OM System introduces new MFT lens with 2:1 magnification

David Lee

8.2.2023

Translation: machine translated

OM System is launching a macro lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. It achieves a 2:1 magnification, with a teleconverter even one of 4:1.

After Olympus withdrew from the camera market at the beginning of 2021, OM System is continuing the camera system. The latest addition is a lens with the complicated name "M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO". As is usual with lenses, the most important key data is noted in the name:

• "Macro" - it is a macro lens. This means you can use it to take a large photo of a small object.
• "90mm" - indicates the focal length. 90 millimetres corresponds to the image section of 180 millimetres on a 35 mm camera. This makes it a telephoto lens. This means you don't have to get quite so close to get a large image of the subject.
• "F3.5" - the lens speed is f/3.5, an average value for macro lenses.
• "IS" - is the abbreviation for Image Stabilisation. The lens has a built-in image stabiliser. In combination with the camera's stabiliser, up to seven exposure levels can be compensated according to the manufacturer OM System.

Lenses

EUR1450,85

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS Pro

Micro Four Thirds, Micro Four Thirds

17

The most important feature is not in the name. It is the exceptionally high reproduction scale of 2:1. Most macro lenses achieve 1:1, sometimes even less. The lens is also compatible with the two teleconverters MC-14 and MC-20 compatible. With the latter, extreme magnifications of 4:1 are possible.

For an approximate order of magnitude: a 1:1 macro will roughly fill the frame of a medium-sized insect, a 4:1 macro will fill the frame of the insect's head. According to source, this image has a reproduction scale of 2.5:1.

OM System also writes that the autofocus is fast and that chromatic aberration, which is often a problem at close range, is particularly well eliminated by the lens design. The IP53 certification means that the lens is sealed against dust and raindrops.

Many Olympus or OM System cameras have an integrated focus stacking as a special feature. The camera takes several shots with different focus and adds them together. This allows you to extend the very narrow focus range for macro shots.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO is expected to be available from the end of February.

David Lee

Senior Editor

David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.ch

My interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.