OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm F3.5 Macro For Micro Four Thirds System Camera, Compact Macro lens, 1.25x Image Maginification, Fast AF, Beautiful Bokeh

Happy with this lens
Given the lens’ relative low cost, I had debated it for a while. Every time I would add it to my shopping cart online, I’d get hesitant and remove it. I have always been interested in macro shots, and I love looking at macro shots, but taking macro shots never really appealed to me, oddly.When the price dropped due to a sale, I figured I’d give it a go.Build/FeelDespite the plastic, it has a good build quality that feels nice in the hands. It’s very light, and the small size makes it pocketable. The manual focus ring is both large and smooth—perfect for dialing in focus.Initial ReactionWhen I first purchased the lens, I felt very lukewarm with it. I almost regretted the lens, and debating returning it. I really wanted to like it, but I didn’t. I couldn’t figure out if it was macro photography in general, or if it was the lens. I’m more of a street photographer, so macro was out of my element and experience. I started to recognize that this lens was specialized and won’t be suitable for many situations.I wasn’t used to having to be really close to the subject, given the 30mm focal length. I’m assuming those that don’t want to get within inches of insects would rather purchase Olympus’ 60mm macro lens instead. While the 60mm is a faster lens, it also comes at a higher cost.Initial Test ShotsAs a photographer, one of the first things I look at is image quality of the photos. The images are sharp. I am very happy with the image quality.I quickly found that a normal part of macro photography is to need to use some sort of additional lighting. While I could have brought out my transmitters with a flash, or purchased a ring flash or twin light flash for more money, I found that having a flash in the hot shoe with a light modifier/diffuser works very well (I have a Gary Fong light diffuser, but a plastic food container with lid would work just as well).In good light, the lens focuses very well and fast. One thing I’ve found is that in low contrast, low light, and/or backlit situations, the lens does not want to focus and hunts. It will run through the focus range a few times, and then stop. When I first popped the lens on the camera, I did what I normally do with a new lens. I turn to my wife, and take a picture. She was backlit, and it hunted and hunted, so I recomposed a bit, then it focused. Ok. Then, after taking a picture of my wife, the second thing I usually do is take a picture of my dog. Dog sitting in the middle of the floor, later in the day, not much ambient light. It again, hunted, hunted, and hunted, didn’t focus. I tried it again, but my dog got annoyed and walked off before I could snap a shot.If you turn off your focus assist beam (I usually have mind turned off), be ready for focus hunting if you have the situations mentioned previously. If you turn your focus assist beam on, it’ll be somewhat slow to focus, but it should find focus. At least mine does.OverviewAfter owning the lens for 2 months, I’ve decided that this lens is definitely a keeper. While it may not always make it to my bag, and it may not get taken on vacation with me, it’s a great lens to have in my arsenal.It is a specialized lens, but the shorter focal length allows the option of having some of the background in the shot. This provides a different, and sometimes unique, perspective of the subject of the photo.I’m very happy with the lens.

Excellent macro!
I have had the 60mm f/2.8 macro for years, and it has been awesome. But I have long been intrigued by this much smaller, lighter, wider angle macro that also doubles as an excellent (near) normal lens. And it has actually become my macro go-to this season.Do I have to get a lot closer to my subject to achieve the same magnification as the 60mm? Yes. But that turns out to be a good thing for me as I’m primarily a wildflower photographer, and when I’m zeroing in on minute details, I love getting as close as I can with both eye and lens. I wouldn’t get right on top of a stinging insect with this lens, but I don’t do that with the 60mm either (I use a 150mm zoom for this). I have however successfully taken excellent macro shots of pollinators with this lens without scaring them off.This lens also allows me to do some really cool things with perspective that the 60mm is just too “telephoto” for. Note that it doesn’t have the focus limiter switch or a lens hood like the 60mm, but with the 30mm I don’t miss either of these things. The manual focus ring is great.If you’re looking to add some variety to your macro game, or looking for your first macro for your OM system and want to save some money as compared to the 60mm, you can’t go wrong here. This is a great choice.

Amazing Lens!!!!
Got this lens for one of my sons for Christmas & he loves it! It takes amazing photos!!!!!

Awesome lens
Awesome macro lens. Fast autofocus, not quite lightning fast but still quick.Sharp little lens that is a nice standard lens and a macro lens. This is my new go to for going to the park with kidsI just wish it was weather sealed

I saw this on sale and decided to try it. It’s an amazing little lens, bare-bones but excellent quality. Solid, easy to use, and the detail at the MFD is amazing! It’s also a great landscape and portrait lens. The AF is excellent even at extremely close distances. Olympus makes fantastic glass and I think this lens is one of their unsung wonders, especially for the price.

It’s a beautiful compact Macro lens. I use it with my Panasonic G camera.

Great for an intro to macro photography without breaking the bank. The lens is sturdy, responsive and produces superb macro shots. I’m really impressed.