Buy the Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System. on http://www.adorama.com Print This PagePrint This Page
Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System. image
 
(based on 17 ratings)
Brand: Olympus
Located in: Cameras & Lenses, Lenses & Accessories, 35mm & Digital SLR Lenses
Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.
Review Snapshot®
Avg. Customer Rating:
 
4.5 stars
(based on 17 reviews)
100% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Describe Yourself:
Enthusiast(7), Photo enthusiast(3)
Pros:
Consistent output(10), Durable(8), Easily interchangeable(10), Fast / accurate auto-focus(10), Lightweight(16)
Cons:
Poor in low light(3)
Best Uses:
General purpose(4), Macro(5), Macro photography(4), Portraits(6)
 
Super sharp!
By BiggreydogVerified Purchaser from Detroit on 10/8/2010
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight, Super sharp
Cons:
Poor in Low Light
Best Uses:
General outdoor use, Landscape/Scenery, Macro Photography
Describe Yourself:
Photo Enthusiast
Was this a gift?:
No
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

Got this lens for pictures of flowers and insects, and for items I sell on the famous auction site. Works perfectly for those things, but it turns out it's a great "walking-around" lens too.
Super sharp, fast focusing in good light (although I use manual focus for macro)
Equivalent to a 70mm lens on 35mm, I've used it for portraits, too.
It's slightly bigger than I expected, about the same size as the kit zoom when retracted.
Great value for the money.

 
Amazing Macro, Bokeh and value for f3.5
By JoelVerified Purchaser from Durham, NC on 9/20/2010
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight, Nice Bokeh
Cons:
Not great under live view
Best Uses:
Macro Photography, Portraits, Weddings/Events
Describe Yourself:
Photo Enthusiast
Was this a gift?:
No
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

I bought this to take macro shots since even the Oly 40-150mm kit lens with my e620 couldn't get that close. It absolutely delivers in this front. Even at f3.5, depth of field is very, very shallow and it is sharpest wide open. Even at a relatively small f3.5, DoF can be too thin for macro subjects. The fly-by-wire manual focus feels the best of any of my lenses (25mm Zuiko pancake, the two kit lenses and the 9-18mm Zuiko), and with it I can focus a bit closer than the AF. The ability to tweak and override the AF is key for any macro. There is very little vignetting, distortion or chromatic abberation too. Focusing speed is actually decent if not whip-fast. Sometimes it will hunt through it's range to lock focus, but it funds focus pretty consistently. Only times have trouble getting focus lock is when it's dark or too close to the subject.

I was also pleasantly surprised that this makes for a decent portrait lens. The 70mm full frame equivalent focal length isn't ideal portrait, but it's close enough to not notice or distort your subject. Bokeh is very smooth and the lens has a circular aperture diaphragm. It obviously won't be as good as an 85mm (full frame) f2, but unless it's quite dark, you won't notice. You'll probably have a good bounce flash anyway. ;-)

My only criticisms are that it doesn't seem to use the CD-AF autofocus that the live view mode normally uses. Also, when in live mode, it can take a lot longer to cycle through its focus. I rarely use live view anyway, particularly for portraits and macros.

 
35mm Macro lens
By BigSteveVerified Purchaser from Carmichaels,Pa. on 8/13/2010
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight, Nice Bokeh, Rugged
Cons:
Poor in Low Light
Best Uses:
Landscape/Scenery, Macro Photography
Describe Yourself:
Photo Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

I think for the price this is a very nice lens,was surprised it was so good for the price-sharp-great for macro work-takes nice portraits also so a useful lens...sure you can buy better lenses but for a lot of people this more than enough.

Images shared by: BigSteve

First day got it not knowing it yet.

Image Thumbnail

Tags: Made with Product

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Nice Lens, but NOT ED Glass
By stevenVerified Reviewer from Virginia on 7/26/2010
Pros:
Consistent Output, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Macro Photography
Describe Yourself:
Pro Photographer
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

nice for the money.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Glad I bought this lens
By BillVerified Purchaser from Reading, PA on 8/19/2009
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight, Quick Focus, Sharp Focus
Cons:
Still looking for one
Best Uses:
Excellent macro lens
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

This lens performs as described by olympus. Have
had very good results.

 
Perfect for the money!
By kizzyVerified Purchaser from Celina, Ohio on 8/9/2009
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Lightweight, Quick Focus, Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction
Best Uses:
General Use, Upgrade
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

Looked to add a macro to my small arsenal of lenses. Can't afford the higher end lenses. With a little research, I found plenty to suggest that this was a great lens for the price. Besides the price, I especially like how lightweight the lens is. It is easy to attach and takes quality photos. Sure you have to get up close for your macros, but what can you expect from a budget lens. I'd buy it again without hesitation.

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
good lens
By aladoreVerified Purchaser from birmingham, alabama on 8/9/2009
Describe Yourself:
Getting started
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight
Cons:
Slow Focus
Best Uses:
General Use, Landscape Photography
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

It is convenient to mount and to take off. I have enjoyed it so far.

 
Fantastic!
By CameramanVerified Purchaser from Central Vermont on 5/30/2009
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Pros:
Lightweight, Quick Focus, Sharp Focus
Best Uses:
Macro, Macro nature
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

Great for macro nature photography!

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Superior sharpness
By ChrisVerified Reviewer from Madison, WI on 4/1/2009
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Pros:
Lightweight, Sharp Focus
Best Uses:
Nature Photography, Special Effects, Wildlife
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

When you first open the package, you realize there is not a lot of glass in this lens. Size is not everything, however, as the small, heavily recessed elements produce extremely sharp images. The autofocus is slow when switching from distant objects to very close ones, but is reasonably fast with smaller changes in distance. For 1:1 macro, it has a working distance of about 2" from the front of the lens(which itself also extends about an inch). Autofocus tends to be jumpy at 1:1 macro, so you're better off leaving it on manual focus in many situations. Metal lens mount, plastic construction, very lightweight. For the price, it's not pro-grade, but excellent nonetheless.

Images shared by: Chris

Crop of a Hemlock needle.

Image Thumbnail

Image Thumbnail

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Very sharp lens for a low cost
By SithTracyVerified Purchaser from Trevor, WI on 3/20/2008
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight, Sharp Focus
Best Uses:
Macro, Portraits
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

Great lens for the price... sure, I would prefer the Zuiko ED 50mm Macro (and I will purchase it when the funds are accessible), but I will be keeping this lens too. This works great for those close up 1:1 needs.... and I love it for candid photos of my kids.

[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

 
Excellent Little Gem - A Must Have
By Simon in SydneyVerified Reviewer from Sydney, Australia on 12/23/2007
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight, Rugged, Sharp Focus
Best Uses:
General Use, Portraits
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

This lens is compact and light - excellent for travel photography. It is very sharp. For the price it is worth every cent. As a prime lens it is sharper than the kit lens. I love the picture that I take with this lens. There is more scope to explore with macro-photography.

Well done Olympus you have another winner. I keep it on my E-510 all the time.

[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

 
Great lens for the the price
By Jack Fate from California Foothills on 8/11/2007
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Pros:
Consistent Output, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight, Sharp Focus
Best Uses:
Plant and flower macros
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

For the money you cannot beat this lens. Olympus came out with a winner with this one. Although it leaves too little working distance to be used as a lens for photographing insects, it is great for macros of plants. It can also be used as an excellent general use 35mm prime. I think this lens rates as the sharpest lens for the money that I have ever purchased. It is currently one of my most used lens. I would highly recommend this lens to any Oly system user.

[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

 
Great once you get used to it
By dbrackstVerified Purchaser from Memphis, TN on 7/11/2007
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Pros:
Clean Image, Easily Interchangeable, Inexpensive, Lightweight
Cons:
Can be Difficult to Focus, Slow Focus, VERY Shallow Macro DOF
Best Uses:
General Use, Macro, Portraits
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

Very nice lens for just walking around. So light and small. A wonderful complement to my E-500. It took me a while to get used to the depth of field in macro shots, but that's probably just me. When you get really close, even a small movement throws things out of focus, so taking shots of things that move in the wind can be infuriating.

Speaking of going out of focus, the auto-focus can be slow and a bit unpredictable. Definitely better used as either AF-MF or just MF.

That being said, I have gotten some really great pictures with it. Crisp images from an inexpensive lens; what more can you ask for?

I have attached one image that shows the really small depth of field, and another that shows some of the crispness.

Images shared by: dbrackst

Only one tiny area is in focus.

Image Thumbnail

Tags: Made with Product

The whole thing is in focus.

Image Thumbnail

Tags: Made with Product

[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
my first ever macro
By StuVerified Purchaser from Louisville, Ky. on 3/27/2007
Pros:
Easily Accessible Controls, Easily Mounted, Lightweight, Strong Construction
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Best Uses:
Landscapes, Portraits, Travel
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

Great lens for what it does, only wish I could get closer. I think I should have bought at least a 100mm macro instead, now looking for an extender

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Very Hi Quality lens and a great price.
By johnVerified Purchaser from Arroyo Grande, Ca on 2/12/2007
Pros:
Hi Quality, Strong Construction
Cons:
Built in flash blocked, With extreme closeups
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Best Uses:
Art, Macro, Photojournalism
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

Extreme quality and affordable. I can not afford most of their lenses. But this one is a keeper and pristine pictures are the result with high resolution all the way.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Excellent lens
By WolfeyeVerified Purchaser from Iowa on 2/12/2007
Pros:
Clear Glass, Lightweight
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Best Uses:
Fun, Nature macros
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

This lens is one of the best values in macro photography available today. The only drawback is that at 35mm you need to get close to your subject, which can be a problem with small, mobile objects such as insects. I'd have shown a sample image but the software to do so is nonfunctional.

[5 of 5 customers found this review helpful]

 
Excellent macro and general lens
By TristanVerified Purchaser from Berkeley, CA on 2/5/2007
Pros:
Clear Glass, Lightweight, Sharp
Cons:
Slow focus in low light
Best Uses:
Art, Fun, Macro, Portraits, Travel
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Olympus Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital (1:1) Macro Lens for the E Digital SLR System.:

I used this lens on the E-500 for about two months, in all sorts of situations, not just macro. It became my general walkabout lens because it is so darn LIGHT it will blow your mind away. The E-500 with this lens is easy to take anywhere and throw around your shoulder, you hardly notice the weight. The focal length (70mm equivalent) is not bad for everyday use; it's a little on the telephoto side, but it works for portraits, narrow landscapes, people, and of course, macros.

This lens is SHARP, most likely as sharp as the 50mm (which I've tried but haven't used extensively). Macros can be beautiful with excellent bokeh and depth of field, but you have to get close for full 1:1 magnification.

Downsides are focus in non-macro situations and in low light -- this lens hunts all over the place, from infinite to 1:1 and back (and still might not find it). You have to hit those contrast edges and know what you're doing, and resort to manual focus sometimes. This is only in LOW light, if there's any good contrast available it focuses quickly and silently, no problem. This is just what you get for such a great value lens, the max aperture is only f/3.5 and there's no focus limiter, so what do you expect? ;-) It's really great other than those manageable situations.

All around a great lens for almost every use. You'll learn a lot from using a prime (fixed focal length) lens, you'll move around a lot more to fit shots into the frame and think about the shot more in the process. You'll get an idea of exactly what your lens will see before you even look through the viewfinder. It's really great, and this lens is so versatile and cheap that it's a no-brainer.

Images shared by: Tristan

Mainly to show quality of bokeh,1/800 f/3.5

Image Thumbnail

Tags: Made with Product

Great for all types of shots! 1/400 f/6.3

Image Thumbnail

Tags: Made with Product

Powered by PowerReviews
Copyright © 2011 Adorama All Rights Reserved. Do not republish contents.