Olympus OM Zuiko Macro 50mm f/1.3.5: A Comprehensive Guide
The Olympus OM Zuiko Macro 50mm f/1.3.5 is a lens that has been captivating photographers for decades. Known for its exceptional image quality and build, this lens has earned its reputation as a top choice for macro photography. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of this lens, including its design, performance, and compatibility with different cameras.
Design and Build Quality
The Olympus OM Zuiko Macro 50mm f/1.3.5 boasts a classic design that reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The lens is made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. Its all-metal construction gives it a solid feel in the hand, making it a reliable companion for any photography adventure.
Measuring approximately 3.1 inches in length and weighing around 12.8 ounces, the lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The lens features a 67mm filter thread, which is standard for most Olympus lenses, allowing for easy use of filters and accessories.
Optical Performance
One of the standout features of the Olympus OM Zuiko Macro 50mm f/1.3.5 is its exceptional optical performance. This lens is designed to deliver sharp, detailed images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. Its 9-blade diaphragm creates a pleasing bokeh, which is particularly useful for creating a soft background in macro photography.
The lens features a minimum focusing distance of 1 foot (30 cm), which is ideal for capturing close-up shots. Its maximum magnification ratio is 1:1, allowing for life-size reproduction of your subjects. The lens also features a focus limiter switch, which helps to speed up the focusing process by limiting the focusing range to 0.5 to 1 foot (15 to 30 cm) or 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm).
Aperture and Bokeh
The lens’s fast f/1.3.5 maximum aperture is a significant advantage for low-light photography and creating a shallow depth of field. This wide aperture allows more light to enter the lens, reducing the need for higher ISO settings and enabling faster shutter speeds. Additionally, the lens’s ability to create a shallow depth of field is particularly useful for isolating your subject and drawing attention to it.
As mentioned earlier, the lens’s 9-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh, which is especially noticeable when shooting at wider apertures. The bokeh is smooth and rounded, which is ideal for creating a soft, dreamy background that complements your subject.
Compatibility and Mount Options
The Olympus OM Zuiko Macro 50mm f/1.3.5 is designed to fit Olympus OM system cameras. However, it can also be used with other camera systems, such as the Four Thirds system, with the use of an adapter. This versatility allows you to use the lens with a wide range of cameras, including the latest models.
When using the lens with a Four Thirds system camera, you can expect a 100mm equivalent focal length, which is excellent for portrait and landscape photography. Additionally, the lens is compatible with Olympus’s electronic first-curtain shutter, which reduces camera shake and improves image quality when using flash.
Conclusion
The Olympus OM Zuiko Macro 50mm f/1.3.5 is a lens that has stood the test of time, offering exceptional image quality, build, and versatility. Its fast aperture, sharp optics, and ability to create a shallow depth of field make it an excellent choice for macro photography, as well as portrait and landscape photography. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast, this lens is sure to impress with its performance and craftsmanship.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.3.5 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 1 foot (30 cm) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:1 |
| Filter Thread | 67mm |
| Weight |
