10 Exceptional Zuiko Lenses in Olympus OM Mount
Optimum optics for savvy Olympus 35mm SLR shooters
By Jason Schneider
When Yoshihisa Maitani, the world-renowned chief camera designer at Olympus, was creating his landmark Olympus OM-1 in the early ‘70s, he thought of it not merely as the world’s first ultra-compact full frame 35mm SLR, but as the cornerstone of a comprehensive pro-caliber system of photography that could go up against the likes of Nikon and Canon. As a true visionary who was, at the same time, a practical hands-on engineer, Maitani realized that the success of his ingenious world-class system hinged on creating a full line of high-performance Olympus OM lenses for what would eventually become the Olympus OM system of analog photography.
Olympus, like E. Leitz Wetzlar and Carl Zeiss before them, was a leading microscope maker long before they embarked on producing cameras—the company was founded in 1919 as a microscope and thermometer manufacturer and didn’t make their first camera, the Semi-Olympus l with the first Zuiko lens, until 1936. Their long experience in producing first rate optics for the extremely demanding scientific community certainly paid off when it came to creating the line of more than 60 world-class Zuiko OM lenses ranging from an 8mm f/2.8 Fisheye to a 1000mm f/11 super-telephoto. The line, which includes the 10 standouts featured here, remains one of the prime attractions of the exquisitely compact and competent Olympus OM system.
Normal 50mm lenses
Our top pick:
50mm f/1.4 G. Zuiko. This classic 7-element, 6-group Double Gauss formula lens is remarkably compact for a 50mm f/1.4 (though not as petite as the 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko), has an 8-bladed diaphragm, focuses down to 0.45cm (about 18 inches), performs creditably wide open and is extremely sharp starting at f/2 and improving at f/4 on down to f/11. It has very nice bokeh for a lens of this type, with extremely low levels of chromatic aberrations, and was in the top tier of 50mm f/1.4 lenses at its time of production, though not equal to the best current 50mm f/1.4s. Later multicoated versions labeled 50mm f/1.4 Zuiko (minus the G.) and often sporting an “MC “deliver crisper definition, especially wide open, but they’re generally more expensive. Price range: $75-$150
50mm f/1.4 G. Zuiko Auto-S, original non-multicoated version
50mm f/1.4 Zuiko Auto-S MC, later multicoated version
Alternatives
The standard 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko lens, by far the most common lens offered in Olympus OM mount, is very small and light, performs quite well at moderate apertures f/4-f/11 with some softness in the corners, and has good bokeh, especially at close distances. However, it’s not very sharp wide open, and early single coated examples tend to flare. Best news: It’s a bargain at $25-$50.
50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko Auto-S single coated version. Later Zuiko Auto S MC version (not shown is multicoated, less prone to flare.
The super-speed 7-element, 6-group 50mm f/1.2 Zuiko is a great choice for capturing vintage look bokeh at its widest apertures and for low light work It’s capable of very sharp imaging when stopped down and is much more compact and somewhat lighter than other 50mm f/1.2s but noticeably heftier than the 50mm f/1.4. The last version of this lens, with recessed front element and lens identification info on the outside of the barrel is said to offer better performance overall. Price range: $350-$550.
50mm f/1.2 Zuiko, original version.
50mm Macros
Our top pick:
50mm f/2 Zuiko Auto Macro. One of very few f/2 normal macro lenses in any system, this innovative 9-element 7-group masterpiece focuses down to 8.3 inches (half life-size) enabling compelling close-ups and also works well as a fast normal lens for general shooting. It delivers exceptional imaging performance over its entire range, capturing sharp, high-contrast images with vivid color saturation along with asttractive bokeh. Downsides: It’s fairly large for am OM System Zuiko, has a 6-bladed diaphragm, it was made in small quantities and it’s avidly sought by collectors and therefore quite pricey. Price range: $300-$500.
50mm f/2 Zuiko Macro is a great lens, but it's rare and pricey.
Our bargain pick:
50mm f/3.5 Zuiko Macro. This handy ultra-compact, lightweight normal macro employs a 5-element, 4-group design that yields sharp, contrasty images at normal distances, excellent image quality at around 1/10 life-size, and decent image quality at its minimum focus distance of 8 inches (half life-size). The multi-coated (MC) version has a little more snap, but it still doesn’t quite equal the brilliance of the 50mm f/2 Zuiko Auto Macro. Still, it’s a great walk-around lens for outdoor shooting, and it’s readily available at enticing prices. Price range: $60-$110.
50mm f/3.5 Zuiko Auto-Macro. It's very good, readily available, and affordable.
Ultra-wide-angle lens
Our pick:
21mm f/3.5 G. Zuiko Auto-W. This tiny jewel-like (1.2-inch long, 6.3 ounce) ultra-wide employs a 7-element, 7-group design that provides a minimum focus distance of just under 8 inches. It delivers sharp high-resolution images with excellent contrast even at maximum aperture, it’s beautifully made and finished, and it handles very well on camera. Downsides: it exhibits notable vignetting (illumination falloff toward the edges and corners of the field) that improves only marginally on stopping down, and has moderately high levels of barrel distortion, both common defects with ultra-wide-angle lenses. Also, its moderate aperture results in a viewing image that’s dimmer and somewhat harder to focus than that provided by faster lenses. Despite these deficiencies it’s a pleasure to use, especially for outdoor subjects in daylight, and it captures images of surpassing quality. The later multicoated version, the 21mm f/3.5 Zuiko (sans G.) is even better in terms of “clarity” and flare suppression, but it typically carries a premium price. Price range: $250-$400.
21mm f/3.5 Zuiko Auto-W, later multicoated version.
If price is no object:
21mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-W MC lens. This multicoated 11-element, 9-group masterpiece incorporates a floating-element design to achieve spectacular performance with minimal vignetting and distortion over its entire focusing range down to 7.9 inches. While it’s understandably somewhat larger and heavier than the truly tiny 21mm f/3.5 Zuiko, it’s still quite compact given its wide aperture. Apart from its size it’s superior to the 21mm f/3.5 in every respect--but it’s a collector’s prize that’s hard to find and breathtakingly expensive at about $3K per copy!
21mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-W: Perfection at a princely price.
Wide-angle lens
Our Pick:
28mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-W MC. This relatively compact (1.69-inch long) 9-element, 8-group high-speed wide angle focuses down to 11.8 inches for compelling close-ups. It’s quite sharp in the center even at its widest apertures, and extremely sharp from corner to corner when stopped down to f/5.6. It’s prized by many for its distinctive “bubble bokeh” (round bubble-like patterns in specular highlights) especially when it’s used for high contrast, backlit subjects. By all means favor the later multicoated version (marked MC) which is far less prone to flare when shooting against the light, but all versions perform commendably, have attractive bokeh, and provide a distinctive vintage rendition, especially at their widest apertures. Price range: $280-$400.
28mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-W MC multicoated version.
A unique high-speed semi-wide “pancake” Zuiko lens
40mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-S. This remarkable lens, a late multicoated addition to the Zuiko line, is the smallest, lightest, thinnest lens among all Olympus OM-mount primes. Technically, its 56-degree diagonal coverage makes it a semi-wide angle, which is ideal for street shooting and photojournalism, but it’s sometimes referred to as a normal lens because its focal length is close to the actual 43.3mm diagonal of the 24 x 36mm full frame 35mm format. This beautifully made 6-element, 6-group multicoated lens is a mere 1 inch long (hence the “pancake” designation), weighs in at a feather-light 4.9 ounces, and focuses down to 11.8 inches. Its performance is legendary—quite sharp even wide open with moderate falloff in the corners, and crisp, detailed capture with beautiful rendition across the entire field by f/4. Despite having a 6-bladed diaphragm that can result in “honeycomb” patterns in specular highlights, its bokeh is smooth and natural especially at its widest apertures, which facilitates the creative use of depth of field. And as you might expect, it balances and handles extremely well on camera. Indeed, the only real “problems” with this unique and outstanding lens are that it was made in limited quantities, the majority have been snapped up by avid collectors, and therefore it’s very hard to find and stunningly expensive. Price range: $800-$1,200.
40mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-S "pancake" lens is a collector's prize.
A pair of outstanding f/2 medium telephoto Zuiko lenses
85mm f/2 F. Zuiko Auto-T/ 85mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-T MC. Both the earlier and later MC (multicoated) versions of this lens are quite compact considering their specs, and both are capable of creditable performance and beautiful rendition. The earlier 85mm f/2 F. Zuiko Auto-T, a non-multicoated 6-element, 5 group design based on the Zeiss Sonnar, it’s a bit soft wide open, and more prone to flare, but some claim it’s better for portraiture due to its “classic Sonnar” rendition. The multicoated 85mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-T MC version is a more modern 5-element, 4-group design that’s sharper across the field at f/2, delivers images with higher contrast overall, and has better correction for chromatic aberrations. Note: All versions marked F. Zuiko are the older 6-element design, but not all multicoated versions are marked MC. The latter, all marked Zuiko Auto T without the F, can be identified by a greenish tint to the coating. Both 85s focus down to 33.5 inches for compelling headshots and have 6-bladed diaphragms. Price range: $325-$500 (all types).
85mm f/2 F. Zuiko Auto-T original non-multicoated version.
85mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-T MC later multicoated version.
100mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-T. This superb wide-aperture medium telephoto features a 7-element, 6-group design that delivers images with excellent resolution, sharpness, and contrast across the field at maximum aperture thanks in part to its superior correction for chromatic aberrations and its floating element design that achieves consistently high image quality at all focusing distances down to its impressively close minimum focusing distance of 27.6 inches (0.19x). This lens is also prized for its brilliant color rendition and beautifully smooth, natural bokeh, which is enhanced by an 8-bladed diaphragm. It’s a fairly hefty 100mm lens at 18.3 ounces, but it’s very well balanced on camera and measures a compact 2.83 inches in length. The dozen or so examples we’ve examined all appear to be multicoated but do not bear the MC designation. Unfortunately, due to its collectors’ appeal it has become quite expensive. Price range: $625-$775.
100mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-T, multicoated.
Longer telephotos
Our picks:
135mm f/2.8 Zuiko Auto-T MC. Reasonably compact at 3.15 inches long and weighing in at a moderate 12.7 ounces, this 5-element 5-group lens focuses down to 59 inches (0.25x) making it a good choice for head-and-shoulders portraits and general close-up work, but not true macro work. It’s quite sharp wide open, improves on stopping down to f/5.6 and has attractively smooth, natural bokeh despite its 6-bladed diaphragm. Like most classic non-apochromatic teles it has a modest amount of residual lateral chromatic aberration and its imaging performance does not equal that of current top-of-the-line 135s, which are much more expensive. Bottom line: This lens delivers satisfying overall performance and beautiful rendition, its f/2.8 maximum aperture facilitates the creative use of limited depth of field, and it’s readily available at “bargain” prices. Go for the later multicoated (MC) version rather than the earlier one marked “E. Zuiko” because the multicoated version provides greater “snap” and contrast and more effective flare control. Price range: $75-$125.
135mm f/2.8 Zuiko Auto-T MC multicoated.
200mm f/4 Zuiko Auto-T MC. Fairly compact for a 200mm, measuring 5 inches in length and weighing in at a portable 18 ounces, this classic 5-element 4-group telephoto focuses down to 8.2 feet (0.31x), allowing a decent range of close-up options, and it balances and handles very well on Olympus OM SLRs. It’s reasonably sharp wide open, improves noticeably at f/5.6 on down, and like most long telephoto lenses of its era has a modest amount of residual lateral chromatic aberrations, but not enough to noticeably affect its image quality, which is very good overall. It captures beautiful bokeh with smooth transitions despite its 6-bladed diaphragm, but creative use of depth of field is limited by its modest maximum aperture. Bottom line: A very nice lens that delivers more than adequate sharpness and detail along with pleasing classic rendition at a surprisingly modest price. Go for the later multicoated (MC) version rather than the earlier one marked “E. Zuiko” because the multicoated version provides greater “snap” and contrast and more effective flare control. Price range: $60-$120.
200mm f/4 Zuiko Auto-T MC multicoated.
Optimum optics for savvy Olympus 35mm SLR shooters
By Jason Schneider
When Yoshihisa Maitani, the world-renowned chief camera designer at Olympus, was creating his landmark Olympus OM-1 in the early ‘70s, he thought of it not merely as the world’s first ultra-compact full frame 35mm SLR, but as the cornerstone of a comprehensive pro-caliber system of photography that could go up against the likes of Nikon and Canon. As a true visionary who was, at the same time, a practical hands-on engineer, Maitani realized that the success of his ingenious world-class system hinged on creating a full line of high-performance Olympus OM lenses for what would eventually become the Olympus OM system of analog photography.
Olympus, like E. Leitz Wetzlar and Carl Zeiss before them, was a leading microscope maker long before they embarked on producing cameras—the company was founded in 1919 as a microscope and thermometer manufacturer and didn’t make their first camera, the Semi-Olympus l with the first Zuiko lens, until 1936. Their long experience in producing first rate optics for the extremely demanding scientific community certainly paid off when it came to creating the line of more than 60 world-class Zuiko OM lenses ranging from an 8mm f/2.8 Fisheye to a 1000mm f/11 super-telephoto. The line, which includes the 10 standouts featured here, remains one of the prime attractions of the exquisitely compact and competent Olympus OM system.
Normal 50mm lenses
Our top pick:
50mm f/1.4 G. Zuiko. This classic 7-element, 6-group Double Gauss formula lens is remarkably compact for a 50mm f/1.4 (though not as petite as the 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko), has an 8-bladed diaphragm, focuses down to 0.45cm (about 18 inches), performs creditably wide open and is extremely sharp starting at f/2 and improving at f/4 on down to f/11. It has very nice bokeh for a lens of this type, with extremely low levels of chromatic aberrations, and was in the top tier of 50mm f/1.4 lenses at its time of production, though not equal to the best current 50mm f/1.4s. Later multicoated versions labeled 50mm f/1.4 Zuiko (minus the G.) and often sporting an “MC “deliver crisper definition, especially wide open, but they’re generally more expensive. Price range: $75-$150
50mm f/1.4 G. Zuiko Auto-S, original non-multicoated version
50mm f/1.4 Zuiko Auto-S MC, later multicoated version
Alternatives
The standard 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko lens, by far the most common lens offered in Olympus OM mount, is very small and light, performs quite well at moderate apertures f/4-f/11 with some softness in the corners, and has good bokeh, especially at close distances. However, it’s not very sharp wide open, and early single coated examples tend to flare. Best news: It’s a bargain at $25-$50.
50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko Auto-S single coated version. Later Zuiko Auto S MC version (not shown is multicoated, less prone to flare.
The super-speed 7-element, 6-group 50mm f/1.2 Zuiko is a great choice for capturing vintage look bokeh at its widest apertures and for low light work It’s capable of very sharp imaging when stopped down and is much more compact and somewhat lighter than other 50mm f/1.2s but noticeably heftier than the 50mm f/1.4. The last version of this lens, with recessed front element and lens identification info on the outside of the barrel is said to offer better performance overall. Price range: $350-$550.
50mm f/1.2 Zuiko, original version.
50mm Macros
Our top pick:
50mm f/2 Zuiko Auto Macro. One of very few f/2 normal macro lenses in any system, this innovative 9-element 7-group masterpiece focuses down to 8.3 inches (half life-size) enabling compelling close-ups and also works well as a fast normal lens for general shooting. It delivers exceptional imaging performance over its entire range, capturing sharp, high-contrast images with vivid color saturation along with asttractive bokeh. Downsides: It’s fairly large for am OM System Zuiko, has a 6-bladed diaphragm, it was made in small quantities and it’s avidly sought by collectors and therefore quite pricey. Price range: $300-$500.
50mm f/2 Zuiko Macro is a great lens, but it's rare and pricey.
Our bargain pick:
50mm f/3.5 Zuiko Macro. This handy ultra-compact, lightweight normal macro employs a 5-element, 4-group design that yields sharp, contrasty images at normal distances, excellent image quality at around 1/10 life-size, and decent image quality at its minimum focus distance of 8 inches (half life-size). The multi-coated (MC) version has a little more snap, but it still doesn’t quite equal the brilliance of the 50mm f/2 Zuiko Auto Macro. Still, it’s a great walk-around lens for outdoor shooting, and it’s readily available at enticing prices. Price range: $60-$110.
50mm f/3.5 Zuiko Auto-Macro. It's very good, readily available, and affordable.
Ultra-wide-angle lens
Our pick:
21mm f/3.5 G. Zuiko Auto-W. This tiny jewel-like (1.2-inch long, 6.3 ounce) ultra-wide employs a 7-element, 7-group design that provides a minimum focus distance of just under 8 inches. It delivers sharp high-resolution images with excellent contrast even at maximum aperture, it’s beautifully made and finished, and it handles very well on camera. Downsides: it exhibits notable vignetting (illumination falloff toward the edges and corners of the field) that improves only marginally on stopping down, and has moderately high levels of barrel distortion, both common defects with ultra-wide-angle lenses. Also, its moderate aperture results in a viewing image that’s dimmer and somewhat harder to focus than that provided by faster lenses. Despite these deficiencies it’s a pleasure to use, especially for outdoor subjects in daylight, and it captures images of surpassing quality. The later multicoated version, the 21mm f/3.5 Zuiko (sans G.) is even better in terms of “clarity” and flare suppression, but it typically carries a premium price. Price range: $250-$400.
21mm f/3.5 Zuiko Auto-W, later multicoated version.
If price is no object:
21mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-W MC lens. This multicoated 11-element, 9-group masterpiece incorporates a floating-element design to achieve spectacular performance with minimal vignetting and distortion over its entire focusing range down to 7.9 inches. While it’s understandably somewhat larger and heavier than the truly tiny 21mm f/3.5 Zuiko, it’s still quite compact given its wide aperture. Apart from its size it’s superior to the 21mm f/3.5 in every respect--but it’s a collector’s prize that’s hard to find and breathtakingly expensive at about $3K per copy!
21mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-W: Perfection at a princely price.
Wide-angle lens
Our Pick:
28mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-W MC. This relatively compact (1.69-inch long) 9-element, 8-group high-speed wide angle focuses down to 11.8 inches for compelling close-ups. It’s quite sharp in the center even at its widest apertures, and extremely sharp from corner to corner when stopped down to f/5.6. It’s prized by many for its distinctive “bubble bokeh” (round bubble-like patterns in specular highlights) especially when it’s used for high contrast, backlit subjects. By all means favor the later multicoated version (marked MC) which is far less prone to flare when shooting against the light, but all versions perform commendably, have attractive bokeh, and provide a distinctive vintage rendition, especially at their widest apertures. Price range: $280-$400.
28mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-W MC multicoated version.
A unique high-speed semi-wide “pancake” Zuiko lens
40mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-S. This remarkable lens, a late multicoated addition to the Zuiko line, is the smallest, lightest, thinnest lens among all Olympus OM-mount primes. Technically, its 56-degree diagonal coverage makes it a semi-wide angle, which is ideal for street shooting and photojournalism, but it’s sometimes referred to as a normal lens because its focal length is close to the actual 43.3mm diagonal of the 24 x 36mm full frame 35mm format. This beautifully made 6-element, 6-group multicoated lens is a mere 1 inch long (hence the “pancake” designation), weighs in at a feather-light 4.9 ounces, and focuses down to 11.8 inches. Its performance is legendary—quite sharp even wide open with moderate falloff in the corners, and crisp, detailed capture with beautiful rendition across the entire field by f/4. Despite having a 6-bladed diaphragm that can result in “honeycomb” patterns in specular highlights, its bokeh is smooth and natural especially at its widest apertures, which facilitates the creative use of depth of field. And as you might expect, it balances and handles extremely well on camera. Indeed, the only real “problems” with this unique and outstanding lens are that it was made in limited quantities, the majority have been snapped up by avid collectors, and therefore it’s very hard to find and stunningly expensive. Price range: $800-$1,200.
40mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-S "pancake" lens is a collector's prize.
A pair of outstanding f/2 medium telephoto Zuiko lenses
85mm f/2 F. Zuiko Auto-T/ 85mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-T MC. Both the earlier and later MC (multicoated) versions of this lens are quite compact considering their specs, and both are capable of creditable performance and beautiful rendition. The earlier 85mm f/2 F. Zuiko Auto-T, a non-multicoated 6-element, 5 group design based on the Zeiss Sonnar, it’s a bit soft wide open, and more prone to flare, but some claim it’s better for portraiture due to its “classic Sonnar” rendition. The multicoated 85mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-T MC version is a more modern 5-element, 4-group design that’s sharper across the field at f/2, delivers images with higher contrast overall, and has better correction for chromatic aberrations. Note: All versions marked F. Zuiko are the older 6-element design, but not all multicoated versions are marked MC. The latter, all marked Zuiko Auto T without the F, can be identified by a greenish tint to the coating. Both 85s focus down to 33.5 inches for compelling headshots and have 6-bladed diaphragms. Price range: $325-$500 (all types).
85mm f/2 F. Zuiko Auto-T original non-multicoated version.
85mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-T MC later multicoated version.
100mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-T. This superb wide-aperture medium telephoto features a 7-element, 6-group design that delivers images with excellent resolution, sharpness, and contrast across the field at maximum aperture thanks in part to its superior correction for chromatic aberrations and its floating element design that achieves consistently high image quality at all focusing distances down to its impressively close minimum focusing distance of 27.6 inches (0.19x). This lens is also prized for its brilliant color rendition and beautifully smooth, natural bokeh, which is enhanced by an 8-bladed diaphragm. It’s a fairly hefty 100mm lens at 18.3 ounces, but it’s very well balanced on camera and measures a compact 2.83 inches in length. The dozen or so examples we’ve examined all appear to be multicoated but do not bear the MC designation. Unfortunately, due to its collectors’ appeal it has become quite expensive. Price range: $625-$775.
100mm f/2 Zuiko Auto-T, multicoated.
Longer telephotos
Our picks:
135mm f/2.8 Zuiko Auto-T MC. Reasonably compact at 3.15 inches long and weighing in at a moderate 12.7 ounces, this 5-element 5-group lens focuses down to 59 inches (0.25x) making it a good choice for head-and-shoulders portraits and general close-up work, but not true macro work. It’s quite sharp wide open, improves on stopping down to f/5.6 and has attractively smooth, natural bokeh despite its 6-bladed diaphragm. Like most classic non-apochromatic teles it has a modest amount of residual lateral chromatic aberration and its imaging performance does not equal that of current top-of-the-line 135s, which are much more expensive. Bottom line: This lens delivers satisfying overall performance and beautiful rendition, its f/2.8 maximum aperture facilitates the creative use of limited depth of field, and it’s readily available at “bargain” prices. Go for the later multicoated (MC) version rather than the earlier one marked “E. Zuiko” because the multicoated version provides greater “snap” and contrast and more effective flare control. Price range: $75-$125.
135mm f/2.8 Zuiko Auto-T MC multicoated.
200mm f/4 Zuiko Auto-T MC. Fairly compact for a 200mm, measuring 5 inches in length and weighing in at a portable 18 ounces, this classic 5-element 4-group telephoto focuses down to 8.2 feet (0.31x), allowing a decent range of close-up options, and it balances and handles very well on Olympus OM SLRs. It’s reasonably sharp wide open, improves noticeably at f/5.6 on down, and like most long telephoto lenses of its era has a modest amount of residual lateral chromatic aberrations, but not enough to noticeably affect its image quality, which is very good overall. It captures beautiful bokeh with smooth transitions despite its 6-bladed diaphragm, but creative use of depth of field is limited by its modest maximum aperture. Bottom line: A very nice lens that delivers more than adequate sharpness and detail along with pleasing classic rendition at a surprisingly modest price. Go for the later multicoated (MC) version rather than the earlier one marked “E. Zuiko” because the multicoated version provides greater “snap” and contrast and more effective flare control. Price range: $60-$120.
200mm f/4 Zuiko Auto-T MC multicoated.
