Review of the Olympus Zuiko Digital 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6

The Zuiko lenses were reborn with the introduction of the four-thirds system. Olympus always produced small, high-quality optics that were well respected in the days of the OM system. With the digital era, Olympus re-invented the Zuiko brand to match their new sensors, and was the first to make lenses specifically for digital cameras. The four-thirds sensor is smaller than APS-C, so the focal length magnification factor is 2x to give a 35mm equivalent, in this case the 14-45mm lens translates as 28-90mm. It must be remembered that the 4:3 ratio of the sensor is different to the 2:3 ratio of APS or 35mm film, so viewing angles are slightly different. This is a comparatively heavy lens, thanks to the 12 optics in 10 groups, including two aspherics and an Ultra High Resolution lens. Build and handling This is a solidly made optic, with a combination of plastic exterior and metal lens mount. The zoom action is smooth, while the focus can be set via the camera menu to auto focus, manual focus or a combination of AF and manual. The manual focus ring is also smooth and has an impressively deep grip. Focus is quick and relatively quiet, though less so than the Nikon lens. Image Quality While not offering the highest resolution, Olympus has certainly made an optic that stands out. Offering a long focal length, the lens is sharp enough from centre to corner for most everyday purposes, though there are some corner sharpness issues. Where the lens shines is in its control of distortion and fringing, with low wide angle chromatic aberration readings, but it does lose some points at the telephoto end.