Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens
UPC's:
MPN's:
A "nifty", useful, and versatile macro lens!
The positives: --This lens is light and compact. --It is sharp over a wide range of stops. --It is mostly very convenient to use. --It offers very high magnification (1.25X, with 1X being 17.3mm x 13mm in the area covered). --It was a great "bargain" (especially at its introductory low price). The negatives: --My sample had a slight softness (with a bit of visible CA) in the lower right corner when at its maximum aperture - bu... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Five stars because I get a lot for 200 bucks
I bought this lens to supplement my 60 mm macro. This now gives me two lenses that allow me to focus stack in my camera. It's a pity that only a few Olympus lenses can be used for focus stacking. And most of those are the more expensive Pro lenses. At a sale price of $199.99, this was a good second choice. And there are a few times when a 120 mm equivalent lens is just too long. This lens looks and feels like a toy lens. Especially when you look ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
great snap-shot lens for gardens, sunsets and people
This focal length is a nice complement to the wider-than-normal focal length of my smart phone. It frames subjects in their surroundings as I tend to see them. I was concerned about color contrast when using this lens for general photography. Although not quite the color resolution of the truly phenomenal 7-14 pro, it works very well as your carry-around snapshot lens - you know, P-mode stuff. I set the auto white balance to keep warm color and ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A great little lens perfectly paired with GH5 and its IBIS
I'm more of a video than stills guy but wanted to dabble with macro for fun. I bought this on sale here at B&H for around $200 which for what you get in terms of quality is a steal. The color rendition is quite nice, it's very sharp and combined with the GH5 image stabilization I've found it fairly easy to use. The 1.25x magnification is super neat and can really reveal the intricate beauty of the world around us. I don't know much about macro or... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
An eye opener into the macro world
I never really considered a macro lens, but this one went on sale for $99 and I couldn't say no. To my eyes, it is sharp and reasonably nicely built - like 25 and 45mm. I am experimenting with macro photography and like the idea of seeing small things big. Also, I am using it to photograph my medium format negatives sitting above my tablet running a flashlight app for illumination. I basically got a negative scanner that produces wonderful result... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
An excellent macro lens for the price point.
I ordered this lens from B&H on December 1, 2017 when it was advertised at a special price that I couldn't resist. I had to wait 5 months to get the lens, since it was back ordered, but I am glad that I patiently waited and must give kudos to B&H for finally providing the lens at the advertised price. The lens is a wonderful addition to my macro lens collection. I had some fun photographing ants with the 30mm macro lens. This ant appeared to be r... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Persistence & patience pay off....
I ordered this lens in December and did not receive it until May due to it being on constant backorder. I've taken some test shots and so far pleased with its macro/bokeh capability and also in use as a general lens. Color and Clarity of my compositions are excellent on both my OMD 5 and PL 7. I did not give "I love it" rating yet until I use it extensively on a trip. Pending results on a trip, I'll review it again and give "I love it" rating if ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Sharp Affordable Macro Lens for Micro Four Thirds
This is an excellent macro lens with excellent sharpness and magnification, which is equivalent to 2.5x in 35mm terms. For the price I got this on Black Friday was truly an absolute bargain. Minimum focusing distance is around 1cm from the front of the lens, so this is something to keep in mind. Also due to wider focal length and since the lens being a F3.5 lens, bokeh is not very creamy and somewhat distracting. But this is not a flaw of the lens as it is simple physics. Overall I am very satisfied with this lens and will continue to buy items from B&H as their service is great.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A fine macro lens
There are two choices for a 30mm macro for MFT, this Olympus lens and the Panasonic. The Panasonic has a bit wider aperture but the Olympus focuses closer and that is why I chose the Olympus. At this price, this is a fine macro lens. It is not large, light and quite sharp both for macro and general purpose work. Those of you who photograph insects will likely want a longer focal length. Otherwise, this is a great choice. In the accompanying photos, the one of lilac flowers, which are quite small, was taken at a close distance with an aperture of f/4.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Closer than 1:1 magnification in a lightweight optic!
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens is an exceptionally good optic for M43 users, allowing you to focus closer than any other lens designed for the M43 format. I prefer this lens over the M.Zuiko ED 60mm f2.8 Macro. You can actually do super macro photography with this lens, though lighting will be an issue as the lens can nearly touch the subject of focus. I have taken pictures of water droplets on dandelions with this lens, using a 300 lumen flashlight as a light source, and the results were amazing.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Excellent lens and great value.
This lens has not always been well reviewed, main criticism being that at 30mm the lens has to be too close to the subject. I used the full frame equivalent Nikon 60mm lens quite happily for many years and do not see problem unless trying to shoot insects, for flowers and such it is sharp, both centre and sides, fast focussing while presumably not as good as Olympus 60mmm 2.8, it is also half the price. Small and nice is also good.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Very Sharp Lens
This lens is very sharp! As a macro lens it lets you focus very close to the subject. This lens has over 1:1 magnification which is awesome (you have to get very close though). At f2.8 there is some light vignetting at corners but very sharp at the center. Vignetting is reduced quite significantly as soon as you get to f4.0. The depth of field is very thin when shooting close to the subject at f3.5. Really happy with this lens.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Descent lens for the price
This is my first macro, and it takes a bit of time to get used to. Depth of field is a critical issue when you're inches away from your subject, so higher f:stops are usually necessary. Also, with flash photography there is sometimes an issue with shadow when you are in an extreme closeup situation. First impression is that I think I'll like it the more I have an opportunity to use it.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great lens for the price
It's not a perfect lens but has the expected sharpness of a macro, there's isn't anything bad that surprised when using it, just limitations previously known - most notably the lack of a focus limiter, on a focus-by-wire system such as most electronic m4/3 lenses, you'll always have to turn the focus barrel a lot everytime you turn the camera on when you want to set it for macro.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Super macro
Value that is hard to beat. Very sharp, very small, very light. Perfect match to Olympus m43 bodies. Ideal for backpacking where bringing a true macro along might be seen as a luxury. Focusses down to 1.25x macro (but equal to 2.5x in 35mm terms). Very simple lens design with no focus limiter or AF/MF switches and no DOF markings. Fantastic value in a high performing macro lens.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Don'tthink about it just get it.
I owe the 100mm Canon L which is more glass, full frame, way more lightning comingthrough. BUT! for this price tag, size, focus performance its a most must must, It's a jaw-droppinglens. Literally I can touch the subject and the lens still focus. Now wonder how its the performance of the high-end macro Olympus lens quality... Must be outstanding! We'll see!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
ALot for the money
Call this a first impression review but wow. I've only taken a few photos but they came out amazing. At 1.25X on the chip and hi-res shot mode of 80mp in RAW with my Pen f it's like having a microscope at my disposal. I'm looking at the image at an effective mag of 40X on the screen with no visible pixels. Oh, and focus bracketing is a snap with this lens.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Decent Macro Lens for Static Subjects
It's quite small and lightweight, and I purchased it on sale at a price I couldn't pass up. It works well for static subjects like flowers, my primary macro photography subject. If shooting insects or the like, a longer focal length would provide serious advantage. While not a fast lens, I've not found the f/3.5 maximum aperture to be limiting.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Olympus 30mm Macro Lens
Great macro lens !!!! It is light, easy to focus and the photos are just out of this world !!!! I also have the Olympus 60 mm macro but, I use the 30mm macro because it is easier to carry on my Olympus M10 Mark 111. If you buy this lens you will love it !!!!! Thank you B&H Photo for having this lens.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Doesn't look great, but boy is it sharp!
I bought this to scan 35 mm negatives with the Nikon ES-2 Digitizer Set. Works a treat. The lens is very sharp and light. Optically, it's perfection. It just doesn't look impressive, with that tiny front element. Heck, it may see some use other than in scanning, some day.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The Right Size, Price, and Weight
This lens is an amazing value. It has great sharpness and color and extremely fast autofocus. If you have never used a macro lens before, it will open up a whole new world to you. If you shoot Olympus or other micro 4/3, you owe it to yourself to buy this lens.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Excellent sharpness, excellent value
I was very pleased with the sharpness of this lens. It is light and small and adds a new dimension to my Olympus micro 4/3rds cameras. I also own the 60mm Olympus macro lens, and this 30mm Macro is now my favorite.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great lens for the price
Lens is small, compact, sharp, light weight, focuses down to about 3... perfect for my use. I am using this lens to convert 35mm slides to digital format... the results are great. Price is right.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Very nice lens and does the job
This is now one of my favorite lenses. Pictures are much sharper than I anticipated. Really fun to use. In a pinch you can use it also for close up street photography. A joy to use.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
