Christmas Came Early – Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro Lens

I started using an Olympus E-PL1 about 2 years ago and switched up to an Olympus E-P3 about 6 months ago. As an avid hiker, I really appreciate the small form factor (which means less weight to haul up and down mountains), as well as the versatility of the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens that is my usual “walk around” lens.

But as an enthusiastic, amateur photographer who shots mostly in full “auto” mode, my biggest lament has been in terms of macro shots. Even when using the three different macro settings available in “Scene” mode I find it’s pretty much “hit and miss” when I’m trying to focus a macro shot.

Today, Christmas came early. Mr. GeoK and the GeoKids gave Santa a major helping hand when they placed the new 60mm f2.8 “Nature Macro Lens” on my desk. I barely took the time to put on my coat and gloves before heading outside for an initial test drive! The lens is quite light and much more reliably achieves auto focus, even from as close as 19 cm (approx. 8 inches).

After loading my first batch of jpgs into Lightroom, I quickly realized that I’m going to have to advance beyond fully auto shooting. After a quick read about “Program” mode, switching to S-AF with M for focusing and turning on the MF Assist, I headed back out for a second test drive.

Here are my best results…

I’m so excited! This new lens is going to prompt me to learn more about my E-P3 and to develop my photography skills. In fact, I think it’s time to bring back “Macro Monday”.