In 2003, Olympus launched the Zuiko Digital ED 50 mm F2.0 macro lens, designed for its Four Thirds single-lens reflex cameras. This compact, lightweight lens works for both close-up images and portraits. The sharp images that result show low distortion and high resolution. In 2009, this ZD lens won the dpreview.com "Highly Recommended" award. Fast Company magazine named Olympus one of the "Most Innovative Companies" in 2010, ranked ninth in the "Consumer Electronics" category.
Focal Length
The 50-mm focal length of this telephoto prime lens produces an image magnification of 0.52X or a 1:2 reproduction ratio for half of life-sized magnification. If you prefer a greater magnification with this one lens, you can connect this lens to an EX-25 extension tube to achieve 1:1 magnification. This lens can also combine with the optional EC-14 teleconverter to give you a 70 mm F/2.8 lens that brings the object closer than the regular 50-mm focal length.
Lens Elements
The ZD lens connects to a metal Four Thirds lens mount. The F2.0 macro contains 11 lens elements, including one low-dispersion ED lens element, in 10 groups. The ED designation refers to extra-low dispersion glass with a lower index of refraction than regular glass. ED glass reduces chromatic aberration. The aperture ranges from a maximum aperture of F/2.0 to a minimum aperture of F/22. This lens includes seven aperture blades.
The angle of view is 24 degrees. The closest focusing distance is 9.45 inches. Lens dimensions are 2.4 inches long x 2.8 inches maximum diameter. This lens weighs only 10.6 ounces. For filters, choose a 52 mm size. The non-rotating filter thread on the front element allows special effects filters and macro flash units to stay in place when the focus changes.
Autofocus
This Olympus ZD digital lens features a "focus-by-wire" system. The manual focus ring electronically activates the lens autofocus (AF) motor. The motor type is a DC micro motor. A floating focus system allows optimum correction throughout the distance range. The focus method extends the lens barrel with a floating rear group of elements. One drawback of this AF motor is the buzzing noise. When the motor activates, up to two to four seconds elapse before the lens achieves the sharpest focus on your subject.
Accessories
The ZD 50 mm lens comes with a soft case (LSC-0814), two lens caps and bayonet lens hood LH-55. For flash photography, the Olympus system offers separate accessories such as the RF11 ring flash, TF22 twin flash units and FS-FR1 adaptor ring. An optional dive housing allows underwater photography up to approximately 200 feet deep.
Tags: this lens, This lens, 50-mm focal, 50-mm focal length, flash units, focal length, Four Thirds