Review on Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm F3.5 Macro Lens for Micro Four Thirds Cameras: A Must-Have for Stunning Close-Up Photography by Sean Copeland

Given the relatively low cost of the lens, I've argued about this for a long time. Every time I added it to my shopping cart online, I hesitated and removed it. I've always been interested in macro photography and enjoy looking at macro photography, but oddly enough, I've never really been drawn to macro photography. When the price dropped due to a sell out, I decided to give it a try. Assembly / Feels well made despite the plastic, feels good in the hand. It is very light and small, so you can carry it in your pocket. The manual focus ring is large and smooth, perfect for adjusting focus. First reaction When I first bought the lens I really didn't like it. I almost regretted the lens and considered returning it. I really wanted to please, but it didn't work out. I couldn't figure out if it was macro photography at all or if it was the lens. I'm more of a street photographer so macro wasn't in my element and experience. I began to realize that this lens was specialized and not suitable for many situations. Because of the 30mm focal length, I'm not used to being very close to the subject. My guess is that those who don't want to get within inches of insects would be better off buying an Olympus 60mm macro lens. The 60 mm lens is brighter, but also costs more. First test shots As a photographer, the first thing I do is look at the image quality of my photos. Pictures are clear. I am very satisfied with the picture quality. I quickly learned that a normal part of macro photography is the need for additional lighting. While I could take out my flash transmitters, or buy a ring flash or dual-beam flash for big bucks, I've found that a hot shoe flash with a light modifier/diffuser works really well (I have a Gary Fong flash). diffuser, but a plastic food container with a lid will do). In good light, the lens focuses very well and quickly. One thing I found is that in low contrast, low light and/or backlight conditions the lens will not want to focus and will yaw. It cycles through the focus area several times and then stops. When I first put the lens on the camera I did what I usually do with a new lens. I turn to my wife and take a picture. She was backlit and she was chasing and chasing, so I regrouped a bit, then she focused. OK. Then, after I've photographed my wife, I usually photograph my dog second. The dog sits in the middle of the ground, late afternoon, little ambient light. He hunted again and hunted and hunted without concentrating. I tried again but my dog got angry and left before I could take a picture. If you turn off the focus assist beam (my head usually goes blank), be prepared to seek focus if you experience the previously mentioned situations. If you turn on the focus assist beam, focusing is a bit slower but should find focus. At least that's how it is for me Review After owning the lens for 2 months I have decided that this lens will definitely stand the test. While it doesn't always fit in my bag and isn't something I take with me on vacation, it's a great lens to have in my arsenal. This is a specialized lens, but the shorter focal length allows for some background in the frame. This offers a different and sometimes unique perspective on the subject of the photo. I am very happy with this lens.