Panasonic is pleased to announce a new compact standard zoom lens Lumix G Vario 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 II ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. for Lumix G based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard.

The Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. offers a versatile zoom range of 14-42 mm (35 mm camera equivalent: 28-84 mm) suitable for a wide range of situations from landscape to portrait. Comprising of 9 elements in 8 groups, the lens system adopts 2 aspherical lenses to achieve further reduction of both size and weight yet maintaining its high optical performance at entire zoom range. The inner focus system driven by a stepping motor assures astonishing comfort to take maximum advantage of the high speed contrast AF system and in video recording.

Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) makes it easy to shoot super clear shots even at tele end or in low-lit situations by suppressing the blur caused by a hand shake. A selection of images taken with the lens can be found at http://www.lumixlifestyle.co.uk/lumix-g/news/the-new-lumix-g-vario-14-42mm-standard-zoom-lens-in-a-compact-and-stylish-design

With its minimum focus distance of 20 cm (14-20 mm) / 30 cm (21-42 mm) even at full zoom, the new lens provides a maximum photographic magnification of 0.17x (35 mm camera equivalent: 0.34x). 7 aperture blades consists a circular aperture diaphragm and produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas even shooting at large aperture.

The new Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. for Lumix G is available in the highly sophisticated metallic colour options of black and silver to offer a stylish look on the digital single lens mirrorless (DSLM) cameras of Lumix G in shooting creative snapshots. The new lens will be available from March 2013.

For more information, visit the Panasonic website. Pricing is to be confirmed.