Best Macro Lenses for Micro Four Thirds Cameras: Top Picks for 2024

Editor’s Key Takeaways: Top Macro Lenses for Micro Four Thirds Cameras

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 Mirrorless Camera with 35-100 Vario Lumix G Telephoto Lens

This macro photography guide focuses on the best lenses for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras, which are renowned for their compact size and versatility. Featuring high-quality, high-magnification optics, these lenses are ideal for capturing detailed close-ups.

  • Considerations: Focal length, maximum aperture, build quality, camera compatibility, and image stabilization.
  • OM SYSTEM 90mm Macro Lens: Offers 2x magnification and 5-axis sync IS tech for sharp handheld shots. It’s weather-sealed (IP53) but a bit heavier and pricier.
  • Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm/F2.8 ASPH with MEGA OIS: Known for superb image quality, stabilization, and a versatile focal length. Minor downside: slower auto-focus.
  • Olympus 60mm Macro Lens: Features a 1:1 magnification ratio and a weather-sealed, lightweight design. Fantastic for various macro subjects.
  • Panasonic LUMIX G Macro Lens: Offers brilliant sharpness at an affordable price, with a compact and light build. Ideal for beginners.
  • Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens: Provides an impressive 2.5x magnification and great image quality. Perfect for those on a budget.

Overall, choosing the right macro lens involves balancing factors like focal length and budget. Each lens here offers unique benefits to elevate your MFT macro photography.

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Introduction

Macro photography unveils intricate details of tiny subjects, and the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera system, known for its compact size and versatility, is perfect for this genre. Macro lenses for MFT cameras allow photographers to capture close-up phenomena with remarkable precision. These lenses deliver high-quality, high-magnification images, making them essential for both professionals and hobbyists.

When choosing a macro lens for an MFT camera, consider the focal length, maximum aperture, and build quality. The focal length affects your working distance from the subject, the maximum aperture improves low-light performance and bokeh, and robust build quality ensures durability. Compatibility with your camera model and features like image stabilization are also important factors.

The right macro lens can significantly enhance your photography. Let’s explore our top picks to help you make an informed choice.

1. OM SYSTEM 90mm Macro Lens

OM SYSTEM 90mm Macro Lens

This lens is an exceptional choice for those serious about macro photography with Micro Four Thirds cameras.

Pros
Superb magnification capabilities
Excellent image stabilization
Durable build with weather-sealing
Cons
Pricey for budget-conscious photographers
Slightly heavy for extended handheld use
Limited to Micro Four Thirds mount

The No products found. offers a native 2x magnification, making it ideal for capturing intricate details that are often missed by the naked eye. Its 5-axis sync IS technology ensures that your handheld shots remain sharp even at high magnifications.

In addition to its impressive optical performance, the lens is built to last. The IP53 weather-sealing means you can take it outdoors without worrying about the elements. Whether you’re shooting insects, plants, or minute textures, this lens is designed to meet your needs.

Despite its excellent features, some may find the price steep. The lens also adds some weight to your gear, which might be a drawback for those who prefer lighter setups. Nonetheless, for those dedicated to macro photography, this lens is well worth the investment.

This versatile macro lens is ideal for those wanting sharp, detailed close-ups with their micro four thirds camera.

2. Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm/F2.8 ASPH Lens with MEGA OIS

Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm/F2.8 ASPH Lens with MEGA OIS

This versatile macro lens is ideal for those wanting sharp, detailed close-ups with their micro four thirds camera.

Pros
Exceptional image quality with sharp, detailed close-ups
Built-in image stabilizer for smooth shots
Compact and lightweight design
Cons
Relatively high price point
Autofocus can be slow in low light
Slight learning curve for beginners

The Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm/F2.8 ASPH Lens with MEGA OIS stands out in the world of macro lenses for micro four thirds cameras. The standout feature is the impressive clarity and detail it offers. With the built-in image stabilizer, we experience less shake and more crisp photos. The compact build makes it portable and easy to handle.

Despite its benefits, the lens does have some downsides. It’s on the pricier side which might deter budget-conscious shoppers. Autofocusing can be sluggish when lighting conditions are not ideal, making it potentially frustrating in dim environments. Beginners might find there is a bit of a learning curve to get the most out of this lens.

Using this lens for both macro photography and portraits showcases its versatility. The combination of high-quality optics and stabilization makes it a strong contender for anyone serious about getting detailed, high-quality shots.

A stellar choice for anyone seeking a reliable macro lens for their Micro Four Thirds setup.

3. Olympus 60mm Macro Lens

Olympus 60mm Macro Lens

A stellar choice for anyone seeking a reliable macro lens for their Micro Four Thirds setup.

Pros
Excellent weatherproofing for outdoor shoots
Sharp detail reproduction thanks to 13 lens elements
Built-in working distance window
Cons
Autofocus can struggle in low light
A bit soft for distant landscapes
Focal length may be too tight for some situations

The Olympus 60mm Macro Lens offers robust weatherproofing, making it ideal for outdoor and field photography. Its construction includes 13 elements in 10 groups, providing excellent detail and clarity. The built-in working distance window is a convenient feature for confirming subject distance.

However, the autofocus can be less reliable in low-light conditions, which is something to consider if you often shoot under these circumstances. While sharp for macro work, the lens can be somewhat soft when capturing distant landscapes. The 60mm focal length may also feel restrictive for wider compositions.

Despite these minor drawbacks, this lens excels in macro photography, delivering stunning details and reliable performance. For those focused on capturing fine details, it remains a strong contender in the macro lens category.

An excellent choice for anyone seeking clarity and versatility in macro photography.

4. Panasonic LUMIX G Macro Lens

Panasonic LUMIX G Macro Lens

An excellent choice for anyone seeking clarity and versatility in macro photography.

Pros
Exceptional sharpness from edge to edge
Built-in Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS)
Compact and lightweight design
Cons
No lens hood included
Limited focal length for some applications
Autofocus may hunt in low light

The Panasonic LUMIX G Macro Lens stands out with its exceptional sharpness, ideal for capturing intricate details. Its built-in Optical Image Stabilizer helps reduce camera shake, ensuring clear images even when handheld. This makes it perfect for both static setups and spontaneous shoots.

Despite its strengths, the lens doesn’t include a lens hood, which can be a minor inconvenience for some users. Additionally, the 30mm focal length might not suit all subjects, limiting its application in certain scenarios. Lastly, while the autofocus is generally reliable, it may struggle in low-light conditions, a common challenge in macro photography.

Overall, this macro lens provides a great balance of performance and portability, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.

This lens is an excellent choice for macro photography enthusiasts looking for versatility and high magnification.

5. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Micro Four Thirds, Black Base

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Micro Four Thirds, Black Base

This lens is an excellent choice for macro photography enthusiasts looking for versatility and high magnification.

Pros
Exceptional image magnification
Lightweight and compact
Fast autofocus
Cons
Challenging compatibility with some Panasonic cameras
Limited low light performance due to aperture
Manual focus can be difficult at maximum magnification

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens delivers exceptional image quality, making it perfect for capturing all the tiny details. Its lightweight design makes it a breeze to carry around, which is ideal for outdoor shoots or travel. Pairing it with a Micro Four Thirds camera is sure to satisfy any macro photography needs.

Some users have noted issues mounting it on certain Panasonic cameras. This might require caution during fitting to avoid any potential damage. Also, achieving the optimal focus at its maximum magnification can be tricky, which may take some getting used to.

Despite these minor issues, the overall performance and value make this lens a top contender for anyone venturing into macro photography. Whether for close-up nature shots or intricate details, this lens has a lot to offer.

Buying Guide

When selecting a macro lens for micro four thirds cameras, we need to consider several key features to ensure we make the best purchase.

Focal Length:

Macro lenses with focal lengths between 30mm and 60mm are ideal. A longer focal length, like 90mm or more, offers more working distance between the lens and the subject.

Aperture:

A wide maximum aperture, such as f/2.8, allows more light into the lens and creates a shallow depth of field. This is crucial for capturing detailed macro shots with a nicely blurred background.

Magnification Ratio:

True macro lenses have a 1:1 magnification ratio. This ensures life-size reproduction of the subject on the sensor.

Image Stabilization:

Built-in image stabilization helps reduce camera shake. This is particularly useful when shooting handheld macro photography.

FeatureImportance
Focal LengthDetermines working distance
ApertureAffects light intake and depth of field
MagnificationEssential for life-size reproduction
Image StabilizationMinimizes blur from camera shake

Autofocus:

While manual focus is often preferred in macro photography, a reliable autofocus system can be beneficial, especially in dynamic shooting conditions.

Build Quality:

Rugged and weather-sealed construction ensures durability and performance in various conditions.

Weight and Size: A side note: Compact and lightweight lenses make handling and portability easier, especially for outdoor photography.

Choosing the right macro lens depends on evaluating these features carefully.


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About the Author
Close-up portrait of Andreas De Rosi, founder of PhotoWorkout.com

Andreas, with a background in economics and marketing, heads PhotoWorkout's editorial team in Berlin. Starting his photography with film at 14, he's developed his craft through courses and hands-on experience, focusing on travel photography. Andreas blends academic and practical insights to shed light on the latest trends in photography. Connect with him on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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