Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)
This compact and affordable medium telephoto Zuiko Digital Lens is ideal for not only macro photography but also as a portrait lens. The high performance digital specific design includes an ED glass element for impressive color accuracy and offers a magnification of 1:2 (half life size), which has an image magnification size equivalent to life size (1:1) in a 35mm film photo. A large 2.0 maximum aperture makes it excellent for lower-light photography as well.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
50 mm Comparable Four Thirds and Micro 4/3 Focal Length: 100 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.0 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Four Thirds |
| Format Compatibility | Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 24° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.45" (24 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.52x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2 |
| Groups/Elements | 10/11 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | No |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 52 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.8 x 2.42" (7.11 x 6.15 cm) |
| Weight | 10.58 oz (300 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 115 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
94%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (74)
- Consistent output (72)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (72)
- Strong construction (64)
- Easily interchangeable (52)
Cons
- Slow focus (40)
- Poor in low light (8)
Best Uses
- Macro photography (48)
- Portraits (38)
- Low light (25)
- Night photography (23)
- Weddings (21)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (40), Enthusiast (29), Casual photographer (12), Semi-professional (10), Semi-pro photographer (9)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (45)
Most Liked Positive Review
Solid, crystal clear, versatile.
I bought an Olympus E-500 a few years ago with a "kit" quality Zuiko 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 lens. Pedestrian at best. But making the grade into the world of DSL...Read complete review
I bought an Olympus E-500 a few years ago with a "kit" quality Zuiko 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 lens. Pedestrian at best. But making the grade into the world of DSLR cameras from the point and shoot 1 megapixel world made that stock lens just fine. After a while, though, I found it just didn't give me the crisp clear performance of the OM-1 Zuiko lenses of my film days. I chose this 50mm (100mm equiv to 35mm days) lens to fill the need for product photography for online auctioning, and general portraiture. When I looked through the viewfinder, I was astounded by the difference in the clarity between it, and the slow stock lens. The manual focus is a smooth as my old OM Zuiko lenses. The only analogy the pops into my mind for comparison is like going from standard TV to HDTV. If you are ready to step it up and take some photographs and not just snapshots, I recommend this lens. The macro capability is a real plus. Don't forget the filter.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
A great lens but not for Macro
Being an Olympus faithful for many years and owning a few Zuiko lenses this is the one lens that they can improve on. The built quality is right up there and the fast aperture (...Read complete review
Being an Olympus faithful for many years and owning a few Zuiko lenses this is the one lens that they can improve on. The built quality is right up there and the fast aperture (f/2.0) is great, especially in lower light conditions. Image quality is truly amazing and tack sharp is the best way to describe it. So why not a 5/5 rating?
1. The lens is extremely slow and this is frustrating. The lens really battles to find a focus point in all modes, AF-S and AF-C. The best option is to use manual focus when using this lens.
2. The lens does extend (like the other zoom lenses) and for 1:1 (really 1:2) the lens reaches is maximum length and for extreme macro this does tend to be a problem. You constantly have to ensure that your lens does not extend to touch the subject.
3. Auto focus is noisy and this creates the impression that the lens is experiencing problems trying to get a focus point, this impression is unfortunately true.
The best use for this lens is portraiture, interior, food and still life photography, not macro even when using the EX-25 extension tube to achieve true 1:1 magnification. One of the great features of a fast aperture of f/2.0 is the depth of field, play with this, it is amazing.
If you do want a great macro lens, the much less advertised (and less expensive) Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 macro lens is a brilliant buy. With no movable parts this lens from Zuiko is a true macro lens and gives 1:1 magnification, even without using the EX-25 extension tube, albeit, the aperture of f/3.5 tends to have people believe that it is a standard zoom lens.
Now, will I recommend this lens to a friend? The answer is yes and no. If you buy this lens for macro photography I wouldn't recommend is, if you buy this lens for the above mentioned purposes, yes, I would recommend this lens.
Reviewed by 115 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I bought this lens along with the 12-60, specifically because of its F2.0 rating, which I thought could come in handy under specific situations. It's getting more use than I originally intended because the resulting photographs are very sharp and clear. Focus can be a little slow at times, but not to the point where it's objectionable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
Love the low light capabilities. Use manual focus in low light for quickest focus. Lens is very light and fast, two important features.
Macro performance is stellar. Most important is the Tack Sharp results.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
A great lens for the amateur photographer like myself. I am still learning about macro photography and loving the world I am entering into While I am not getting things as pin sharp as I want, I think at this stage its more the person than the equipment but its just a matter of getting out there and using the lens. Well worth investing in.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by GhostKat
One of the first shots using the Macro Lens
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Nice colors
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Noisier AF than with SWD
- Slower AF than with SWD
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Street photography
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
Food For Thought: With this brand new Zuiko 50mm f/2 acting like the leading superstar of the ice rink, my beloved 12-60mm sadly stays on the bench more often than not... Slightly noisy AF mechanism, original front cap too tight, maybe!? On the other hand, all pictures stemming from the 50mm f/2 seem to benefit greatly from strong micro-contrasts, very high sharpness, and brightness galore, almost to the point of looking like 3D images right from the back LCD of the camera! Overall, it is pure bliss already: such a handy, powerful, yet discreet little 4/3 lens! B&H has been part of the nice experience once again, thanks to a combination a factors such as prompt shipping, safe packaging, very competitive prices.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
This lens has been reviewed before. Wow. This is one of those things in life that you didn't know you wanted until you got it & then, Wow. OK!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I love the way 50mm f/2 Mecro ED Zuiko Digital Lens by Olympus see things..
An other dimension..!!!
Love it..
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
As others have mentioned, the AF is a bit slow and problematic at times, but it focuses nicely manually -- even for this amateur. For full frame head shots, I was able to capture some fine detail (skin texture, fine hairs, etc.), in fairly low light situations. Very happy with this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I used this lens on Olympus E3 and Panasonic GH2. It's nice sharp lens. Unfortunately AF is way too slow, even with E3. I expected to be slow on GH2, but not with E3. Olympus, fix this! I returned this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I purchased this lens to go along with my 3 other lenses for my Olympus 620 camera. This prime 50 mm, macro lens is a great addition to my camera collection. I use it to do macro photography of small wild flowers. I have had it only one week but have already I have gotten some great shoots. My only wish is it was a faster lens either a f1.4 or a f1.8 lens. I really wanted a piece of fast glass without spenting over $1,000 dollars.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I bought this to use on a micro 4/3 camera, the Olympus EP-2. I already had the adapter for another lens so didn't need to get another. This is probably the best lens I have for the system. It is compact and the lens hood fits nicely in the reverse position.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I'm shooting this with an e-510. So far I have been very impressed. I'm a very amateur photographer so I don't have technical data for this review. The lens is extremely well built. It makes you wonder what kind of junk they put in the kit lenses. The photos are extremely crisp and the bokeh is great. All of my pics have an extremely professional look to them now. I use it mostly for taking pics of my kids. The only problem I have is the lack of a focus stop which can make the lens slow to focus if it doesn't grab focus immediately. If you plan on keeping your olymypus, this is a necessity.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Sharp at all focal length
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Bright Light
- Macro Photography
- Manual focus
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I have a love and hate relationship with this lens. The lens optic is superb! Sharp even at f2.0. The problem is, you seldom can get the autofocus to work properly on your first try! The lens front & back focus and stop in between. Then, you press the second time and it's in focus. In low light, this lens search back and forth its full focal length and it's loud and undecisive. Sometimes it just hang there and is unresponsive. Yes, manual focus works but I just don't like that focus by wire, it provides no feed back and you could be turning the focus ring for nothing. I still like this lens because it is really sharp and produce good colour. However, this is not a lens you will use for action or even portrait photography. I use it in taking baby pictues and it's painfully slowwwwwww and hard to lock in autofocus. Better try it if it is to your liking, don't get sold on its F2.0!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I purchased the lens to mainly do close ups of flowers, bugs outdoor things. So far I like it. the pictures are crisp and clear, just takes getting use to how far to stay back to get the picture I am looking for. Some people say it works great for face close ups also. Will give it a try. I have always had Olympus back in the film day and now with digital. I am hopping my next lens will be a 12-60.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
This lens in good light will produce excellent image quality like the Olympus lenses do more often than not. However, in low light, the focus runs back and forth searching wasting too much time. I think one is better off using manual focus for macro work. I read about the slow focus, thought I could live with it. I couldn't, [...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright at F2
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Sharp at all focal length
- Strong Construction
Cons
- No cons - it's all good
Best Uses
- Low Light
- Macro and portraits
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this lens based on most all the positive reviews from others. I bought the E-5 at the same time and together they are by far the best macro pictures I have ever taken. The lens is fast focusing and produces the sharp results as expected. It is also the perfect lens for portraits - I'm sure it will be one of my most used Oly lenses.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I've been using this lens for macro photography of flowers mostly, but other stock macro photography as well. Detractors will say that it is loud, and it is, but for studio work and macro, it hasn't affected me at all.
I've done a few portrait shots as well and it has been brilliant in that regard as well and the noise factor is certainly less as the AF has less "travel". I also find that the AF for portraits is fairly quick.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Noisy focusing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I use the 50mm F/2.0 with my Olympus Bodies (E-510, E-3 and E-5). The output is consistent and the clarity exceeds what I've been able to achieve with other Zuiko lenses.
I've done a few test videos using this lens with the E-5. However, the noisy manual and autofocus is picked up by the on-board microphone. You'll need to use an external mike that will not pick up focus noise. Or, you'll just have to set focus so it will not have to change during recording.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Portrait photography
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
Lightweight lens that works very well for macro photography - a great field lens. First rate for botanical photography
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I bought this lens mainly as a 50mm prime with a good F stop. The intention to use for general out and about snaps. But I decided to try a few nature macro shots and was excited by the quality. Sharp and with lovely out of focus backgrounds. I think it focuses quick enough and not worse than other auto focus products. I recommend this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
great portrait lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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What's in the Box
- Lens Hood (LH-55)
- Front Lens Cap (LC-52)
- Rear Lens Cap (LR-1)
- Lens Case (LS-0814)
- Instruction Manual
- 1 Year Limited Warranty
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