The II R was bundled as a kit lens for the Olympus PEN E-PL2 (2011), with updates to the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) system support and an updated exterior. The lens is fitted with a lock ring and features a better manual zoom and focus ring than its predecessor, which enhances its suitability for handheld video shoots.
While the latter pancake f/3.5-5.6 EZ is a design focused on extreme portability, the f/3.5-5.6 II R is the most refined of the series and is generally considered the better all-around manual zoom lens. The lens measures approximately 56.5mm in diameter and 50mm in length, takes 37mm filters, and weighs 113 grams.
Common to the II R and the series is the 8-element in 7-group construction, which includes 3 aspherical elements to control distortion and spherical aberration. The II R, however, features a 7-blade circular diaphragm for improved bokeh and focuses slightly farther away at 0.25-0.30 meters compared to the EZ (which has 5 blades and focuses at 0.2 meters).
The II R is normally available in two colors, black and silver, which were designed to match the then-current batches of Olympus Pen camera bodies. Both color variants share the same 3x zoom capabilities, MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) technology for fast, quiet autofocus, and close-focusing distance.
On the 1.5x crop sensor Lumix DMC-G5, the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R is equivalent to a standard 28-84mm zoom (or a wide-to-normal zoom) on a full-frame camera, a very versatile "walk around" lens ideal for travel, street, and event photography. The focal range covers from wide-angle views for landscapes and architecture to moderate telephoto for portraits and compressed scenes.
Key tips for using the focal range include the use of the wide (28mm) end for deep, immersive shots that are slightly wider than normal, but with natural and undistorted perspective; getting in close to make the subject prominent, especially at the same wide end; and setting the lens to a narrow aperture (f/8 to f/11) to keep both subject and background in focus.
The lens is also known for its quick and silent autofocus (MSC), decent close-up capabilities, and images with good center sharpness and strong, punchy colors. The 7-blade rounded diaphragm adds to the pleasant and soft background blur.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC‑G5, a mirrorless MFT (Micro Four/Thirds) DSLR‑style camera with a 16MP Live MOS sensor and Venus 7 HD II engine, was released in 2012. The camera is a solid choice for a compact camera body with good image quality and solid manual controls. Though not vintage, but rather an early-generation digital, the G5 has real potential as a capable enthusiast collectible, especially when paired with suitable and appropriate lenses.
