OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90 mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO review - Introduction

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90 mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO

8 February 2023

Maciej Latałło

1. Introduction

Macro photography possibilities have always been one of the biggest assets of the Micro 4/3 system. We mean here not only depth of field but also other new, interesting functions, introduced in different cameras that have been developed. It's enough you mention here the focus stacking technique, a function available from the camera menu level as long as you own a body of that system.

Still, you have to admit that, for a system simply created for macrophotography, the number of macro lenses has been hardly impressive. Four instruments – two produced by Olympus, two by Panasonic – that was all. The following chart presents their basic parameters.

The lack of a lens with a longer focal length was especially conspicuous. After all, in case of full frame you get 150-180 mm macro instruments, and in the Micro 4/3 system the longest focal length featured the M.Zuiko Digital 60 mm f/2.8 ED Macro, an equivalent of a 120 mm full frame lens.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90 mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO - Introduction

In February 2023 this situation changed as OM Digital Solutions presented their new macro instrument in a form of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 90 mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO.

It has several outstainding features. First the 2:1 mapping scale; second, the scale can be even enhanced as the lens is compatible with MC-14 and MC-20 teleconverters. Thirdly, the lens is equipped with optical image stabilization that, along with the camera's stabilization unit, might be as effective as even 7 EV. It is supposed to allow focus stacking even if you shoot freehand. Fourthly, the lens's physical dimensions and weight are moderate and its casing fullfils the IP53 standard so is dust and splash-proof.

Courtesy of the Polish OM Digital Solutions subsidiary the final version of the new lens with the MC-20 teleconverter was sent to our office before its official launch. We could test it thoroughly and now our impressions can be found in the following chapters. Enjoy!

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