Olympus 60mm f2.8 Macro lens review

Coral sand at Koh Similan

The Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens is a top-notch choice for photographers looking to dive into the world of macro photography. Here’s an in-depth review of its features, performance, and overall value:

Build Quality and Design

The lens has a solid and compact build, typical of Olympus’ attention to quality. It’s lightweight, making it easy to carry around for long shoots. The focus ring is smooth and provides precise control, which is crucial for macro work. The lens is also weather-sealed, offering protection against dust, moisture, and cold temperatures, ensuring durability and reliability in various shooting conditions.

Optical Performance

One of the standout features of this lens is its sharpness. The Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens delivers exceptionally sharp images with rich detail, even at the maximum aperture of f/2.8. The edge-to-edge sharpness is consistent, which is particularly important for macro photography where clarity is critical.

Magnification and Focus

With a 1:1 magnification ratio, this lens allows you to capture life-sized images of your subjects. The close focusing distance of 19 cm (7.5 inches) lets you get incredibly close to your subjects, revealing minute details that are often missed by the naked eye. The internal focusing mechanism ensures that the lens does not extend while focusing, maintaining a constant length and balance.

Versatility

While it excels at macro photography, this lens is quite versatile. The 60mm focal length is suitable for portrait photography, offering a flattering perspective and beautiful bokeh when paired with the wide f/2.8 aperture. The lens can also be used for landscapes and general photography, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.

Autofocus

The autofocus is fast and accurate, although in low light conditions, it may hunt a bit. The manual focus option is particularly handy for macro work, allowing precise adjustments. The focus limiter switch on the lens is a useful feature, speeding up the autofocus by restricting the focus range.

Value for Money

Considering its features, optical performance, and build quality, the Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens offers excellent value for money. It is priced competitively compared to other macro lenses in the market, making it a great investment for both amateur and professional photographers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Conclusion

The Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens is a fantastic option for anyone looking to explore the intricate world of macro photography. Its sharpness, build quality, and versatility make it a worthy addition to any photographer’s collection. Whether you’re capturing the tiny details of nature or using it for portraits and landscapes, this lens won’t disappoint.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Author