Significantly more compact than its predecessor with almost universal Brennweitenbreich

As a longtime user of the previous model H-VS014140E Lumix G Vario F4.0-5.8 / 14-140mm (certainly made 95% of all shots with this lens) I have the new Lumix G Vario H FS14140E 3.5-5.6 / 14-140mm risen as a bundle with the Panasonic G6 as the combination is much cheaper than the sum of the individual components.

First impression when unpacking: The lens has become more compact which makes the difference, especially in diameter noticeable. Downside, of course, that the old filter with 62mm diameter can be "disposed of" as the filter diameter only 58mm is. The difference in length of 11cm vs. 14cm makes then when zooming to 140mm noticeable. Become noticeably lighter the lens also (after almost 200g, ie -42%). Remarkable also the total weight of the lens to the G6 which concerns only 640g incl. Battery and strap (the predecessor combination with the G5 still weighed 860g). From the feel of her, however, the lens has a less quality than the previous model.

All in all, a significant advance and it is erstauntlich how compact Panasonic got the lens.

The optical performance equivalent (measured on the basis of "normal" pictures) to the predecessor model. Despite the moderate illumination of only 5.6 at the telephoto end and the small sensor of the M3 / 4 system (what the depth of field naturally increases) is a cropping eg in portraits perfectly possible provided that it is working in the upper zoom range.

A star deduction is available for the focal length range. This is very universal in itself but the wide angle end is missing the crucial few millimeters. More universal would eg a 12 - 120mm (equivalent to 24 - 240mm camera equivalents) been. To cover the wide angle must now additionally the expensive H-F007014E Lumix G Vario F4.0 / 7-14mm (after all, almost 1,000 EUR expensive) are used (other alternative in the lens program from Panasonic with a focal length less than 14mm, there is not, unfortunately, and also Olympus has one with about 500 EUR for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm expect). Besides the financial aspect, of course, also the annoying changing lenses a disadvantage of the addition in some situations (eg on the sandy beach in strong winds) will be carefully considered in order to avoid damage to the equipment.