"Leica" 14-50 2.8-3.5 zoom: reviews?

[woodcarver]

I'm interested in this panny leica lens as a walk-around zoom. The stats sound really good--decent throw, fast (if not constant), OIS...but I don't see it being discussed much on this forum. It's now more affordable--though it's still more expensive than the Oly 14-54 (which seems to be the closest competitor).
I have the Oly 14-54 and I like it, but I wouldn't mind paying $200 more than I paid for the Oly if the Panny was silent while focusing manually (the Oly makes noise).

Anyone have experience with this lens?

 

[Lpowell]

After trying out the Leicasonic on my GH1, I auctioned off my Olympus 14-54mm Mark II. Video image quality on both lenses is as flawless as you'd expect, operational details are where they differ. As you pointed out, the Oly clicks (and flickers) when you focus and/or zoom while shooting video. The Leica clicks only when zooming at apertures below f4. Both lenses breathe noticeably while focusing, the Oly less than the Leica. The big difference, however, is the Leicasonic's rock-steady OIS, which works better than any other lens I've tried.

Here's a pair of comparison videos I shot of each lens' behavior while zooming:

Olympus 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 Mark II

Panasonic 14-50mm f2.8-3.5

 

[woodcarver]

Thank you very much for the info. Exactly what I was trying to find more about.I think I'm going to have to go for one of those 14-50's.