Best macro micro 4/3 lenses

You may have noticed some big changes to the photography section of the blog recently. If you haven’t already, we’ve updated the lens and camera listings pages, including the one for all the current micro 4/3 lenses. To help you choose the right lens for you, we’ve added a host of new features including weight, dimensions, minimum focusing distance and more!

It’s also the reason why I’ve decided to return to writing articles dedicated to specific brands and mount. So today I’m going to talk in detail about micro 4/3 macro lenses. The main brands are Panasonic, Olympus and OM System (the brand that recently bought Olympus) for those with autofocus and other third party brands that offer manual focus options.

I’ve written very little about this mount, apart from the article I wrote with Alex a while back on the best Micro 4/3 lenses (I’ll update it soon, I promise). Today’s article will be rather short, because there aren’t many macro lenses for the Micro 4/3 mount. Even more so if you only choose lenses with autofocus. But when it comes to macro photography, this is not a requirement at all. In fact, we tend to use manual focus lenses for greater precision. But even if you include them, the choice remains very limited.

As I have already mentioned, at the time of writing there are only five Micro 4/3 macro lenses with autofocus on the market. I’ve put together a comparison table showing all the features of these five lenses to help you get started. In my opinion, it’s a good way to compare important factors such as weight, dimensions, focus distance and magnification factor!

You can go directly to the lens you are interested in by clicking on the link 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 have already mentioned, the Olympus brand has recently been taken over by OM System. I think it will become increasingly difficult to find the two Olympus macro lenses for Micro 4/3: the 30mm and the 60mm. However, I think that OM System will certainly renew them. This is what the brand has already done for many lenses dedicated to the Micro 4/3 mount (for example, telephoto lenses).

As a photographer, I know that the first thing we tend to do is look at the minimum focusing distance of a macro lens, but I’d advise you to make sure you compare all the aspects. Relying on this parameter alone isn’t enough to judge your ability to get close to your subject. Remember that the minimum focusing distance is measured from the sensor, not the front lens.

The most affordable Micro 4/3 option is the Olympus M.Zuiko Premium 30mm f/3.5 Macro ED, which was released in October 2017. It’s the shortest focal length for this mount, with a focal length equivalent to 60mm in full frame. Its dimensions make it a light, compact lens.

In terms of build construction, it is made from high quality plastic, which ensures that it is lightweight. There are 7 elements in the lens, divided into 6 groups, including an aspherical ED lens and a DSA lens. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 and a filter diameter of 46mm. This gives a maximum magnification of over 1:1 (1.25x) and a minimum focus of 9.5cm (which is very short). However, the lens has no image stabilisation and is not tropicalised.

Regarding optical performance, the lens offers excellent central sharpness between f/3.5 and f/11. The edges are also of good quality, albeit a little slower. As for optical imperfections, chromatic aberration and distortion are practically non-existent, while vignetting is well under control. Finally, the bokeh is soft and creamy.

In conclusion, this Olympus macro lens is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a compact, high-performance and versatile lens. Indeed, its optical quality and affordable price are its main strengths. It is perfect for portrait or product photography, whether in the studio or on location.

Released in 2012 ( yeah, that’s not recent!), the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro has long since established itself as the reference for Micro 4/3 macro lenses at Olympus. It offers a full-frame equivalent focal length of 120mm. This corresponds to the classic focal length for macro photography (100mm). The lens is easy to transport thanks to its moderate weight and length.

Made of fairly robust plastic, this lens is tropicalised. With a filter diameter of 46mm, it has 7 elements in 5 groups, including one ED lens. The lens does not have image stabilisation, but Olympus and OM system cameras do. So there’s no problem there.

In terms of optical performance, mid-range sharpness is good from f/2.8 and remains constant up to f/5.6. There is a slight loss of sharpness at f/8, but this remains acceptable up to f/11. Chromatic aberration and distortion are well controlled. However, there is some vignetting at full aperture, which disappears as soon as the aperture is closed. Bokeh is pleasant, even if it lacks a little smoothness.

In conclusion, this lens remains a safe bet for macro and portrait photography, alongside the (newer) 90mm from OM System. There’s nothing to complain about in terms of optical performance: it delivers good quality results. What’s more, it offers excellent value for money. In short, it’s a worthwhile investment!

Introduced in February 2015, the Lumix 30mm f/2.8 Macro is a focal length that is also suitable for macro photography. This lens stands out due to its size and weight, which makes it compatible with camera bodies such as the Lumix G9 II and the Lumix GH7. This lens is suitable for both amateur and professional photographers, with a minimum focusing distance of 10 cm and a 1:1 magnification.

Although it’s not tropicalised, it’s built to a high standard: slim and sturdy, with a precise manual focusing ring. However, there is no button to switch between the different modes of the autofocus system. Note that the lens is stabilised, which makes handheld shooting much easier.

In terms of optical performance, the lens offers an excellent level of sharpness right from the full aperture, which is maintained all the way down to f/8. Vignetting is almost non-existent at f/2.8. It disappears completely when the aperture is slightly closed. Chromatic aberrations and distortion are well under control. In terms of rendering, the bokeh is soft and pleasant.

To sum up, this Panasonic Micro 4/3 macro lens has a number of strong points: its build quality, its stabilisation and its remarkable optical performance. Considering all these qualities, I think the price is quite reasonable. This lens is perfect 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 perfectly suited for macro photography. In fact, this compact lens offers a focal length equivalent to a full-frame 90mm.

The quality of its construction is excellent: made entirely of metal, it is sturdy and has a beautiful finish. The manual focusing ring is smooth and easy to use. It’s ideal for macro photography, with a minimum focusing distance of 15 cm and a magnification ratio of 1:2.

In terms of performance, the sharpness is good but not uniform: it is excellent in the center from f/2.8, while the edges are less sharp at wide apertures. Closing the aperture 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 under control. The bokeh, which is renowned for its quality, is really smooth and pleasant.

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

Available from February 2023, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO is the longest telephoto lens for the Micro 4/3 mount. Its focal length is equivalent to 180mm in full frame ( as it was for some Canon DSLRs at the time). With a maximum magnification ratio of x2, the lens has a very short focusing distance (22 cm).

It’s made of metal and polycarbonate, making it strong yet light. Its optical formula comprises 18 elements in 13 groups, including Super ED, ED, HR and Super HR elements. What’s more, this lens is tropicalised, stabilised (Sync IS) and equipped with a fast, efficient autofocus.

In terms of performance, the sharpness is impressive, especially in the middle of the frame at f/3.5. Edge sharpness remains good, although a little less than in the center. Chromatic aberrations are practically non-existent and there are no distortions. Vignetting, which is very slight at full aperture, becomes invisible from f/5.6. Finally, the bokeh is pleasant, creating nice transitions between shots.

In conclusion, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 90 mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO is an exceptionally good lens. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners, as it’s a little harder to get to grips with than previous lenses. It’s also an expensive lens, but a good investment.

Let us now move on to Micro 4/3 macro lenses with manual focus. I’ve chosen what I think are the best lenses for macro photography. So I’m going to introduce you to three of them! Of course there are others, notably from Meike, Pergear, TTArtisan and Mitakon Zhongyi. But it’s important to remember that they don’t always have a good reputation, and they’re not easy to find. That’s why I’ve decided not to go into detail about them here.

As a first step, I suggest you take a look at the table below, which summarises all the key features of the three lenses I’m about to discuss. I think you’ll get a good idea 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 I’m going to feature in this section, and it’s easy to see why. Its magnification ratio of 2:1 means that you will be able to take very detailed pictures. It’s compact and quite light (240g), and its dimensions remain reasonable.

In terms of build construction, this lens is made of metal with a meticulous finish. It has a precise manual focus ring. The lens has APO coatings, which are excellent at reducing chromatic aberrations. However, it is not stabilised, which may be disappointing for macro photography.

Unsurprisingly, the lens performs well and is easy to use. Sharpness is particularly good at full aperture and in the centre, although the edges are a little less sharp. Optical flaws such as vignetting and distortion are well under control. Vignetting, visible at f/2.8, disappears at f/4. Chromatic aberrations are practically non-existent. In terms of 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 superior to most macro lenses for Micro 4/3. What’s more, it’s still very affordable. In my opinion, it offers excellent value for money. In my opinion, if you are looking for a quality macro lens, you won’t 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 from other Macro Micro 4/3 lenses with its quality construction and affordable price. Its length and weight remain perfectly acceptable.

This lens is made entirely of metal, making 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 plus for macro photography.

The optical quality of this lens is excellent. Sharpness is very good from f/5.6, with good uniformity from the centre to the edges. It has a 1:1 magnification ratio. In terms of optical flaws, chromatic aberrations are slightly visible at full aperture, but disappear from f/8. Vignetting is present but diminishes from f/4 and distortion is practically non-existent. 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 your hand at macro photography at a reasonable price. If you don’t mind the lack of autofocus, this lens is a good option for 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 a f/2.8 aperture and a 1:1 magnification. Let us remind you that it is available for several mounts: Canon, Nikon, Sony E and Micro 4/3. Its dimensions are compact but well balanced.

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

On the performance side, the sharpness of the lens is excellent, with excellent centre sharpness at f/2.8, even if the edges are not so 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 under control, vignetting is visible at f/2.8 but disappears from f/5.6 and distortion is almost non-existent. Finally, the bokeh is soft and aesthetically 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 renderings 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 stabilisation. 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 have found the one that meets your expectations! I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you 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 allow you to delve deeper into this rather special 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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