Technical experts Clare Harvey-May, David Smith, Mike Amico, and Nils Haußler, talk about MACRO photography.

Robin Wong:

I recently bought the Panasonic 9mm F1.7, and I have been shooting a lot of with it lately. I also use it as my main vlogging lens for my second channel. I share my thoughts on this lens in this video.

PC Mag tested the new 90mm macro and concluded:

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO lens hones in on the smallest details for otherworldly macros and comes with the all-weather construction we expect from OM System.

Preorders:
90mm at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, WexUK.

Preorders: 90mm at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, WexUK.

Amateur Photographer reviewed the new lens and concluded:

Being as lightweight as it is for the focal length reminds us of the benefits of Micro Four Thirds, and for “field macro” photographers it’s an absolute dream. Of course, all of this doesn’t come cheap, and this lens will set you back a pretty penny, but, if you get a lot of use out of it, it may very well be money well spent.

Micro Four Nerds tested the new Leica 12-35mm III lens:

Preorders: 90mm at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, WexUK.

Photographylife reviewed the new lens and concluded:

I was excited to work with a 2:1 macro lens optimized for Micro Four Thirds cameras, because I believe it serves as a reminder that the Micro Four Thirds format should not be slept on. Despite having limitations due to the smaller sensor size, the format has its advantages, and macro photography is one of them. You can fill the frame with tiny subjects more easily with the OM System 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO than any other camera + lens combo on the market today.

Optically, I haven’t experienced any significant weaknesses on the 90mm f/3.5 Macro. The sharpness is breathtaking, even compared to the M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro that has always been my sharpest lens. Not to mention that the working distance of this lens is comfortable, and the image stabilization works as it should.

My biggest criticisms of the lens both involve focusing. First, the ergonomics of focusing with this lens are peculiar due to the unusual focus limiter options and the lack of an autofocus/manual focus locking mechanism. Second, although the lens is quick to focus on distant subjects, it’s slower than most macro lenses at close-focusing distances. This is largely due to the additional 2:1 magnification that causes the AF system to hunt a bit more extensively.

As for the price, at $1500, it’s a good value but still more expensive than the alternatives. I think it’s worth it compared to the M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8, even if you’re not using 2:1 magnification, thanks to the better working distance. But if you don’t need these benefits, you can save some money with other macro alternatives for Micro Four Thirds.

In short, the OM System 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO is an exceptionally sharp, high-performing macro lens with great usability due to the large working distance. Once you adapt to the peculiarities of focusing with this lens, it’s hard to beat – and I’d say it’s stolen the crown as the ultimate macro lens for the Micro Four Thirds system.

OM-1 store links:
OM-1 at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon. GetOlympus.
OM-1 in EU at Calumet DE. Fotokoch DE. Wex UK. Olympus DE, Olympus UK, Olympus FR, Olympus IT, Olympus ES. Olympus NL. Olympus BE. Olympus AT. Olympus CH.