Olympus 60mm F/2.8 Macro Lens Review: Love at First Click

The addition of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 has brought on an onslaught of premium lenses from Olympus. Recently released lenses have ranged from the wide angle 17mm f/1.8 pancake lens to the telephoto 75mm f/1.8 prime lens (both of which we are in the midst of reviewing). These lenses provide users with wide open apertures and solid design features. The 60mm f/2.8 is no exception. But these premium lenses come with a significant price tag. And most buyers want to know they are getting a great product for the cost.

Overview of Lens

The Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 macro lens weighs 185g and its diameter measures 56x82mm making it almost the exact size of the 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3, but weighing slightly less. It has a set focal length of 60 mm (equivalent of 120mm in 35mm camera standards). The lens has seven circular diaphragm blades that help to increase the "bokeh" effect formed in the defocused areas of the image. The lens is also equipped with a high-speed Imager AF system. Imager AF is acquired by way of contrast detection and generally focuses on the subject nearest the lens.  This lens is designed for everyday shooting with an emphasis on macro photography. The 60mm macro lens is easy and fun to use. A small dial on the lens allows it to be operated in either traditional or macro mode. Currently, this lens retails for $499.99.

Build and Design
The 60mm f/2.8 lens has a dust-proof, splash-proof construction. This lens incorporates 13 elements in 10 groups and uses ED (Extra-low Dispersion), HR (High Refractive index) and E-HR (Extra-High Refractive index) glass. Olympus' goal of including this expensive glass is to completely eliminate chromatic aberrations that can be found in other lenses. The overall build of the lens is lightweight. It is seemingly sturdy, yet the outside of the lens is made of hard plastic not metal. Although this is something we have come to expect from a lot of current lenses, there is a dramatic difference between the weight and feel of this lens versus the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 (which is an extremely well-built, albeit chunky metal lens). Those users wanting an ultra-compact lens might be slightly disappointed. I believe, however, they will get over this feeling rather quickly after seeing the image quality this lens produces.