for use around the house.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5, a 16MP Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera released around 2012, features a 16MP Live MOS sensor, a Venus Engine processor, an ISO range from 160 to 12,800, a mechanical shutter speed from 60 to 1/4000 second, plus a silent electronic shutter option, and a 920,000-pixel 3-inch articulating touchscreen.

The SLR-styled camera is also credited for its fast performance, 6 fps continuous shooting, and 1080p60 video recording capabilities.

The Olympus M Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8, a pancake with 6 elements in 4 groups, with one aspherical element and 5 rounded diaphragm blades, was the first prime lens for the Micro 4/3 camera system, introduced as a kit lens for the E-P1 in 2009.

The lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.17 meters, measures 57mm in diameter × 22mm in length, takes 37mm filters, and weighs 71 grams. It is fitted with a conventional DC Micro motor for autofocus, with a reasonable AF speed and accuracy for most shooting situations.

The lens is equally small, and as a fairly fast, lightweight lens, it is perfect for use as a discreet, all-day shooting lens. While it is not a dedicated macro lens, it is a fun walk-around lens that can capture decent close-ups (as seen in this post) if you are not seeking professional-level magnification.

On the G5, the M Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 is equivalent to a 35mm wide-angle lens on a full-frame camera. The focal length sits between the wide-angle 28mm lens and a standard normal 50mm lens, wide enough to include scenery but not so wide that it introduces strong distortion.

Lumix DMC-G5, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8

The lens and camera kit, complete with battery and SD card, weighs approximately 480 grams. It is light enough to be lugged around, tucked in a sling or side bag, or simply strung across the shoulder.

Lumix DMC-G5, Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 Asph.

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 05/08/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 Asph.

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 05/07/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 Asph.

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 05/06/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 Asph.

The Galleria: Photo of the Day, 05/05/26

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Lumix DMC-G5, Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 Asph.

Cameras and Lenses: Image-making with the Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 Asph., a highly regarded ultra-compact prime introduced in 2010, mounted on a Lumix DMC-G5.

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A thought on night scenes, with the basics of do's and don'ts of night photography. The claim to fame, however, is the Panasonic Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 Asph., an ultra-compact wide-angle equivalent prime that is only 20mm in length, weighs 55 grams, with autofocus driven by a stepping motor.

This minuscule form factor makes for a very discreet and inconspicuous front end for MFT (Micro Four/Thirds) system cameras.

The plastic-bodied lens, introduced in 2010 with a durable metal mount, is a six-element in five-group design with three aspherical elements, seven rounded iris blades, a minimum focusing distance of 0.18 meters, and accepts 46mm filters.

On the Lumix DMC-G5, the lens is equivalent to a 28mm wide-angle prime on a 35mm full-frame camera, a focal length ideal for street, travel, and landscape photography.

The wide-angle focal length offers a dynamic look that pulls the viewer into the frame, creating a sense of being rather than just being a distant observer. The image frame induces the scene to tell a more complete, layered story with a strong sense of space and place.

The lens is also known for its fast autofocus, excellent color reproduction with sharp and vivid details right from its widest aperture at f/2.5. As it is, the lens is already a better performer for low-light and background blur as compared to standard kit zoom lenses with f/3.5 or f/4 widest apertures.

The Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 Asph., well worth its value as a classic or early-era digital lens, and still sought after by MFT (Micro Four/Thirds) enthusiasts, was updated to the Mark II version in 2014.

Lumix DMC-G5, Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 Asph.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5, a 16MP Micro Four Thirds mirrorless digital camera, was introduced in 2012. The DSLR-style compact features an articulated 3-inch touchscreen, 1080p video at 60/50p, 6 fps continuous shooting, ISO sensitivity from 160 to 12800, and a built-in EVF (electronic viewfinder). The camera, a versatile option for photography and casual videography, weighs approximately 396 grams with a battery and memory card.