Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30 mm 1:3.5 Macro Lens – Black – Oustandingly good
Better than i could imagine. The sharpness is truly outstanding and the range 12-100 mm covers so well most uses that i hardly need any other lens. The lens optical stabiliser works also really well even though i cannot add the in-body stabiliser as i am using it with a panasonic body. The built quality is excellent, it is compact and the zoom is very smooth. Some reviews mentioned the manual ring which can be moved a bit too easily by inadvertance. This is true but really a minor problem once you know it. Although the price seems high it is well worth it without any doubt. If you can afford it, do not hesitate, you will really enjoy it.
I was waiting for a metabones speed booster for my new gh5 and sigma 18-35mm. The speed booster was taking forever to come from the states. So someone i knew recommended this lens. It looks and feels like quality you would expect for the price. You can get close to subjects. Wonder do i still need the much celebrated sigma 18-35 mm with speedbooster?.I probably will get it anyway for the versatility it will give me.
I wanted to try macro photography, looked at the options and plumped for this. Unbelievably, including postage, import duty and unfavourable exchange rates, it was still a huge saving buying it from the usa via amazon’s global store (ordered on wednesday and shipped on friday, it was delivered the following monday). I have a silver em5 mk2 and the lens is black, but i can live with that. I mean, even used copies of this sell for moreand what a great piece of glass it is. Okay, it might be plastic (the lens mount is metal), and no one expects wonders at this price point, but it does take great photographs. Being a bit of a slow lens, it’s not one for low light shooting but that is far outweighed by the positives and as a macro and a decent standard prime lens, it does a fine job and is a perfect introduction to macro photography at a cheap price. But there is one caveat; if your interest is in small bugs and creepy crawlies, you might struggle, as you do have to get within touching distance of them, so this 30mm might not be the best for you. For other macro shooters, or those who want to start out, who prefer still life, or something that won’t scuttle away, this is perfect. The focus ring is a nice big size, and as that focus is internal, the barrel doesn’t extend, but there are no markers anywhere to be seen. It’s tack sharp across the frame from f5.
An excellent piece of photographic equipment which was delivered speedily.
I’ve tried several cheaper zoom lenses that cover similar often lesser zoom ranges but none come anywhere near this one for image quality. It’s expensive but why does show in the results.
This is an unbelievably good m4/3 zoom lens; in fact, it is the first ‘all-in-one’ lens i have used in 40 years of photography which doesn’t sacrifice image quality for convenience. I have undertaken some comprehensive evaluations of this lens where it overlaps with well-recognised quality zooms such as the zuiko 12-40 f2. All of these offer superior iq; yet the new 12-100 gives absolutely nothing away to these in performance, even for pixel-peepers. It’s also beautifully built, solid and inspires confidence. Yes, it’s f4 – but – with my omd em 1 ii, as well as most olympus newer bodies, it offers an astonishing 6. 5 stops of image stabilisation for low-light shooting and enables ridiculously extended hand-held exposures. It’s also heavy for an m4/3 zoom. But, if the idea of hardly ever having to change your lens appeals, you do a lot of travel photography, or if you are working in severe conditions, this is definitely a lens which comes into its own. Olympus tells us this lens is so advanced that they couldn’t have produced it even two years ago. I usually ignore this sort of marketing hype, but in this case, i actually believe it – the results really are that good.Basically, olympus has here totally re-invented the all-in-one travel zoom, producing a lens with an 8.
- Superb all-round lens
- A decent macro lens
- The perfect lens!
Just got my 12-100 today from great western cameras, released 18th nov, ordered same night on amazon, arrived 22nd nov. I use all the olympus pros and primes and was really looking forward to trying this lens, i am putting together a travel kit that includes the tiny oly 9-18 f/4 – 5. 6; oly 12-100 f/4 and the pany 20 f1. After just a few hours with the 12-100 on the front of an em5 ii i think it’s an absolute jaw dropper, sharp across the frame even wide open, and probably most important of all, truly beautiful rendering, it simply produces amazing pictures.
Well satisfied with the lens and packaging.
Image quality is very good, build and construction ok for price. Online reviews are accurate and reflect my experience with this lens, so for a fuller review look there.
If your looking for a great all rounder / travel lens then look no further. This is a really, really good product. This is not going to be a bokeh (background separation blur) monster as the min f stop is f4. To get that you will need to buy a f1. I also have / use and highly recommend the25mm f1. These are also really good optics. If your on a budget start off with the 25,45 & 30 macro. If you want a great all rounder / travel lens then,get the 12/100mm f4 zoom. Size and weight – the lens sits perfectly in my (mans) hand and although it looks a bit odd on the olympus pen f when you hold it to take a photo it is very well balanced (i do use the additional grip). It comes with a good quality lens hood and a soft pouch.
Very sharp, with an incredible zoom range of 24 to 200 in full frame terms. Body appears to be very robust and is weather sealed. Main drawback is maximum f4 but this does not concern my shooting because of stabilisation which is very effective in m43 cameras (mine is em5ii). Will focus almost up to the front element of the lens. Not great for shallow depth of field (bokeh) in portraits but i have the cheap and sharp olympus 45mm for that purpose.
Features of Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30 mm 1:3.5 Macro Lens – Black
- Make sure this fits
by entering your model number. - Highest image magnification of 2.5x*
- Beautiful Image Quality
- High-speed AF
- Lens Cap(LC-46), Lens Rear Cap(LR-2), Instruction Manual, Olympus Warranty Card
From the manufacturer
Whether you have an OM-D, PEN or any other compatible advanced camera, you’ll benefit from all that the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens system standard has to offer: compact size, lightweight, more shooting freedom, high image quality and ease of use, to name just a few.
Capture a new level of macro expression
Boost your creative shooting options – add this M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 30mm 1:3.5 Macro lens to your photography gear. This Premium lens from OLYMPUS perfectly complements any line-up of prime lenses thanks to its amazing maximum image magnification of 1.25x (2.5x*) – the largest a subject can be captured with a macro lens of this class.**
What’s more, this macro lens is made with the same passionate craftsmanship that M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are known for around the world. So you’ll have a precision tool that delivers outstanding optical performance with every close-up.
Whether you are an advanced amateur or just getting started with photography, this is one lens you’ll want to have.
*35mm equivalent
**As of May 2016 among Micro Four Thirds macro prime lenses on the market, according to OLYMPUS in-house test conditions
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
Intense macro magnificationThe M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 30mm 1:3.5 Macro lens offers something that no other macro lens of this class can: the most powerful magnification of 1.25x (2.5x*). This makes previously impossible expressions in photography now possible – without compromising image quality. *35mm equivalent |
Beautiful image qualityCapture the details of any subject and marvel at the stunning results. Clear, sharp image quality with beautiful defocusing effects and soft bokeh add a new level of expression to your photography – so you can realise your creative visions whenever the opportunity arises. |
High speed from a compact buildThe lightweight and compact build of this Premium lens from OLYMPUS significantly reduces the sluggish response common to macro focusing with conventional lenses. The result: the highest level of autofocusing speed for a lens of this class – ideal for nature photography. |
Closest focusing distanceMacro is truly macro with this 30mm lens. With the closest focusing distance of 95mm (working distance of 14mm) from the end of the lens to your subject, you can capture and create a macro world that can’t be seen by the naked eye. |
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
Subtle sharp shootingWorking with the 5-Axis Image Stabilisation built into our latest OM-D cameras – and combined with the built-in MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) mechanism – the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 30mm 1:3.5 Macro lens gives you smooth, quiet autofocusing for clear and sharp films and photos. |
Excellent optical performanceCompleting the range of outstanding OLYMPUS fixed focal length lenses, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 30mm 1:3.5 Macro lens delivers outstanding optical performance and pristine imaging quality with every subject. It features ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating to reduce reflections, ghosts and flares and give a clear, high-contrast imaging performance. |
Uncompromising lens designA system of special Extra-low Dispersion Aspherical (EDA) and Dual Super Aspheric (DSA) lens elements enables the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 30mm 1:3.5 Macro lens to have an overall light weight and deliver high speed, with excellent image rendering from edge to edge. |
Also for underwater shootingGet creative underwater too. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 30mm 1:3.5 Macro lens is compatible with an entire range of accessories for capturing sea life: underwater cases PT-EP11, PT-EP14, Focus Gear PRZR-EP07, Anti-Reflective Ring POSR-EP11 and Lens Port PPO-EP03. |
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm 1:2.0 – Wide-angle prime lens for dramatic shots
This high-speed, wide-angle single focal length lens is great for getting dramatic and spontaneous shots, even in low-light conditions. Compact and lightweight with a beautiful full-metal body and bright aperture combined with OLYMPUS’ outstanding optical performance.
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8 – Stunning portraits with depth & blur
This fixed focal length lens is particularly effective when shooting portraits – ensuring your subject stands out beautifully against a defocused background with bokeh effects. The fast 1:1.8 aperture lets you achieve a shallow depth of field for your stills and movies.
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:1.8 – The must-have prime lens
This standard focal length prime lens is ideal for a wide range of photography. It offers superior optical performance with beautiful bokeh and impressive low-light and close-focusing capabilities. Delivering photos with a field of view that feels natural to the human eye together with its small, lightweight yet robust construction make this lens an essential addition to your kit.
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1.8 – Top-grade prime portrait lens
High-performance prime telephoto lens perfect for portraits that delivers uncompromised image quality – with super-bright open aperture of 1:1.8. Superb optics for crisp contrast, edge-to-edge precision, high resolution and low aberration. It’s also a remarkably compact lens and easy to handle.
Make sure this fits
by entering your model number.
I bought my em1 mk ii with the 12-40mm pro lens, which is a wonderful combination, but as an amateur egyptologist i do a lot of photography in museums, and needed a longer focal length to get good pictures of small objects in display cases. After my first week of ‘serious’ use of this lens in the british museum i’m just blown away by two things: the sharpness and clarity of the pictures, and the exceptional image stabilisation you get from the combination of the em1’s in body stabilisation combined with the in-lens is of this lens. With my previous aps-c nikon dslr i’d struggle to get clear shots at exposures longer than about 1/15th sec. With this lens i can get razor-sharp images every time at 1/4 sec, and at least half the time at 1/2 sec exposures – handheldfor general landscape photography i’d still use my 12-40mm pro, because it’s half the weight and half the length of this lens, but when you want a bit more reach, this lens is quite simply superb, and the is in low-light situation has to be seen to be believed. 5 stops of image stabilisation with the combined in-body and in-lens is, and having used it i have to say it’s absolutely true. One thing that did concern me a little compared to the f/2. 8 12-40 was how good it would be at separating subject from background (ie ‘background blur’), but zoom in and get close to the subject and it’s very respectable. Obviously not as good as the f/2. Not a cheap lens by any means, but you get what you pay for, and in this case what you get is well worth the money.
Nice and sharp with good contrast. Every now and then i look the pics and say wow, they sort of pop as they say in the usa. I previously had the olympus 14-140 f4-5. 6 which was good bit didn’t have the wow factor in my opinion. The only complaint is that on the em5 mkii if image stableizer is switched of on the lens it it will also switch of is in the camera. Every now and then the is switch on the lens get switched of while getting out of the bag so all of your is off and you dont noticeuntil you get home from a shoot and realise your pics are soft. It would good if there was a lock on the switch or a way to turnit of in the menu. Maybe there is a way to do it or perhaps its different ant on the em1 etc.
Like all olympus products this is a very nice lens giving excellent results.
This lens from olympus is very lightweight and is suitable for use as a prime lens for everyday use with excellent image quality especially when stopped down slightly from wide open. Auto focus can struggle when extremely close up but this is to be expected from most macro lenses i think. The 30mm focal length (60mm equivalent) is a useful size for day to day portrait and street scene etc use, remember when we all had a 50mm prime lens on our slrs?.
It’s hard to seriously fault this lens. It’s beautifully made, like all the olympus pro lenses (this is my fourth…), weatherproof, focuses quickly, has built-in is that works along with the in-camera stabilisation to give an uncannily steady image, and it’s contrasty and sharp throughout its (for me ideal) zoom range and at all sensible apertures. It focuses incredibly close too. In many ways it’s the ideal all-round lens and i really, really like it. I’d say just go ahead and buy it. But you should be aware of a few compromises:1. It’s big and heavy for a micro four thirds lens. But small and light for a 24–200 constant f4 if it was full frame.
Faultless performance, does exactly what it says on the tin . Usual olympus quality product. Can i give it a hundred stars??.
Highest image magnification of 2.5x*
I am very happy with the results from this lens. Both the wide and tele ends make it far more useful than the 14-42mm zoom i often use. An unexpected pleasure is the push-pull ring which engages and adjusts manual focus with red-lining.
This is quite an astonishing lens; the best zoom lens i’ve ever used (and i’ve had a few). Despite being an 8x zoom it offers a constant aperture with optical performance that is excellent across the entire focal length range. Not only is it sharp, but it also delivers excellent micro-contrast which gives photographs a clarity and fizz that only the very best optics deliver. On top of that, the image stabilisation is just jaw-dropping. In conjunction with the ibis in compatible cameras (pen-f, e-m1, e-m5ii and e-m1ii), olympus claim up to 6. 5 stops of additional hand-holdability – and i can believe it. With my pen-f i can easily take shots at the wider end of 2-3 seconds and even longer if i can rest my elbows on something. At 100mm i can reliably get shots of 1/2s pin sharp. That’s incredible for a 200mm-equiv lens. If you are taking static subjects this will enable very low isos to be used.
I bought this early summer to start taking macro photos of flowers in my garden, with my pen-f. I very much like this little lens; it’s sharp enough and has excellent magnification, but it’s a bit slow at f 3. The other alternatives are the more expensive 60mm macro lens, but with a cash back offer from olympus, this was really a good deal. You can use it as a standard 30mm (60mm eq) lens, but i already have a 45mm so i don’t; i only use it for macro shots. It’s light and sharp, and that’s good enough.
Beautiful Image Quality
High-speed AF
Lens Cap(LC-46), Lens Rear Cap(LR-2), Instruction Manual, Olympus Warranty Card
The post Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30 mm 1:3.5 Macro Lens – Black – Oustandingly good appeared first on Lenszone.
Comments
Post a Comment