Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60 mm F2.8 Lens, Standard Zoom, Suitable for All MFT Cameras (Olympus OM-D & PEN Models, Panasonic G-Series), Black

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At the other end of the scale, closing the lens aperture can also be used to deliver an artistic effect where diffraction can turn bright point sources of light into spiked shapes known as starbursts. The number of spikes corresponds to double the aperture blades, so all three macro lenses will render 14 spikes. Here’s how the Lumix 30mm Macro’s ‘starburst’ rendering compares to the Lumix 42.5mm f1.7 (a non-macro lens).

The minimum focus distance, magnification and focal length are the main characteristics that distinguish these two lenses from each other. The Olympus 60mm ƒ/2.8 Macro is a solid little lens which does not add much weight to the camera. The lens has 13 elements in 10 groups: of these, one is an ED lens, two are HR lenses and one is an E-HR lens element. The lens features a seven-bladed circular aperture which stops down to ƒ/22, and as previously mentioned, takes 46mm filters. The lens is marked as splashproof, providing some level of weather resistance. At f/4, the 60mm becomes even sharper and does a better job of extracting the fine details in the grain of the wooden bracelet. The 30mm isn’t far behind, however.Interestingly, the OM System 90mm f/3.5 surprised me in remaining quite sharp even at narrower apertures. Diffraction still caused some loss in sharpness, of course, but my impression is that the only sharpness loss I saw at these apertures was from diffraction. The lens didn’t seem to contribute any additional issues of its own. You’ll see in a moment how much sharper the 90mm f/3.5 is compared to my M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 even when both were are narrow apertures of f/16 and f/14. My overall feeling with using both lenses is that the 60mm seems to be consistently sharper, at least wide open. Not too surprising given how sharp other test shots with the 60mm have come out. However, both lenses are capable of some very sharp shots so the 45 is no slouch either. I'm not sure offhand what the specs are for each, but I could consistently get in closer with the PL 45 before bumping the min focus distance limit. The 60mm is a longer focal length of course, but I did feel like I was able to get in closer with the 45mm lens even so. Imatest was only able to detect 0.253% barrel distortion during testing, which is an incredibly low level indeed. This level of distortion is so low that lines parallel to the edges of the image area appear dead straight. Before I delve into the close-up performance, here’s a few around-town shots demonstrating the lens for general-purpose use.

How does this compare to the M.Zuiko60mm f/2.8? Below is a comparison photo from f/14. To my eye, it looks worse than the f/22 image above! I find this performance very impressive by the 90mm f/3.5, especially considering that the M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 was, before now, my sharpest lens. OM-1 + OLYMPUS M.60mm F2.8 Macro @ 60mm, ISO 200, 1/200, f/14.0 For larger subjects like the ones I tend to photograph, thereis enough space to work comfortably with a flash and diffuser.I almost always shoot with an external and diffused flash, so it’s important that I have a decent working distance. To that end, the longer the focal length of the macro lens (and the smaller the size of the lens), the better. The M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 is good in both respects. DC-G9 + OLYMPUS M.60mm F2.8 Macro @ 60mm, ISO 400, 1/80, f/10.0 Sharpness In terms of light fall-off in the corners, there is nothing to worry about – the lens performs impressively in this regard.Panasonic offers the Panasonic Leica Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH lens, which is the only other Panasonic or Olympus macro lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. This lens also offers a 1:1 magnification. The biggest difference is of course the focal length, which is quite a bit less at 45mm. This means that you need to stand closer to your subjects compared to the M.Zuiko 60mm macro lens. Another noteworthy difference is that the Panasonic Leica 45mm macro is not advertised as weather sealed. As well as being technologically sophisticated inside, it is also built to last on the outside - with a dust- and splashproof outer body and specialist protective coating for the lens glass itself. You can also enjoy the focus dial to easily change the possible focus range (0.19-0.4m or 0.19m-infinity or 0.4-infinity). On top of this a special display indicates the actual focus distance for more control of your shots. Plus there’s the option of acquiring an automatic lens hood, which can slide up and down to reduce flare and protect your lens. Between the two, the 60mm is more well-suited to a variety of subjects. The minimum focus distance of 19cm, combined with the 1:1 magnification ratio and 60mm focal length (120mm in 35mm terms) make it the perfect all-purpose macro solution for both animate and inanimate subjects because you can achieve a good level of magnification without getting so close that you’d risk scaring off the subject. E-M1, 5s, f/8, ISO 200 – M.Zuiko 60mm (minimum focus distance) – Bracelet