Canon EF-S 18- vs OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED

Overview of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II and OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II is significantly less expensive than the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro, priced at $134.95 compared to $549.99, making it about 75% cheaper. The Canon lens is designed for versatility in everyday photography, while the Olympus lens excels in macro photography with its specialized features.

Build Quality and Design

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro boasts a weather-sealed design, enhancing its durability for outdoor use. This feature makes it ideal for photographers who often work in challenging conditions. In contrast, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm is more lightweight and compact, making it a suitable choice for casual shooters who prioritize portability. However, it does not offer the same level of protection against elements like dust and moisture that the Olympus lens provides.

Focal Length and Aperture

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens has a versatile focal length of 18-55mm, with a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6, suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios from landscapes to portraits. On the other hand, the OM SYSTEM Olympus lens features a dedicated 60mm focal length with a bright f/2.8 aperture, making it particularly effective for macro photography. This allows the Olympus lens to achieve 1:1 life-size magnification, which is critical for capturing intricate details in close-up shots.

Image Stabilization

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II includes Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer technology, enabling sharper handheld shots, especially in low-light conditions. This feature allows for shooting at slower shutter speeds, which is advantageous for general photography. In contrast, the OM SYSTEM Olympus lens does not mention any image stabilization features, which may limit its usability in challenging lighting conditions, despite its superior macro capabilities.

Autofocus and Focus Features

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm lens includes a focus limit switch that enhances the autofocus speed, making it easier to capture fast-moving subjects. The lens features an internal focusing system, ensuring that the lens length remains unchanged during focusing, which is beneficial for macro work. Conversely, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm utilizes a gear-driven focus adjustment, which is adequate for standard photography but may not be as quick or precise as the Olympus lens in specific scenarios.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the OM SYSTEM Olympus lens is bolstered by its construction of 13 separate lens elements in 10 groups, including advanced glass materials that help eliminate chromatic aberrations. This results in high-quality images, especially in close-up shots. The Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens, with its 16 elements in 12 groups, also provides good image quality and features a circular aperture for pleasing bokeh effects. However, the Olympus lens is engineered specifically for macro photography, offering superior detail reproduction.

Price Comparison

With the Canon EF-S 18-55mm priced at $134.95 and the OM SYSTEM Olympus lens at $549.99, the price difference is substantial. The Olympus lens is approximately 4 times more expensive than the Canon lens. This significant price gap reflects the specialized features and higher optical quality of the Olympus lens, making it a considerable investment for serious macro photographers, while the Canon is an accessible option for beginners and general photography enthusiasts.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II and the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro depends largely on your photography needs. If you are looking for a versatile, budget-friendly lens for everyday use, the Canon is an excellent choice at $134.95. However, if macro photography is your primary interest and you require a lens that excels in detail and quality, the OM SYSTEM Olympus lens, despite its higher price of $549.99, offers specialized features that justify the investment.