OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED vs Rokinon

Overview of the Lenses

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro and the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED Super Lens present two distinct options for photographers, each catering to different needs. The Olympus lens is priced at $549.99, while the Rokinon lens is significantly cheaper at $231.25, making it about 58% less expensive. This price difference highlights the contrasting focal lengths and intended uses of these lenses, with the Olympus focusing on macro photography and the Rokinon excelling in wide-angle shots.

Intended Use

When considering intended use, the OM SYSTEM Olympus lens is designed specifically for macro photography, offering a 60mm focal length and a 1:1 life-size magnification. This capability allows photographers to capture intricate details at a minimum focusing distance of 7.4 inches. In contrast, the Rokinon lens features a 14mm focal length, providing an ultra-wide perspective with a remarkable 115.7° angle of view. This makes it ideal for landscape photography, astrophotography, and real estate imagery, showcasing expansive scenes effectively.

Build Quality and Design

Both lenses exhibit robust build quality, tailored for professional use in various conditions. The OM SYSTEM lens boasts a weather-sealed design, ensuring durability against dust and moisture, which is critical for outdoor macro photography. On the other hand, the Rokinon lens, while not explicitly weather-sealed, features a solid construction weighing 31.7 ounces, indicating reliability. The Rokinon's physical dimensions also enhance its usability for wide-angle shots, although the specifics are not provided.

Optical Performance

Optical quality is a strong point for both lenses, though they cater to different photographic styles. The OM SYSTEM lens incorporates 13 lens elements in 10 groups, utilizing ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating to minimize aberrations and ensure sharp detail reproduction. This design is crucial for macro photography, where clarity is paramount. The Rokinon lens also emphasizes optical performance with its 14 elements in 10 groups, designed to deliver exceptional sharpness and clarity across the frame, making it suitable for capturing detailed landscapes and astrophotography.

Low-Light Performance

In low-light conditions, both lenses perform admirably, but their effectiveness varies based on their design. The OM SYSTEM lens features a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture, which allows for excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for macro photography near dusk or in shaded areas. Similarly, the Rokinon lens also boasts a fast f/2.8 aperture, enabling it to capture bright images even in challenging environments, such as nighttime astrophotography or dimly lit landscapes. This shared characteristic is a significant advantage for both products.

Focus Mechanism

Focusing capabilities differ notably between the two lenses. The OM SYSTEM lens features an MSC mechanism with an internal focusing system, which prevents the lens from changing length during focus adjustments. This design is particularly beneficial for macro work, where precision is vital. Additionally, it includes a focus limit switch that accelerates autofocus for quick adjustments. Conversely, the Rokinon lens employs a manual focus feature, allowing for precise control over sharpness, especially useful in wide-angle compositions where accuracy is essential.

Price Comparison

Price is a critical factor when choosing between these two lenses. The OM SYSTEM lens is priced at $549.99, while the Rokinon lens is available for $231.25, making it about 58% less expensive. This significant price disparity may influence buyers, particularly those on a budget or those who do not require the specialized capabilities of the Olympus macro lens. However, the higher price of the Olympus lens may be justified by its specialized features and construction designed for macro photography.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro and the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED Super Lens ultimately depends on your photographic needs. If you are focused on macro photography and require detailed close-up shots, the OM SYSTEM lens is the clear choice, offering superior magnification and optical quality. However, if you are looking for an affordable option for wide-angle photography, the Rokinon lens provides excellent performance at a significantly lower price. Consider your primary shooting style and budget to make the best decision for your photography toolkit.