I had the Olympus 14-54 gladly and often in use. Actually a really great lens. What has bothered me personally just as was the small wide-angle of 14mm (28mm). So I was thinking that there are four alternatives.
1) Olympus 9-18 (small, light)
2) Sigma 10-20 (low)
3) Olympus 11-22 (high speed, splash-proof)
4) Olympus 12-60 (light-strong, waterproof, SWD, large focal length range)
So I have my 14-54 sold and bought for the 12-60. It is slightly larger and slightly heavier, but also has plenty to offer wide-angle and a SWD (Sonic Drive Wafe).
Positives: In the focal length range, it is still relatively small and light compared to other manufacturers. At 12mm it has a maximum aperture of 2.8, and this is really rare! With the E-3 is one of the fastest lenses on the market as a whole. It requires only filter with a diameter of 72mm (noramlerweise need many other brands here already 77mm or greater). The minimum focusing distance can be at 60mm focal length almost a macro appear.
Negative: Compared to the 14-54 or 14-42, it is very large. On smaller cameras (eg E-620), it acts like a log. It's not as bright as the 14-54 at the long end. At 12mm it recorded relatively strong.
Conclusion: The 12-60 is not an option for everyone because of the price. One should already think about whether you need the 12mm and the SWD. For me personally, it makes sense for many others that will not record architecture, landscape or sports but it might not make sense. From me there are 5 star as the imaging performance and the scope for this price are unique. The handling of the lens occurs practically by itself and it's fast. So who needs high AF speeds and like to use sometimes extreme wide-angle, which is well advised by 12-60. All others should take the favorable 14-54.
