OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro Lens

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85%

Overview

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro Lens is a compact, high-performance lens designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras. This 60mm macro lens excels in delivering detailed, high-quality images, making it ideal for close-up photography. With its weather-sealed design, it stands up to harsh environments, ensuring reliability in outdoor shoots. Whether you're capturing the fine details of small subjects or creating intricate compositions, this lens offers impressive results, all while being lightweight and easy to handle.

Features & Benefits

This macro lens offers a true 1x magnification, allowing for extremely detailed close-up shots with natural rendering. Its fast autofocus system, complemented by a focus limit switch, ensures quick and precise focusing even in challenging conditions. With 13 lens elements arranged in 10 groups, it guarantees sharp, high-quality images with minimal distortion. Additionally, the built-in working distance window provides easy confirmation of subject distance, which is especially useful when shooting at very close ranges.

Best For

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm F2.8 Macro Lens is well-suited for both enthusiast photographers and professionals who specialize in macro photography. Its versatility makes it ideal for capturing small subjects with exceptional clarity. Additionally, this lens is perfect for those who require a durable, weather-resistant lens for outdoor photography. Whether you're exploring nature, shooting products, or working in more extreme conditions, this lens ensures excellent results with minimal fuss.

User Feedback

Users generally praise this macro lens for its sharpness and overall image quality. Many find it delivers impressive results for both professional and hobbyist macro photographers. However, some mention that the autofocus can be a bit slow, especially in low-light situations. While the autofocus works well in good lighting, it may struggle in dimmer environments. On the positive side, the lens’s weather-sealed design and build quality receive high marks for durability, making it a great choice for photographers who shoot outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Pros

  • The lens offers true 1x magnification, ideal for capturing intricate details in macro photography.
  • Its weather-sealed construction ensures durability, even in challenging outdoor environments.
  • Many users praise the lens's sharp image quality and clarity, even at wide apertures.
  • The autofocus is generally fast and reliable, making it suitable for quick subjects and dynamic environments.
  • It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for fieldwork or on-location shoots.
  • The built-in working distance window makes it easy to gauge the subject's distance, especially for beginners.

Cons

  • Some users report slower autofocus performance in low-light situations, which can be a drawback in dimmer environments.
  • The lens may feel too specialized for photographers who want more versatility beyond macro work.
  • A few buyers have mentioned that its close working distance can limit flexibility for certain macro shots.
  • It lacks optical image stabilization, which may be a disadvantage for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.
  • The price point may be higher than similar macro lenses, which could deter budget-conscious buyers.
  • There is limited zoom capability, which may not be ideal for those who need zoom versatility in their shots.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from various platforms and languages worldwide, the ratings for the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro Lens reflect both its strengths and some minor drawbacks. Spam, incentivized, and duplicated reviews were filtered out to ensure authenticity. Overall, this lens is praised for its sharpness, durability, and macro capabilities, though some users mention minor issues with autofocus performance in low light conditions.

Image Quality
94%
Many users commend the sharpness and clarity of the images produced by this macro lens. They appreciate the true-to-life color reproduction and the fine details captured in close-up photography, making it a great choice for professional and enthusiast photographers alike.
Some users noted that while the image quality is generally excellent, slight distortion or softness can occur at the extreme edges of the frame, especially when shooting at the closest focus distance.
Autofocus Performance
76%
24%
The autofocus system is praised for being generally fast and accurate under normal lighting conditions. Many buyers find it particularly useful for everyday shooting in natural environments, especially with the focus limit switch that helps speed up focus for macro shots.
However, in low light conditions, several users reported that autofocus performance can slow down considerably, making it less ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects in darker environments. This can be frustrating when quick focus is crucial.
Build Quality
88%
This lens is often described as solid and well-built, with a premium feel that adds confidence during use. The weather-sealed construction ensures durability, making it suitable for outdoor and travel photography, even in challenging conditions.
While most users appreciate the sturdy build, a few mentioned that the lens is slightly heavier than expected for its size, which may affect portability when carrying it for extended periods on outdoor shoots.
Weather Resistance
90%
The weather-sealed design is a standout feature for many, allowing users to take this lens on outdoor adventures without worrying about dust or moisture. It's particularly valued by photographers who shoot in diverse weather conditions or environments.
Despite the solid weatherproofing, a few users did express concerns about the lens being less resistant to extreme conditions, particularly in heavy rain or snow. While it holds up well, it's not completely impervious in the harshest environments.
Ease of Use
85%
The lens is generally easy to handle, with intuitive controls that even beginners can quickly get used to. The compact size and manageable weight make it a good fit for handheld use during long photography sessions.
A few users found that the manual focus ring could be smoother for more precise adjustments in certain situations, particularly when shooting at very close distances. This slight inconvenience might detract from the overall user experience for some.
Macro Capabilities
91%
With its true 1x magnification, this lens excels in close-up photography, capturing intricate details with impressive clarity. Many users find it perfect for photographing small subjects like insects, flowers, and textures.
Though the macro capabilities are excellent, some users felt the working distance could be a bit limiting for certain types of macro photography. Getting very close to some subjects may be tricky without disturbing them.
Manual Focus Control
80%
20%
Manual focus is responsive, allowing for fine-tuning when needed, especially for macro shots where precision is key. Many users appreciate the added control that manual focus provides for certain types of photography.
However, some users reported that the manual focus ring can be somewhat stiff at times, making fine adjustments more challenging. This can be a slight drawback for those who frequently rely on manual focus for high-detail work.
Value for Money
87%
Users feel that this lens provides solid value for its price, especially considering its build quality, image sharpness, and macro performance. It strikes a good balance between performance and cost, making it a popular choice for both hobbyists and professionals.
A few users found the price point to be a bit high compared to some other macro lenses in the market. However, they generally felt that the quality and features justified the investment for those looking for a durable, high-performance lens.
Size and Weight
83%
The compact size and relatively light weight of this lens make it a practical option for photographers who need to carry their gear for extended periods. Its small footprint makes it highly portable compared to larger macro lenses.
Some users pointed out that while it's compact, the lens is still on the heavier side for its size, especially when combined with other gear. This may make it less convenient for those who prioritize ultra-portability in their kit.
Durability
89%
With its robust build and weather-sealed design, this lens is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. Photographers who work in diverse environments often highlight its long-lasting durability, even with frequent outdoor shooting.
A few users mentioned that while the lens holds up well in many conditions, it may show signs of wear over time with heavy use. Some felt that the build quality, while solid, could be improved in terms of scratch resistance.
Versatility
82%
18%
This lens is versatile enough for a variety of photography styles, including macro, portrait, and detail work. Its 60mm focal length works well for both close-up shots and more general-purpose photography, adding flexibility to any kit.
However, some users felt that its specific design limits its versatility in more general photography. It may not be the best choice for those seeking a lens that performs well across a broader range of shooting situations.
Low-Light Performance
70%
30%
In well-lit conditions, the lens performs admirably, providing excellent focus and sharpness. It handles detail well, even in slightly dimmer settings, especially when combined with a fast shutter speed or tripod.
In low-light environments, the lens struggles to maintain fast autofocus, with some users reporting sluggish performance. This can be a limitation for those needing consistent low-light autofocus in fast-paced shooting situations.

Suitable for:

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro Lens is well-suited for photography enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize high-quality macro shots with fine detail. Its true 1x magnification and fast autofocus make it ideal for those looking to capture intricate textures, small subjects, or nature photography. This lens is especially beneficial for those who frequently shoot outdoors or in various weather conditions, thanks to its weather-sealed construction. Whether you're an enthusiast looking to explore macro photography or a professional needing reliable performance in the field, this lens delivers exceptional image quality and durability.

Not suitable for:

However, this macro lens may not be the best choice for photographers who primarily shoot in low-light conditions. While autofocus is generally fast, users have reported slower performance in dimmer environments, which can be limiting for action shots or fast-moving subjects. Additionally, its close working distance might pose challenges for users trying to capture larger macro subjects or those who require more flexibility in their framing. If you need a versatile lens for a wide range of photographic scenarios, this lens might feel too specialized and limiting in some situations.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: 60mm focal length optimized for macro photography on Micro Four Thirds cameras.
  • Maximum Aperture: Maximum aperture of F2.8 allows for effective low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
  • Magnification: 1x magnification provides true macro capability for capturing life-size subjects.
  • Lens Type: Macro lens designed specifically for close-up and high-detail photography.
  • Mount Type: Micro Four Thirds lens mount compatible with Olympus and Panasonic cameras.
  • Weather Sealing: Weather-sealed construction ensures durability and protection against dust and moisture.
  • Lens Elements: 13 lens elements in 10 groups to achieve high optical performance and image clarity.
  • Focus Type: Both auto and manual focus modes allow for versatile shooting in various conditions.
  • Dimensions: Measures 3.23 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches, offering a compact design for portability.
  • Weight: Weighs 6.6 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to handle for extended shooting sessions.
  • Focus Limit Switch: The focus limit switch helps reduce autofocus hunting by limiting focus range for specific subjects.
  • Working Distance Window: Built-in working distance window for easy confirmation of subject distance during close-up photography.
  • Aperture Blades: 7 rounded aperture blades create smooth, pleasing bokeh in out-of-focus areas.
  • Close Focus Distance: Can focus as close as 7.5 inches (19 cm) for detailed macro shots.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with all Micro Four Thirds cameras, including Olympus and Panasonic models.
  • Manual Focus Ring: The manual focus ring provides precise control for fine-tuning focus in macro photography.
  • Image Stabilization: Lacks built-in optical image stabilization; relies on camera body stabilization if available.
  • Build Material: Constructed with high-quality materials designed for durability and resistance to wear.
  • Autofocus Speed: Fast autofocus with occasional slowdown in low light, especially when shooting at close distances.

FAQ

This macro lens offers 1x magnification for true-to-life close-up shots, capturing high-detail images with exceptional sharpness. Its weather-sealed design also makes it highly durable in harsh conditions, making it a reliable choice for both professionals and enthusiasts.

While this lens is designed primarily for macro photography, it can be used for general photography as well, especially in scenarios requiring detailed close-ups. However, its focal length may not be ideal for everyday use compared to more versatile lenses.

The lens features a weather-sealed construction, making it highly durable and resistant to dust, moisture, and splashes. This makes it perfect for outdoor or nature photography, even in challenging weather conditions.

No, this lens does not feature optical image stabilization. For handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, you may need to rely on your camera's stabilization system or use a tripod for optimal results.

The autofocus is generally fast and reliable, but some users have reported slower performance in low-light conditions. If you often shoot in dim environments, you may find manual focus more accurate in certain situations.

Yes, the lens is fully compatible with all cameras that use the Micro Four Thirds mount. Whether you're using a Panasonic or Olympus camera, this lens will fit and perform well.

This lens excels in capturing small subjects like insects, flowers, and detailed textures. It's perfect for photographers focused on macro work, product photography, and capturing fine details with sharp clarity.

While it's not designed for traditional portrait photography, the Olympus 60mm F2.8 lens can work for close-up portraits with a shallow depth of field, especially if you're capturing more intimate, detailed shots of your subject.

To maintain the lens, store it in a clean, dry environment when not in use. Use a lens cap to protect the glass and periodically clean the lens elements with a microfiber cloth. The weather-sealing helps with durability, but it’s still important to avoid extreme conditions for prolonged periods.

Some users find the autofocus slow in low-light situations. Additionally, it lacks optical image stabilization and can be less versatile than zoom lenses, as it’s fixed at 60mm, which limits its use for wide-angle shots.