Olympus's compact standard kit zoom for early PEN and OM-D bodies, with MSC autofocus.
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R MSC is a standard kit zoom for Micro Four Thirds, introduced in 2012 as a revised version of the original 14-42mm. The MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) designation indicates an updated linear AF motor designed for near-silent, rapid autofocus in both stills and video. Covering a 28-84mm equivalent range on MFT bodies, it serves the standard zoom function for Olympus E-M, E-PL, and OM System bodies. The compact, lightweight construction makes it the default travel and everyday kit for photographers entering or continuing with the MFT system.
The optical design uses 8 elements in 7 groups, including three aspherical elements. The 37mm filter thread is the smallest common size in the MFT system, compatible with Olympus kit primes and enabling filter carry-over within a compact MFT kit. At approximately 113g the lens is among the lightest interchangeable zooms available, keeping the combined weight with an E-M10 or E-PL body close to compact-camera territory. Minimum focus distance of approximately 0.25m enables close-up work on small subjects. Seven rounded aperture blades produce smooth out-of-focus rendering. The MSC linear motor provides near-silent, fast autofocus for video recording. Variable aperture runs from f/3.5 at 14mm to f/5.6 at 42mm; there is no weather sealing.
For travel and everyday photography the 14-42mm covers the most common compositional situations from a single lens in a package small enough for jacket pockets on many bodies. MSC autofocus is quiet and fast by the standards of standard zooms — suited for video in a way that older screw-drive kit lenses were not. Optical quality is consistent at typical shooting apertures (f/5.6-f/8); corner performance at 14mm wide open shows characteristic softening that improves on stopping down. The lens works identically across the MFT ecosystem — Olympus E-M and E-PL series, Panasonic G-series, and OM System bodies.
On the used market the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R MSC is among the most abundant and affordable MFT lenses available, often sold as part of a body kit. Condition checks: MSC AF motor response (confirm quiet and prompt focusing), aperture blade operation, and the mount for any play or looseness. The motorised retractable EZ version (14-42mm EZ) is more compact but uses an electronically driven zoom rather than a manual ring — the II R is the manual-zoom version, preferred for photographers who want direct mechanical control. The OM System M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO is the quality upgrade at substantially higher cost.