New 2.5x macro lens from Olympus – the Olympus mZD 30mm f/3.5 macro

Written by Gary on September 21st, 2016

In addition to the brilliant new OM-D E-M1 mark II and the 2 new PRO level lenses announced at Photokina this week, Olympus also announced a new “PREMIUM” level but affordable macro lens for Micro Four Thirds which is a world 1st being able to shoot as low as 2.5x macro (in 35mm full frame terms) and still be able to shoot subjects at infinity with fast AF.

The lens is very light and compact at only 128 g (4.5oz) and 57mm long (2.24″) and having a small 46mm filter thread.

It thus is also well suited to underwater work and for this it is compatible with certain Olympus housings and lens ports (PT-EP13 (E-M5 Mark II), PT-EP10 (for the E-PL6/E-PL5), PT-EP11 (for the E-M1)) as well as having a couple of its own dedicated underwater accessories – PPZR-EP07 focus gear, Antireflective Ring POSR-EP11.

AF is said to be 20-30% faster than its previous Olympus macro lens, the weathersealed Olympus mZD 60mm macro lens, and is designated MSC – silent and smooth AF and aperture for movies.

The close focus is down to 9.5cm with a working distance of 14mm in front of the lens giving a field of 13.9 x 10.9mm which is able to reveal subjects the unaided eye cannot see.

It has 7 circular blades for nice out of focus rendering when stopped down.

It appears that it is not weathersealed but users will mainly use this for controlled environments indoors out of the wind, or in an underwater housing.

RRP is $US299.