Olympus Zuiko Digital 14-54mm F2.8-3.5 II

Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm F2.8-3.5 II review

Designed specifically for the Four Thirds SLR system, the Olympus 14-54mm has a useful effective zoom range of 28-108mm. Better still, as one of the 'pro' level lenses in the Zuiko Digital line-up, build quality feels consummately sturdy, and the lens features dust and moisture seals, including a rubber o-ring incorporated into the metal mounting plate. It's similar to the arrangement that Canon uses on most of its L-series (Luxury) lenses. The Olympus isn't quite a constant-aperture lens, but the maximum aperture is a fast f/2.8 at the wide-angle end of the zoom range. This shrinks by only two thirds of a stop at the telephoto end. It makes it a good choice for low-light shooting or for when you want to minimise depth of field. PerformanceOlympus is well-known for its great lenses, but testing this one on a new E-5 body was a disappointment. Colour fringing was very noticeable and sharpness and contrast were poor throughout the entire zoom range, but vignetting and distortion were well contained. Autofocus proved fairly quick and quiet, and a full-time manual override option is available via the camera's menu system. The electronically linked focus ring is wonderfully precise, and an absolute joy to use.