Best Micro 4/3 macro lenses

You may have noticed some big changes in the photography section of the blog recently. If you haven’t seen them yet, we’ve updated the lens and camera listing pages, including the one dedicated to all current Micro 4/3 lenses. To help you choose the right lens, we’ve added a whole range of new features, including weight, dimensions, minimum focusing distance, and more.

That’s also why I’ve decided to get back to writing articles dedicated to specific brands and mounts. Today, I’m going to take a closer look at Micro 4/3 macro lenses. For autofocus options, the main brands are Panasonic and OM System, while several third-party brands offer manual focus alternatives.

I haven’t written much about this mount, apart from the article I put together with Alex a while ago on the best Micro 4/3 lenses (I promise I’ll update it soon). This article will be fairly short, because there aren’t many macro lenses available for the Micro 4/3 mount, especially if you only look at lenses with autofocus. That said, autofocus isn’t essential for macro photography. In fact, many photographers prefer manual focus for greater precision. Even when you include manual focus lenses, though, the choice is still quite limited.

As I mentioned above, there are currently only five dedicated Micro 4/3 macro lenses with autofocus on the market. I’ve put together a comparison table with the main specifications of these five lenses to help you get started. In my opinion, it’s a useful way to compare important criteria such as weight, dimensions, focusing distance, and magnification ratio.

You can go straight to the lens you’re interested in by clicking one of the links below:

• Olympus M.Zuiko 30mm f/3.5 Macro
• Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 ED Macro
• Panasonic Lumix G 30mm f/2.8 ASPH Mega OIS Macro
• Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH OIS
• OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO

As I mentioned earlier, the Olympus camera business is now operated under OM System. The 30mm, 60mm, and 90mm Micro 4/3 macro lenses are now listed in the OM System lineup, so the two older Olympus macro lenses are still part of the current system rather than being completely replaced.

As a photographer, I know that the first thing we tend to check on a macro lens is the minimum focusing distance. Still, I’d really recommend comparing all the key specifications. This figure alone isn’t enough to understand how close you can actually get to your subject, because the minimum focusing distance is measured from the sensor, not from the front of the lens.

The most affordable Micro 4/3 option is the Olympus M.Zuiko Premium 30mm f/3.5 Macro ED, released in October 2017. It is the shortest focal length in this selection, with a full-frame equivalent focal length of 60mm. Thanks to its dimensions, it’s a light and compact lens.

In terms of build quality, it is made from high-quality plastic, which helps keep the weight down. Its optical formula includes 7 elements in 6 groups, with one aspherical ED lens and one DSA lens. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 and a 46mm filter diameter. It offers a maximum magnification of more than 1:1 (1.25x) and a very short minimum focusing distance of 9.5cm. However, it does not have image stabilization and is not weather-sealed.

Optically, the lens delivers excellent central sharpness between f/3.5 and f/11. The edges are also good, although they take a little longer to catch up. As for optical flaws, chromatic aberration and distortion are practically nonexistent, while vignetting is well controlled. Finally, the bokeh is soft and creamy.

To sum up, this Olympus macro lens is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something compact, versatile, and high-performing. Its optical quality and affordable price are its main strengths. It’s well suited to portrait or product photography, whether in the studio or out in the field.

Released in 2012 (yes, it’s been around for a while!), the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro has long been considered the benchmark Olympus macro lens for Micro 4/3. It offers a full-frame equivalent focal length of 120mm, which is close to the classic focal length used for macro photography (100mm). Thanks to its moderate length and weight, it’s also easy to carry.

Made from fairly sturdy plastic, this lens is weather-sealed. With a 46mm filter diameter, it has 7 elements in 5 groups, including one ED lens. The lens itself does not include image stabilization, but Olympus and OM System cameras do, so that’s not really an issue.

In terms of optical performance, center sharpness is good from f/2.8 and remains consistent up to f/5.6. There is a slight drop in sharpness at f/8, but it remains perfectly acceptable up to f/11. Chromatic aberration and distortion are well controlled. There is some vignetting at maximum aperture, but it disappears as soon as you stop down. The bokeh is pleasant, even if it could be a little smoother.

Overall, this lens remains a safe bet for macro and portrait photography, alongside the newer 90mm from OM System. There’s not much to criticize in terms of optical performance: it delivers good-quality results. It also offers excellent value for money. In short, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Introduced in February 2015, the Lumix 30mm f/2.8 Macro offers a focal length that also works well for macro photography. This lens stands out for its size and weight, which make it a good match for camera bodies such as the Lumix G9 II and the Lumix GH7. It can suit both amateur and professional photographers, with a minimum focusing distance of 10.5 cm and 1:1 magnification.

Although it is not weather-sealed, it is well built: slim and sturdy, with a precise manual focus ring. However, there is no button for switching between the different autofocus modes. It’s also worth noting that the lens is stabilized, which makes handheld shooting much easier.

Optically, the lens delivers excellent sharpness from maximum aperture, and it holds up well down to f/8. Vignetting is almost nonexistent at f/2.8 and disappears completely once you stop down slightly. Chromatic aberrations and distortion are well controlled. As for rendering, the bokeh is soft and pleasant.

All in all, this Panasonic Micro 4/3 macro lens has several strong points: its build quality, its stabilization, and its impressive optical performance. Considering all these qualities, I think the price is quite reasonable. It’s a very good lens for macro photography enthusiasts.

Introduced in 2009, the Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 Mega OIS is a prime lens that is very well suited to macro photography. This compact lens offers a full-frame equivalent focal length of 90mm.

Its build quality is excellent: made entirely of metal, it feels sturdy and has a beautiful finish. The manual focus ring is smooth and easy to use. It’s ideal for macro photography, with a minimum focusing distance of 15 cm and a 1:1 magnification ratio.

In terms of performance, sharpness is good but not perfectly even: it is excellent in the center from f/2.8, while the edges are softer at wide apertures. Stopping down makes the image more uniform. As for optical flaws, vignetting remains moderate and disappears at f/5.6. Distortion is invisible, and chromatic aberrations are well controlled. The bokeh, often praised for its quality, is very smooth and pleasant.

In conclusion, this high-quality macro lens is ideal for both close-up and portrait photography. Its excellent build quality and effective stabilization are among its main strengths. On the downside, as you might expect, this lens doesn’t come cheap.

Available since February 2023, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO is the longest telephoto option among the Micro 4/3 macro lenses in this selection. Its focal length is equivalent to 180mm on full frame, as was the case with some Canon DSLR lenses at the time. With a maximum magnification ratio of 2x, it also offers a very short focusing distance of 22 cm.

It is made from metal and polycarbonate, which makes it both sturdy and relatively light. Its optical formula includes 18 elements in 13 groups, with Super ED, ED, HR, and Super HR elements. On top of that, this lens is weather-sealed, stabilized with Sync IS, and equipped with fast, efficient autofocus.

Performance is impressive, especially in the center of the frame at f/3.5. Edge sharpness remains good, although it is a little lower than in the center. Chromatic aberrations are practically nonexistent, and distortion is absent. Vignetting is very slight at maximum aperture and becomes invisible from f/5.6. Finally, the bokeh is pleasant, with nice transitions between planes of focus.

In conclusion, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 90 mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO is an excellent lens. However, I wouldn’t recommend it to beginners, as it is a little harder to handle than the previous lenses. It is also expensive, but it can be a very good investment.

Let’s now move on to Micro 4/3 macro lenses with manual focus. I’ve chosen what I consider to be some of the best options for macro photography, and I’m going to introduce three of them here. Of course, there are others, especially from Meike, Pergear, TTArtisan, and Mitakon Zhongyi. But it’s worth keeping in mind that they don’t always have the strongest reputation and can be harder to find. That’s why I’ve decided not to cover them in detail here.

To begin with, I suggest taking a look at the table below, which summarizes the key features of the three lenses I’m about to discuss. It should give you a clear overview at a glance.

You can go directly to the lens of your choice by clicking on it:

• Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro
• 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 II V2 Macro
• Samyang 100mm f/2.8 ED UMC Macro

Announced in 2021, the Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is clearly the best of the three lenses featured in this section, and it’s easy to see why. Its 2:1 magnification ratio lets you capture very detailed images. It’s compact, fairly light (240g), and still reasonably sized.

In terms of build quality, this lens is made of metal and has a carefully finished design. It also has a precise manual focus ring. The lens uses an APO design, which is excellent for reducing chromatic aberrations. However, it is not stabilized, which may be a drawback for macro photography.

Unsurprisingly, the lens performs well and is easy to use. Sharpness is particularly good at maximum aperture and in the center, although the edges are a little softer. Optical flaws such as vignetting and distortion are well controlled. Vignetting, visible at f/2.8, disappears at f/4. Chromatic aberrations are practically nonexistent. As for rendering, the bokeh is smooth and pleasant.

In conclusion, the Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is one of the most powerful lenses for macro photography. Its magnification ratio is far higher than most Micro 4/3 macro lenses. Better still, it remains very affordable. In my opinion, it offers excellent value for money. If you’re looking for a quality macro lens, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

The 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro II V2, released in March 2022, is an improved version of its predecessor. It stands out among Micro 4/3 macro lenses thanks to its solid construction and affordable price. Its length and weight also remain perfectly reasonable.

This lens is made entirely of metal, which makes it robust and durable. It has a smooth, easy-to-use manual focus ring. Its minimum focusing distance of 13.5 cm is a real advantage for macro photography.

The optical quality of this lens is excellent. Sharpness is very good from f/5.6, with good consistency from the center to the edges. It also offers a 1:1 magnification ratio. As for optical flaws, chromatic aberrations are slightly visible at maximum aperture but disappear from f/8. Vignetting is present but decreases from f/4, and distortion is practically nonexistent. Finally, thanks to the 9 aperture blades, the bokeh is quite soft and pleasant.

In conclusion, the 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro II V2 is a good lens if you want to try macro photography at a reasonable price. If you don’t mind the lack of autofocus, it’s a solid option for both you and your wallet.

Available since 2015, the Samyang 100mm f/2.8 ED UMC Macro is positioned as a versatile lens for portrait and macro photography. It offers an f/2.8 aperture and 1:1 magnification. It’s worth remembering that it is available for several mounts: Canon, Nikon, Sony E, and Micro 4/3. Its dimensions are compact yet well balanced.

The lens is made of plastic and metal, making it sturdy without being too heavy. Its optical formula includes 15 elements in 12 groups, with ED lenses and UMC multi-coating. Its minimum focusing distance of 30cm is a real plus. It has a 67mm filter diameter and a circular hood to help limit stray light.

Performance is excellent, with very good center sharpness at f/2.8, even if the edges are not quite as sharp. For the best image quality, the lens should be stopped down between f/5.6 and f/8. As for optical flaws, chromatic aberrations are well controlled, vignetting is visible at f/2.8 but disappears from f/5.6, and distortion is almost nonexistent. Finally, the bokeh is soft and pleasing, creating images with smooth transitions.

In conclusion, the Samyang 100mm f/2.8 ED UMC Macro is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a good-quality manual macro lens. It delivers sharp results with pleasing bokeh and controls chromatic aberrations well. However, it is more expensive than some of its competitors, some of which offer autofocus and image stabilization. The choice is yours.

That’s it for this article on Micro 4/3 macro lenses. I hope it has helped you in your search and that you’ve found the lens that best fits your needs. I’d also like to take this opportunity to say that I’ll be writing more about this mount in the future.

In the meantime, I invite you to read our full guide to macro lenses, which will help you dive deeper into this rather specific field.

See you soon,

Written by Sylvain PONS

I've been passionate about photography since 2010, learning as I went along. Today, I dedicate myself to guiding others in their choice of camera gear and sharing a variety of tips to improve their photography skills.

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