Official launch report for the new OM System m.Zuiko ED Digital 90mm f/3.5 IS Pro macro lens

[Ian]

I've prepared a fully-illustrated report in the magazine section of the site, here:

https://magazine.e-group.uk.net/pages/om-system-launches-the-m-zuiko-ed-digital-90mm-f-3-5-is-pro-macro-lens/

I also have a fair bit of info about the lens - so if you would like to ask any questions, I will do my best!

Ian

[rsh1960]

https://shop.olympus.eu/en_GB/new/m-...-link-90mm_pdp

[Dave in Wales]

Just 1.1cm more working distance over the 60mm at 1:1.

9.3cm to 8.2cm.

[rsh1960]

Review by RED35 on YouTube

[Snibbo]

And also one by Peter Forsgård.

[Ian]

Just 1.1cm more working distance over the 60mm at 1:1.

9.3cm to 8.2cm.

Not according to the OM System data I was given - the increase in working distance at 1:1 between the 90 and 60 is 6cm.

Ian

[Dave in Wales]

https://www.43rumors.com/additional-leaked-info-about-the-new-90mm-f-3-5-macro-is-pro/

[Ian]

But that's a rumour site. The official data provided to me by OM System is 0.19m for the 60 and 0.25m for 90 (subject to sensor plane).

[Ian]

I think you mean distance to the end of the lens - that might be true, but physics is physics - it will be similar for any comparable field of view macro lens.

[timboo]

Ouch £1299 price tag wow.

[Ian]

Yes, it's a very complex lens and more so than the 12-100 Pro which has a similar list price. But its specification and potential capabilities are quite amazing. It's also really targeted at nature macro in the field, in all weather conditions.

[timboo]

Looks very impressive, I can’t believe it is compatible with the MC 14/20 what a great inclusion. I’m sure the lens will do very well sales wise if other reviews of it concur with RED35. It’s certainly one of the more exciting lenses in the OM lineup.

[pdk42]

Expensive, but probably stellar. If you need this sort of lens it’s probably worth every penny.

[BDennis]

There is a hands on review here (via DPR, Google translated however)

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66845295

It looks to have some nice features. It takes the tripod mount from the 40-150mm f2.8 too.

Oh dear, this could be an expensive hobby…

Bill

[RedRobin]

I have just checked my 40-150mm F/2.8 and it has a substantial white metal pin fitted in the lens barrel.

I suppose that without a pin there is theoretically more risk of a lens falling out such as when walking around carrying it all mounted on a monopod over your shoulder - Something I often do!

But I think that if the OM were intending the option of adding a tripod mount they would have had alignment markings on the 90mm lens barrel - They are usually extremely thorough in their design considerations, typically Japanese. I might shoot off an email to OM to ask about a tripod mount < Job No.432!!

[RedRobin]

Bill,
Re a tripod mount, a link in the Japanese video you posted about the 90mm Macro is to a thirdparty tripod mount and it also has an Arca-Swiss profile :

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B088D4681W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_0AG60MN4PDKA9JWVCY2G

[Harold Gough]

I don't see any impressive sharpness in the sample images.

Harold

[Wreckdiver]

Got my order placed

[mikero]

The one thing I really want to know, which I've not so far seen, is how fast it will shoot a stack of images. (Not how fast the OM-1 will take to process a stacked jpeg.)

I like to shoot small insects in the field using focus bracketing, to be stacked later back at home. With the 60mm macro lens it takes several second to rattle through 40 frames, which often gives time for the insect to move either by changing position or due to air currents.

I'm hopeful that the 90mm macro will be much faster in working through the stack, giving much less opportunity for subject movement. Any thoughts on the speed of focus re-adjustments.

Thanks for any insights.

Mike

[Ian]

I will try to get an answer for you - the focusing is said to be faster.

[RedRobin]

Doesn't the speed of the card the images are being written to during onboard focus bracketing / stacking make a difference?

[mikero]

RedRobin Yes, but the buffer on the OM-1 holds 100ish RAW files so that wouldn't be an issue unless shooting more than about 100 frames (which would be unusual for me).

Mike

[Olybirder]

There is a good and balanced review of the lens by Chris on DPReview:

Ron

[BDennis]

The new macro lens looks good and some good info on it here. Did they have any other exciting announcements today? I've not had a chance to watch the whole Coffee / Clares video thing this morning.

[Walti]

Interesting that all the photos shown in that video are f8 or wider, he was saying that there is diffraction at smaller apertures but didn’t show it….

I want one but the price is too scary at the moment, so I’ll wait.

[Gerry]

The new macro lens looks good and some good info on it here. Did they have any other exciting announcements today? I've not had a chance to watch the whole Coffee / Clares video thing this morning.

There has been no mention of anything else "new and exciting" in the videos that I've seen. Also nothing new on the OM sites, not even an updated FW for any cameras that some had speculated on/hoped for.