OM System launches the m.Zuiko ED Digital 90mm f/3.5 IS Pro macro lens

It’s been a ghost on Olympus, and, subsequently, OM System lens roadmap charts for several years, but now it’s a reality, the OM System m.Zuiko ED Digital 90mm f/3.5 IS Pro 2:1 macro lens.

Aimed at macro photography in the field

Combining ultra-fast macro focusing and Sync IS, as well as class-leading dust and splash-proofing, OM System’s new 90mm macro lens is aimed at both professional photographers working in all weathers and conditions, and those amateurs who seek same benefits.

Key features:

• At closest focus you get 2:1 (2x life size) subject reproduction on the sensor.
• Closest focus (2:1) is achieved at a distance of 0.224m.
• Compatibility with OM System’s MC-14 (1.4x) and MC-20 (2x) converters, delivers up to 4x life-size reproduction on the sensor.
• A Micro Four Thirds sensor, being smaller than a full frame sensor, fills the frame twice as much at the same magnification when compared to an equivalent FF macro lens; 2x magnification with the 90mm macro is like 4x on FF.
• Fast auto and manual focusing, with an instant focus clutch for the latter.
• Compatibility with Olympus and OM System camera bodies that include in-camera high-speed focus bracketing and focus stacking modes.
• Up to 7 EVs of shutter speed compensation via integrated lens optical image stabilisation (OIS) and tandem (Sync IS) camera body sensor-shift image stabilisation (IS).
• Fluorine-coated front element for significantly more effective clearing of water droplets in damp conditions.
• On-lens control switches for infinity/mid-range focus limiting and Macro mode (S), IS on/off, and programmable L-Fn button.
• The 90mm macro lens is also suitable for use as a conventional short telephoto (180mm FF equivalent) lens.
• IP53 dust and moisture sealing.
• Available from the end of February (Europe) and early March (North America) – UK price £1299 (€1499 in Europe and $1499 in the US)

Compared to the m.Zuiko 60mm macro

The familiar and more affordable m.Zuiko 60mm f.2.8 macro lens gets you down to a maximum 1:1 subject reproduction, at a focusing distance of 0.19m. At the same magnification the distance is 0.25m for the 90mm lens.

Dimensions

The non-extending lens barrel is 136mm in length and 69.8mm wide. Its weight is 453g and it takes 62mm filters. OM System points out that few other macro lenses can deliver 2:1 reproduction without extension tubes, while the new 90mm macro is also one of the lightest lenses in its field.

Accessories

An LH-66E lens hood and CS-53 wrapping cloth are included in the box. The lens fits the optional LSC-0914 pouch case, and the lens is also compatible with the STF-8 Macro twin flash system.

Summary

Above all, the m.Zuiko ED Digital 90mm f/3.5 IS Pro macro lens is aimed squarely at a photographer who wants to travel light, probably without a tripod, and shoot without being overly concerned about the weather. At the same time the lens, by default, can magnify subjects by 2x and this can increase to 4x with the optional MC-20 converter. Real-time focus bracketing and stacking complete the picture. And when this lens isn’t being used for macro, it becomes a convenient short telephoto, complete with a focus limiter, if required. Having instantly available manual focusing (which can also be range limited) thanks to the familiar m.Zuiko manual/auto focus clutch system, is the icing on the cake.

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