Customers Review Amazon Product

Best value standard zoom for 4/3 cameras.
A new version of this lens will be coming out in North America in early 2009, which means that right now is a great time to pick up this older model at well below msrp. As the 14-54 II will probably retail for 1.5-2 times what you can get this earlier version for, and has only two significant changes (support for the contrast-based autofocus used only when shooting with live-view on E-x20 models and the new E-30, and rounded aperture blades for slightly less angular bokeh at relatively small apertures), I suspect that many will agree with me that the older lens offers an excellent value at current prices.

Users of the E-4x0 cameras should note that at the widest setting this lens will cast a shadow when using the onboard flash...but it's also fast enough that you may not need the flash in the first place. That this is the only negative thing I can think to say about this lens after shooting several hundred photos of multiple types - from landscape to architecture to informal portraits and objects around the house - should tell you what a fine piece of equipment it is.

I won't go into the 14-54's excellent optical and operational characteristics, as other reviewers have covered them exhaustively. What I will say is that I picked one up brand new for US0, and have been seeing the lens used in the 0-350 range. More will likely come on the used market soon as compulsive early-adopters and people curiously obsessed with perfect bokeh rush to spend 0 on version II, so if you're looking to upgrade your standard zoom (or, like me, purchased the E-420 with the 25mm f/2.8 prime as the kit lens) I would strongly recommend taking advantage of the bargain that this situation creates.

You don't own this yet?
I'm always hesitant about making large dollar purchases and this was no exception. I read just about every review on the web before I decided this was the best choice. The reviews were true. This lens is fantastic!

My older brothers each have a Canon Rebel XTi and a Nikon D60. Each have lenses with similar zoom range and f-stop values as this one but both of them were very impressed when they tried it out. Even complementing about how it felt better than theirs (certainly not like them to do so). I've directly compared identical subject shots between those lens/cameras and this and my e-510 and the difference is always clear. This lens consistently produces sharper and more vivid images.

When people say they keep this lens on all the time that's kind of a given. The zoom range works perfectly for every day shooting situations. But when you add in the low f-stop and quick focusing (along with the great price) then it's certainly not one you want to keep in your bag. I sure don't! I love this lens. It's another reason to buy an Olympus DSLR.

Better than prime lens?
This is a dream lens. It is built beautifully, balances well in the hand, delivers tack sharp images and focuses very quickly and quietly. It is a quantum leap over the kit lens which feels loose and plasticky by comparison.

How strongly do I feel about the image quality of this lens? I just returned a 50 ED macro Digital Zuiko lens that couldn't hold a candle to the 14-54 in anything other than pure macro photography.

Definitely one of the best lenses I have ever owned.

Best $$$ I've spent on lenses!
Pros:Durable, Rugged, Fast focus, Fast autofocus, Sharp Focus, Weather proofed, Easily Interchangeable, Strong Construction, Easy To Clean, Lightweight
Cons:None so far

Best Uses:Close-up photography, Wide angle, General Use, Sports/Action, Upgrade, Portraits, Landscape photography

I replaced the 14-45 kit lens from my E500 which I have been using on my E3 and is a good lens. But WOW, this lens is super!

At this price cannot be beat. Best feature to me is the manual focus mechanism s "direct" compared to the "wire focus" on kit lenses. Next, it focuses so much more quickly and precisely in automatic focus mode.

The distance scale on the lens barrel is a big plus also. I enjoy close-up work and this lens focuses to within under 9"!

Being weatherproof makes it fully compatible with the E-3.

It also does a super job of controlling lens flare.

Make great walkaround kit with E420
I use this lens with E420 and makes probably the best SLR+lens combination under one grand you simply can't get with a Canon or Nikon