OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED vs PANASONIC LUMIX S Series Camera Lens,

Overview of the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro lens is priced at $549.99. This lens is designed for Micro Four Thirds system cameras, making it a versatile choice for macro photography enthusiasts. It features a bright f2.8 aperture and a 60mm focal length, which allows for excellent low-light performance while providing life-size 1:1 magnification. The lens is also built to withstand the elements, boasting a weather-sealed design that is dust and splash-proof.

The lens is crafted with advanced technology, including 13 separate lens elements in 10 groups, ensuring high-quality image reproduction with minimal chromatic aberration. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm also includes a focus limit switch for faster auto-focusing and a built-in working distance window for confirming subject distance, making it ideal for detailed close-up shots.

Overview of the PANASONIC LUMIX S Series Camera Lens

The PANASONIC LUMIX S Series Camera Lens, priced at $597.99, is an 85mm F1.8 L mount interchangeable lens suitable for full-frame digital cameras. This lens excels in portrait photography, providing beautiful bokeh and smooth defocus gradation due to its large aperture. It combines a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry during long shooting sessions.

With 9 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, the LUMIX S 85mm effectively suppresses chromatic aberrations, resulting in sharper images. It is also rugged, featuring a dust/splash-resistant design that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Moreover, it is tailored for video recording, addressing focus breathing, which is often a challenge with still-image lenses.

Price Comparison

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm lens is the more budget-friendly option at $549.99, while the PANASONIC LUMIX S Series Camera Lens comes in at $597.99. This difference translates to a price gap of about $48, making the Olympus lens approximately 8% cheaper than its Panasonic counterpart. If budget constraints are a significant consideration, the Olympus lens provides excellent value for those specifically looking for a macro lens without compromising on quality or performance.

Lens Compatibility

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm lens is specifically designed for Micro Four Thirds system cameras, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Olympus and Panasonic cameras that utilize this system. In contrast, the PANASONIC LUMIX S Series Camera Lens is compatible with all L-mount full-frame digital cameras, giving it broader versatility, especially for photographers who may own multiple camera bodies or wish to upgrade in the future.

This compatibility can be crucial for photographers who prefer to have a lens that works across different systems. If you are invested in the L-mount ecosystem, the Panasonic lens presents a clear advantage.

Aperture and Focal Length Comparison

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko lens features a bright f2.8 aperture at a 60mm focal length, making it particularly effective for macro photography, where depth of field control is crucial. The ability to achieve life-size 1:1 magnification allows for detailed close-ups, ideal for capturing intricate details in subjects.

On the other hand, the PANASONIC LUMIX S Series lens has a wider aperture of f1.8 at an 85mm focal length, making it more suitable for portrait photography, where creating beautiful bokeh and a soft background is often desired. The larger aperture also enhances low-light performance, allowing for greater flexibility in various shooting conditions.

Build Quality and Design

Both lenses are engineered for durability, but they cater to different types of photographers. The OM SYSTEM Olympus lens boasts a weather-sealed design, providing protection against dust and moisture, which is essential for outdoor macro shooting. Its compact design with a minimum focusing distance of 7.4 inches allows for close-up photography without casting shadows.

Meanwhile, the PANASONIC LUMIX S Series lens also features a rugged design that is dust, splash, and freeze-resistant, making it suitable for heavy field use. This lens’s lightweight design enhances portability, allowing photographers to carry it comfortably throughout the day, especially during outdoor shoots.

Autofocus Performance

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko includes a High-Speed Imager AF (MSC) system, which is complemented by a focus limit switch that speeds up auto-focusing. This feature is particularly advantageous for macro photography, where precise focus is critical. The internal focusing mechanism allows the lens length to remain unchanged while focusing, which is beneficial for maintaining consistent working distances.

The PANASONIC LUMIX S Series lens also excels in autofocus performance, particularly in video recording, where it suppresses focus breathing. This makes it an excellent choice for videographers as well as photographers, ensuring smooth transitions when changing focus during shots.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro and the PANASONIC LUMIX S Series Camera Lens ultimately depends on your photographic needs. If you are focused on macro photography and require a lens that excels in that area while being more budget-friendly, the Olympus lens at $549.99 is the way to go. It offers excellent optical quality and features specifically designed for close-up work.

Conversely, if you are seeking a versatile portrait lens with a wider aperture and compatibility with L-mount full-frame cameras, the Panasonic lens at $597.99 is a strong contender. It provides excellent performance in both photography and videography. Consider your primary use case and budget to determine the best fit for your photography toolkit.