OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm F3.5 Macro For Micro Four Thirds System Camera, Compact Macro lens, 1.25x Image Maginification, Fast AF, Beautiful Bokeh

Given the lens' relative low cost, I had debated it for a while. Every time I would add it to my shopping cart online, I’d get hesitant and remove it. I have always been interested in macro shots, and I love looking at macro shots, but taking macro shots never really appealed to me, oddly.When the price dropped due to a sale, I figured I’d give it a go.Build/FeelDespite the plastic, it has a good build quality that feels nice in the hands. It’s very light, and the small size makes it pocketable. The manual focus ring is both large and smooth—perfect for dialing in focus.Initial ReactionWhen I first purchased the lens, I felt very lukewarm with it. I almost regretted the lens, and debating returning it. I really wanted to like it, but I didn’t. I couldn’t figure out if it was macro photography in general, or if it was the lens. I’m more of a street photographer, so macro was out of my element and experience. I started to recognize that this lens was specialized and won’t be suitable for many situations.I wasn’t used to having to be really close to the subject, given the 30mm focal length. I’m assuming those that don’t want to get within inches of insects would rather purchase Olympus’ 60mm macro lens instead. While the 60mm is a faster lens, it also comes at a higher cost.Initial Test ShotsAs a photographer, one of the first things I look at is image quality of the photos. The images are sharp. I am very happy with the image quality.I quickly found that a normal part of macro photography is to need to use some sort of additional lighting. While I could have brought out my transmitters with a flash, or purchased a ring flash or twin light flash for more money, I found that having a flash in the hot shoe with a light modifier/diffuser works very well (I have a Gary Fong light diffuser, but a plastic food container with lid would work just as well).In good light, the lens focuses very well and fast. One thing I’ve found is that in low contrast, low light, and/or backlit situations, the lens does not want to focus and hunts. It will run through the focus range a few times, and then stop. When I first popped the lens on the camera, I did what I normally do with a new lens. I turn to my wife, and take a picture. She was backlit, and it hunted and hunted, so I recomposed a bit, then it focused. Ok. Then, after taking a picture of my wife, the second thing I usually do is take a picture of my dog. Dog sitting in the middle of the floor, later in the day, not much ambient light. It again, hunted, hunted, and hunted, didn't focus. I tried it again, but my dog got annoyed and walked off before I could snap a shot.If you turn off your focus assist beam (I usually have mind turned off), be ready for focus hunting if you have the situations mentioned previously. If you turn your focus assist beam on, it’ll be somewhat slow to focus, but it should find focus. At least mine does.OverviewAfter owning the lens for 2 months, I’ve decided that this lens is definitely a keeper. While it may not always make it to my bag, and it may not get taken on vacation with me, it’s a great lens to have in my arsenal.It is a specialized lens, but the shorter focal length allows the option of having some of the background in the shot. This provides a different, and sometimes unique, perspective of the subject of the photo.I’m very happy with the lens.

Olympus lists this lens in their Premium (mid-level) line, alongside their more expensive and faster 60mm Macro lens.I was thinking, because of the low price and tiny objective lens element, that it should be in their lower-level Every Day line. But its incredible performance tells a different story.Unless you do LOTS of macro photography, this lens will be more than capable for your needs.

I have had the 60mm f/2.8 macro for years, and it has been awesome. But I have long been intrigued by this much smaller, lighter, wider angle macro that also doubles as an excellent (near) normal lens. And it has actually become my macro go-to this season.Do I have to get a lot closer to my subject to achieve the same magnification as the 60mm? Yes. But that turns out to be a good thing for me as I'm primarily a wildflower photographer, and when I'm zeroing in on minute details, I love getting as close as I can with both eye and lens. I wouldn't get right on top of a stinging insect with this lens, but I don't do that with the 60mm either (I use a 150mm zoom for this). I have however successfully taken excellent macro shots of pollinators with this lens without scaring them off.This lens also allows me to do some really cool things with perspective that the 60mm is just too "telephoto" for. Note that it doesn't have the focus limiter switch or a lens hood like the 60mm, but with the 30mm I don't miss either of these things. The manual focus ring is great.If you're looking to add some variety to your macro game, or looking for your first macro for your OM system and want to save some money as compared to the 60mm, you can't go wrong here. This is a great choice.

Small, lightweight, sharp, high macro magnification (1.25x in micro-4/3 format). Slow speed isn't a problem for macro work where one stops down anyway. CAUTION: at maximum magnification, working distance to the front of the lens is a tad over half an inch, creating lighting challenges (I took off one star for that). Since the lens can easily shade the subject, light must be from the side. Also, skittish subjects might flee. Not a problem for me, but if this bothers you, a longer macro (such as the Olympus 60mm f/2.8) offers more flexibility, at the cost of larger size and weight, and slightly lower magnification.

Got this lens for one of my sons for Christmas & he loves it! It takes amazing photos!!!!!

I had to return 2 of these lenses - both for the same problem. I could just barely get them on and off my Panasonic camera. I was afraid they were going to damage the mounts on my cameras. So I returned them. I have never had this problem with any other MFT lenses I have purchased over the years. My guess is the 2 lenses I received were part of an isolated batch or some similar issue. I was not willing to take a chance, however.

Awesome macro lens. Fast autofocus, not quite lightning fast but still quick.Sharp little lens that is a nice standard lens and a macro lens. This is my new go to for going to the park with kidsI just wish it was weather sealed

I purchased this lens to use on my Panasonic GX85 for copying multiple old 35mm slides. So far it has performed flawlessly.Being that neither this lens nor my camera have image stabilization, I have to use a bright light source in order to avoid motion blur. As for use out doors (for taking regular pictures, not just copying 35mm slides), it works well. It has a very small focal field, so it can be challenging for portrait work.Overall, I like this lens.

I saw this on sale and decided to try it. It's an amazing little lens, bare-bones but excellent quality. Solid, easy to use, and the detail at the MFD is amazing! It's also a great landscape and portrait lens. The AF is excellent even at extremely close distances. Olympus makes fantastic glass and I think this lens is one of their unsung wonders, especially for the price.

Es un lente excelente, me guto mucho ,muy bellas imágenes, el macro es excelente, le va muy bien a mi camara , llego muy rápido y en excelente estado hasta mi domicilio.Es exactamente lo que se público en la aplicación y como en el sitio de la marca.Fue una super oferta y no la deje pasar, muchas gracias .

It's a beautiful compact Macro lens. I use it with my Panasonic G camera.

I wanted to try macro photography, looked at the options and plumped for this. Unbelievably, including postage, import duty and unfavourable exchange rates, it was still a huge saving buying it from the USA via Amazon’s Global Store (ordered on Wednesday and shipped on Friday, it was delivered the following Monday). I have a silver EM5 Mk2 and the lens is black, but I can live with that. I mean, even used copies of this sell for more!And what a great piece of glass it is. Okay, it might be plastic (the lens mount is metal), and no one expects wonders at this price point, but it does take great photographs. Being a bit of a slow lens, it’s not one for low light shooting but that is far outweighed by the positives and as a macro and a decent standard prime lens, it does a fine job and is a perfect introduction to macro photography at a cheap price. But there is one caveat; if your interest is in small bugs and creepy crawlies, you might struggle, as you do have to get within touching distance of them, so this 30mm might not be the best for you. For other macro shooters, or those who want to start out, who prefer still life, or something that won’t scuttle away, this is perfect.The focus ring is a nice big size, and as that focus is internal, the barrel doesn’t extend, but there are no markers anywhere to be seen. It’s tack sharp across the frame from f5.6 to f8 and as that front end doesn’t rotate, it’s a help when using polarisers or filters. The three photos were taken straight from the box just to have something to look at before getting serious. The absence of any lens hood is a bit disappointing but it’s not insurmountable and certainly not a deal breaker.Positives:Tack sharp.Nice as a prime lens.Light and compact.Big focus ring.Brilliant for macro beginners.30 month warranty (certainly in the UK).Negatives:Not best for real close up work on insects.No magnification markings.No lens hood.

Great for an intro to macro photography without breaking the bank. The lens is sturdy, responsive and produces superb macro shots. I'm really impressed.