It feels reasonably well-balanced on the e-pl5, but the metal eyelet and its plastic holder on the left is really in the way of a good hold on the camera - I've removed them and put my Op-Tech wrist band on the right side (left the triangle and plastic cover on that lug). Loving the optical quality so far (only had the lens a few hours!)

Bought this lens because I got tired of constantly switching between 20 or 17mm and 45mm when I photographed people at events. I was missing too many opportunities while I switched.

I LOVE this lens. It rarely leaves the camera. Just bought a second body to put my Panasonic 35-100 on.

Update: July 2016. Crazy as it might be, I began realizing that I didn't enjoy using the 12-40 because it felt awkward on my small micro43 bodies (Olympus e-pl5 and Panasonic GX7). I swallowed hard and bought the Panasonic 12-35, EVEN THOUGH it didn't focus nearly as close as the 12-40 and lost 5mm of zoom. It was a happy decision: It feels much better balanced and less bulky and weighty on those bodies and is a pleasure to use. Image quality is great.