What macro lens should I get for an Olympus E-3, and can I keep using Four Thirds lenses if I switch systems?
Asked 6/4/2014
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I use an Olympus E-3 and currently have a Sigma 18-50mm, Olympus EC-14 1.4x teleconverter, and Olympus Zuiko Digital 50-200mm. The Sigma is described as having macro capability, but it doesn't seem to give me the close-up results I expect. Am I likely using it incorrectly, or do I need a dedicated macro lens?
If I should buy one, what Olympus Four Thirds macro options are worth considering?
Also, since Olympus shifted focus away from DSLR/Four Thirds toward Micro Four Thirds, should I avoid buying more Four Thirds lenses? If I move to Micro Four Thirds, will my current lenses still work?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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Olympus are concentrating on m4/3. While there are still 4/3 lenses available, they are mostly on online auction sites.
Their lens lineup has 2 macro lenses. The 35mm f/3.5 and the 50mm f/2.0. The 50mm is the better, more expensive one.
As for the Sigma 18-50mm, I haven't heard of it before. Are you able to find a link about it so I can properly compare and answer?
The link in your answer doesn't state it is a Macro lens. Most macro lenses are a fixed focal length, also.
In regards to getting rid of the 4/3 glass, there is no need. Olympus have an adaptor for m4/3 to 4/3. The MMF2 and the MMF3. The MMF3 is meant to be waterproof but there is no speed difference with these.
What makes the difference is the body. That adaptor will work on any m4/3 body. Of course designed for Olympus bodies, they will still work with Panasonic.
The OM-D, E-M1 was released as an alternate to the DSLR and the focussing speeds with 4/3 glass is almost on par with the E-3/5. Certainly with the E-620 and faster than the 4xx/5xx series.
That sigma is actually designed for the APS-C format (think specifically for Nikon's DX format, not Canon's APS-C format), so yes, it will work.
I guess their isn't really an answer for "Keep lens, buy body" or "Buy new lens only" as that will come down to personal preference. Research, take a look around. Try out the E-M1 body and Nikon's DX bodies and see if you can get your hands on the 50mm f/2.0.
But, both options are available.
Originally by user11789. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11789
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Your Sigma 18-50mm may focus relatively close, but that does not make it a true macro lens in the usual sense. Dedicated macro lenses are typically designed specifically for close-up work and are often prime lenses.
For Olympus Four Thirds, the main macro choices mentioned are:
- Olympus 35mm f/3.5 Macro
- Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Macro
Of those, the 50mm f/2.0 is generally the better lens, but it is also the more expensive option.
If you want stronger close-up performance than your Sigma is giving you, a dedicated macro lens is the sensible upgrade.
As for the system question: there is no strong reason to dump your current Four Thirds lenses just because Olympus emphasized Micro Four Thirds. Olympus made adapters (MMF-2 and MMF-3) that let Four Thirds lenses work on Micro Four Thirds bodies. The MMF-3 adds weather sealing; answerers did not report a speed difference between them. Compatibility with other brands outside the Olympus/Panasonic Micro Four Thirds system is not implied.
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