I like to take macro shots and I've used for this purpose my birding lens (Zuiko Digital 70-300 mm and Zuiko Digital 50-200 mm SWD). These are long lens, so I have the usual problems: shallow DOF and a relative long minimum focus distance). I would try to use the 50 mm f2 (probably together with EC-14), because this lens have a minimum focus distance about 0,2 m. Any opinions about this lens? Maybe some shots too..
Hi Cristian, to cut a long story short I was planning to buy this lens last year but then saw a 35mm macro for half price in a local shop, so I bought that instead. With the EC-14 it gives 49mm, so very similar focal length, just with out the max aperture of F2. It's actually about F5 with the converter. I like the focussing speed but it struggles in low light, so I use manual focus.
I have no experience of the 50mm but reviews I've read indicate that it is optically as good or better than virtually any other macro on the market. I believe it does have some quirks with it's focussing, and no focus limiter (I think? can waste time going from minimum to infinity and back without this feature).
I haven't used the 35mm too much yet due to buying at the end of the summer last year, but from the results I've seen so far I can confirm it tales beautiful pictures. It also is useful as a portrait/walkabout lens as it is so small and light. You do need a very confiding subject with both Olympus macros (working distance of the 35mm/EC-14 is perhaps 10-20cm) and be aware that using the manual focus ring could further spook a wary subject. That said, before I bought an SLR I regularly shot butterflies and dragons at these close distances using a compact camera, with very good results. With good field craft all but the most skittish subjects can be approached very closely, but it does take care/patience.
As I see you are also looking into Canon, you could also consider the macro lenses in the 50mm, 60mm, 100mm, 150mm & 180mm focal lengths, both from Canon and Sigma, Tamron etc.
The Sigma 105 and 150 macros are both available for 4/3 cameras and might give you better working distance than the 50mm. Olympus also have a 100mm macro on their 'roadmap' but there is no sign of it coming out soon.
Hope this helps,
Steve
some 35mm/EC-14 shots:
Any further progress on the Canon gear yet?
