Guys, I'm struggling with what zoom lens to get. I did think the Olympus 14-150mm was the choice for me but I'm starting to get cold feet after some recent research I've been doing that pretty much says the Panasonic lenses offer far better quality images.

I think that they are very similar performers. If you want to save a dollar or two, why not buy the Oly kit zoom lens ( m.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F/3.5-F/5.6). These are supposed to be ridiculously cheap used on ebay.

I just went through the same exercise as you: I got the 20mm to supplement the kit zoom, then struggled to decide between the Oly 14-150, Panny 14-140, or even the Olym 9-18. From the tests I read, the Oly and Panny superzooms are pretty close in quality, with each being a bit better at certain focal lengths. I think the Panny might have the IS edge because of its built-in IS system (which gives you true optical stablization, instead of relying on the electronic IS when using the Oly--which also introduces additional crop factor). However, these factors swayed me:

• the Panasonic is considerably larger and heavier (due to its in-body IS)
  
• the Panasonic is considerably more expensive--like nearly double! (at least here in Canada)

What swayed me in the end is that a major Canadian retailer had the Oly on sale at $200 off, making it the same price as my 20mm! This was a no-brainer--I ordered the Olympus on the spot.

My verdict? The lens is indeed tiny and light, with quick and silent focusing (though you can still hear it in quiet videos). I haven't shot much with it yet and I have no doubts that at 20mm it will not be as sharp as my Panasonic. But it will serve nicely as my "all- purpose-and-video" lens. However, my 20mm still gets the lions share of my shots though (mainly because I do a lot of available light indoor shooting).

Centauri27 that's a brilliant response thank you so much! That's relieved any fears I had over getting the Olympus. I just wish I could pick up one as cheap as you got yours for!

Glad I can help. 

I have to admit I got lucky (though I noticed a few weeks later that retailer once again had it on sale but this time with an extra PayPal $20 gift card! grrrrrrr.....) We all drool over the deals that "someone else" gets.

Keep in mind that the 20mm will still give you sharper pictures and if I had to choose between living only with the Panasonic 20mm or the Olympus 14-150, the 20mm would win hands down, despite the superzoom's great flexibility, fast and quiet focusing. 

I think the Panny might have the IS edge because of its built-in IS system (which gives you true optical stablization, instead of relying on the electronic IS when using the Oly--which also introduces additional crop factor).

That's only valid for video, you know.
BTW, thanks for your responses in the thread. First-hand info is irreplaceable sometimes.

I've just checked the postage to the UK and it still puts the lens at about £100 cheaper than here.

Please note that your purchase from Canada may still be subject to VAT. You should check with your customs office.

Cool, I've made up my mind that I'm going with the 14-150mm now...I just need a super deal like the one on the panny 20mm!

I agree adash, Centauri27 has given some great info there. Centauri27 that link to the lens could prove to be a winner, I've just checked the postage to the UK and it still puts the lens at about £100 cheaper than here.

Thanks. I'm just happy that I could help. Fortunately I just went through exactly the same search/thought processes as sirlylos and was lucky enough to stumble across a couple of very good deals. The £100 saving is indeed attractive--but is that based on the U.K. price pre or post VAT?

I recently took some indoor pictures with the 14-150 at a house party. When it finds focus, the pictures are sharp and clear. The key word is when--like the kit zoom, once you get close to f/5.6 it's pretty useless trying to find focus in even moderately dim lighting. I pretty well had forgotten about this problem with my 20mm, which has never failed to focus no matter how dark it is (well okay, not in pitch darkness because there's no focusing beam).

BTW: I just checked that web site and the delicious $200 discount on the 14-150 has shrunk down to only $50, so I hope you made a decision already... 

Olympus cameras have sensor-shift IS, not electronic.

They use some sort of electronic IS for video. At least there is quite a crop when IS is on with video.

Hi you all "pen-pals" I'm new to both this forum and the PEN. As a matter of fact I haven't even bought my PEN yet. I'm gettin a bargain on the E-P1 with a pancake, but I need a zoom lens too. The 14-150 seems quite nice so I think I'll get that one but is it too hevy to carry around all the time? I wonder if I should get a used 14-42 as a lighter zoom if I just go ut to take some pics. I then would take the super zoom when I know I'll need to get close to my target. But the if I get too used to the 14-42 will I ever use the 14-150 after that?

The 20mm would be my regular lens and then I'd have the superzoom for those little wildlife jaunts I tend to go on. I'd also have the 50mm which can take some fantastic portrait shots (awesome bokeh) so I'd have a good range then.

If I had your budget I'd consider the Pany 100-300mm zoom. I don't have your budget but I'm interested in a foray into wildlife too and I see the crop factor as a big opportunity to get the full-frame equivalent of a 600mm lens for peanuts - especially in the case of legacy (which suits my budget and taste) which is why I'm tending towards 300mm instead of 150-200. The gap from 50mm to 100mm is not that great. A bit of cropping never hurt anyone!