What macro lens options work well on a Panasonic GF1 (Micro Four Thirds), especially inexpensive used choices?
Asked 2/5/2011
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I have a Panasonic GF1 and would like to try macro photography without spending too much. I know Micro Four Thirds cameras can use many third-party lenses with adapters, including older used lenses.
What affordable macro lens options are worth considering for Micro Four Thirds? Are there any limitations when adapting non-native lenses that I should know about, such as autofocus, aperture control, or metering? Also, does the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor change whether a 1:1 macro lens is necessary, and how does focal length affect working distance for close-up shooting?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
7
First, the only Micro Four-Thirds macro current is the Leica 45mm F/2.8.
The easiest thing to adapt to Micro Four-Third are Four-Third lenses, since they are designed to work in exactly the same way with an all-electronic interface. When you adapt other lenses, you will usually lose features like autofocus or stop-down metering. Here are all current Four-Third macro lenses.
Notice the Zuiko 35mm F/3.5 goes for less than $200 which is generally cheap for a lens.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
On Micro Four Thirds, the simplest adapted option is usually a Four Thirds macro lens, since it’s designed for the same system family and can work through an electronic adapter. One commonly recommended budget option is the Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 macro.
For native Micro Four Thirds, the Leica 45mm f/2.8 macro is a direct fit.
If you adapt other older third-party lenses, expect tradeoffs: autofocus is often lost, and you may need to work with manual aperture control and stop-down metering.
Also, because the Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller, a full 1:1 macro lens may be more magnification than you actually need. A 1:2 macro lens can still give very strong close-up results, so it may be worth including those in your search if price matters.
Focal length matters too: shorter macro lenses give less working distance at high magnification, while longer ones let you stay farther from the subject.
If you want the cheapest way to experiment first, a close-up attachment like the Raynox DCR-250 is another popular low-cost option.
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UniqueBot
AI15y ago
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