A true macro prime, this lens has a magnification ratio of a full 1.0x or 1:1 at its shortest focus distance of 0.19m. In a nutshell, or other suitably small sized simile, this means that objects are reproduced on the image sensor at full life size.

This 60mm macro lens for micro four thirds cameras (either Olympus or Panasonic) is a 13 element optic that is optimised for close-up work and also performs as a medium telephoto prime. The film equivalent focal length it 120mm, making it ideal for portraiture and inconspicuous street photography.

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro ($499.99 direct) is a weather-sealed lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras that produces the field of view equivalent to a 120mm optic in full-frame photography. It can focus on objects as close as 7.4 inches, which allows for true 1:1 macro magnification.

Expensive; Soft edges at f/2.8

When Olympus introduced its M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens at Photokina 2012 it filled a gap in the Micro Four Thirds system lens line-up and will be welcomed by photographers who shoot close-ups.

Owners of Micro Four-Thirds systems don't have many dedicated options when it comes to taking pictures of things up uber close, but Olympus may have something for those individuals, in the shape of a 60mm macro lens.

Handling and features This telephoto macro lens for Micro Four Thirds system cameras from Olympus provides an angle of view equivalent to a 120mm lens used on a 35mm camera, has a silent MSC focusing motor and produces life size magnification at its closest focus distance.

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro ($499.99 direct)($499.99 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window) is a weather-sealed lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras that produces the field of view equivalent to a 120mm optic in full-frame photography. It can focus on objects as close as 7.4 inches, which allows for true 1:1 macro magnification. If the object you're shooting is one inch in length, the lens will project it onto the image sensor at the same one-inch length. The lens is a bit larger when compared with most Micro Four Thirds lenses, but its dust-proof and splash-proof design necessitates that its focus remain entirely internal—most macro lenses extend in length as you focus closer, this one does not. It measures 3.2 by 2.2 inches (HD) and weighs 6.5 ounces. There's a focus limiter switch on the barrel, so you can set the lens to focus at any distance, only on distant objects, only on close objects, or set it manually to its closest focusing distance. Our Experts Ha...

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro is a compact lens that allows you to bring tiny objects into sharp focus.

1:1 magnification; Minimal distortion; Tack-sharp at f/4; Focus limiter switch; Weather-resistant design

Expensive; Soft edges at f/2.8

The Olympus 60mm ƒ/2.8 lens offers a very light and portable macro solution, with excellent results for sharpness, and resistance to chromatic aberration, corner shading and distortion.

I find it odd that the lenstip review of this lens says "it has no competition in the micro 4/3 system, especially given the fact that lenstip reviewed the Panasonic Leica 45mm macro, which has been out for awhile, with equal praise for its sharpness and other qualities.

excellent across the board

none to speak of

The M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 use Olympus' new MSC AF focusing system. Unlike some other members of the species, the AF works both fast and silently. Manual focusing is "by-wire" rather than mechanically linked which may or may not be an annoyance for some.