This 90 mm vs 60 mm macro comparison article provides my assessments of these two lenses based on my in-field experiences using the M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS and M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro lenses.
This is a practical hands-on comparison, and as such does not include any test charts or attempts at pixel peeping. I am a dedicated handheld photographer so all of my impressions are based on this style of photography.
It is important to state that I do not have any formal relationship with OM Digital Solutions, nor do I have any online marketing relationships that pay a click-through commission on sales.
Size and Weight: Advantage M.Zuiko 60 mm
As you can see in the two images above the M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro is significantly smaller and lighter than its big brother. At 185 grams (~6.5 ounces) compared to 453 grams (~16 ounces), the M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 is ideal for photographers wanting a compact, yet powerful, macro lens.
The M.Zuiko 60 mm macro measures 56 mm (~2.2 inches) in diameter and 82 mm (~3.23 inches) in length. This compares to 69.8 mm (~2.75 inches) in diameter and 136 mm (~5.35 inches) in length for the M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS. The 60 mm macro lens uses a 46 mm diameter filter, and the 90 mm uses a 62 mm diameter filter.
By comparison, back in my full frame days I used a Nikkor 105 mm f/2.8 macro lens which weighed 720 grams (~25.4 ounces). It measured 83 mm (~3.3 inches) in diameter and 116 mm (~4.6 inches) in length. It used a 62 mm diameter filter.
Cost: Advantage M.Zuiko 60 mm
The regular price of the M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro lens is $700 CDN compared to $2,050 CDN for the M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro. It’s no surprise that if someone is specifically looking for a small, lightweight and cost affordable macro lens, the M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 is the clear choice.
For many photographers the fundamental question becomes whether the additional investment in the M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro lens makes sense for them. This is a question that individuals can answer based on their photographic objectives, style of photography, frequency of use, and available budget.
Image Quality: Advantage M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS
As noted in previous articles I use a simple approach when assessing image quality. I don’t do any pixel peeping or compare details from test charts. From a practical perspective the only thing that really matters to me is how much time I have to spend with an image in post to get it to where it needs to be.
Since I hate working in post, the less time it takes me to get an image to where it needs to be, the higher my subjective assessment is of a particular lens in terms of image quality. There’s no doubt that the M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 macro lens is an excellent lens, capable of producing very good quality images.
I’ve found that the M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro is slightly sharper and renders colours somewhat better. As a result I spend somewhat less time on an image captured with the M.Zuiko 90 mm macro. The corrections that I do make tend to be more modest.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the image quality when using teleconverters with the M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS, and when stopping the lens down to f/13 and beyond… and even using the Digital Teleconverter in my E-M1X.
If we look at the specifications of these two lenses it is logical why the image quality of the 90 mm PRO IS would be somewhat better than that of the 60 mm macro. The M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro has 13 elements in 10 groups, including 4 special elements (1 ED, 1 E-HR, and 2 HR).
The M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro has 18 elements in 13 groups, including 8 special elements (2 SED, 4 ED, 1 HR and 1 Super HR). On a personal basis, I don’t think the differences in image quality between these two lenses… while present… would represent the primary reason why most photographers would choose to invest more money in the 90 mm PRO IS. More on that later…
Weathersealing: Advantage M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS
When comparing the 90 mm vs 60 mm in terms of weathersealing it is important to state that both of these lenses have performed flawlessly in the field for me. The M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS is rated to IP53 standards (when used with an appropriate OM/Olympus camera body) while the 60 mm f/2.8 is not rated at this higher standard.
From a practical, field test standpoint I have used the M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro non-stop in the rain for over 2 hours without any issues. My set-up included the MC-14 teleconverter and STF-8 Twin Macro Flash.
To be fair, I should state that I have never used my M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro for this length of time in inclement weather, so I don’t know how well it would hold up. I expect it would perform well.
I’ve given the advantage to the M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS mainly due to its higher IP53 rating, and the fact that I have shot with it in the rain on an uninterrupted basis for over 2 hours without issue.
Handling and Ergonomics: Advantage M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS
When comparing the 90 mm vs 60 mm in terms of handling and ergonomics I prefer the M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS… even though the M.Zuiko 60 mm is smaller and lighter.
There are two main reasons for this. The first is that the M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS has a focus clutch. This can come in very handy when trying to get approximate focus when dealing with busy backgrounds, or trying to locate very small subjects in a composition. The focus clutch can be especially handy when using teleconverters with the 90 mm. I don’t use this feature that often, but it can make the difference between getting my shot or missing it.
I also find the focus limiter switch on the 90 mm PRO IS much easier to use. So much so that I can operate the focus limiter on the 90 mm by touch only, and not have to look away from my potential subject. The importance of this is significantly heightened when using teleconverters with subjects that are prone to movement.
The M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS is noticeably heavier than the 60 mm f/2.8 macro. This does somewhat limit a photographer’s ability to shoot one-handed with the 90 mm, especially if the STF-8 Twin Macro Flash is included in the overall macro set-up.
The Sync-IS of the M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS does help when shooting one-handed, and when using computational photography technologies like in-camera focus stacking and Handheld Hi Res.
In-field Flexibility: Advantage M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS
It is my belief that the increased in-field flexibility offered by the M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS macro will ultimately be the primary factor when deciding to invest in this lens or not. The S-Macro setting that provide 2X magnification sets a new standard for handheld macro photography… especially when combined with auto-focus capability.
Being able to use the MC-14 and MC-20 teleconverters with the M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS expands what is possible in the field exponentially. For example, using the MC-20 teleconverter allowed me to capture flies in flight when combined with Pro Capture H.
Using teleconverters provides additional magnification to capture more details, and real life dramas that happen at a macro level. This capability significantly expands the number of potential macro subjects available to photograph in any given environment.
Using teleconverters with the S-Macro function can help increase the feeling of intimacy of macro photography.
On the other hand, having some additional distance from a subject by using teleconverters can help avoid it being scared off before an image can be captured.
If one is inclined to be experimental, using teleconverters with the M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS, can also be combined with handheld in-camera focus stacking and the Digital Teleconverter. This may sound a bit crazy… but can rank quite high on the ‘fun’ scale.
The Bottom Line
OM/Olympus owners have two excellent choices when it comes to macro photography with the 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS and 60 mm f/2.8 macro lenses. If a photographer’s priorities are size, weight and cost, then the M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro lens is the clear choice. This diminutive, cost effective lens is capable of producing terrific images and is worthy of serious consideration.
Folks who want to dramatically expand what is possible with their handheld macro photography, and who are willing to make the necessary investment, may find the M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS to be an excellent solution.
It should be remembered that some skills enhancement, shooting style adjustments, and practice may be required to fully leverage the capabilities of the M.Zuiko 90 mm PRO IS.
Macro photography is a specialized niche that doesn’t appeal to everyone. Once bitten by the macro bug, this genre of photography can become all-consuming. The M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro lens is an outstanding tool that can help take handheld macro photography to new heights.
Technical Note
Photographs were captured handheld with the camera equipment noted in the EXIF data. All images were created from RAW files or out-of-camera jpegs using my standard process in post. This is the 1,397 article published on this website since its original inception in 2015.
How you can keep this website advertising free
My intent is to keep this photography blog advertising free. If you enjoyed this article and/or my website and would like to support my work, you can purchase an eBook, or make a donation through PayPal (see Donate box below). Both are most appreciated.
Sometimes all we need as photographers is a bit of inspiration. We hope you can find some of that inside Finding Visual Expression II.
Finding Visual Expression II is available for download for an investment of $11.99 CDN. The best viewing experience of this eBook will be at 100% using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
You may be interested in all of the 30 concepts covered in both of these related eBooks. If so, you may want to also consider Finding Visual Expression.
Finding Visual Expression is available for download for an investment of $11.99 Cdn. The best viewing experience of this eBook will be at 100% using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Our other eBooks include Images of Ireland, New Zealand Tip-to-Tip, Nikon 1: The Little Camera That Could, Desert & Mountain Memories, Images of Greece, Nova Scotia Photography Tour, and a business leadership parable… Balancing Eggs.
If you click on the Donate button below you will find that there are three donation options: $7.50, $10.00 and $20.00. All are in Canadian funds. Plus, you can choose a different amount if you want. You can also increase your donation amount to help offset our costs associated with accepting your donation through PayPal. An ongoing, monthly contribution to support our work can also be done through the PayPal Donate button below.
You can make your donation through your PayPal account, or by using a number of credit card options.
Word of mouth is the best form of endorsement. If you like our website please let your friends and associates know about our work. Linking to this site or to specific articles is allowed with proper acknowledgement. Reproducing articles, or any of the images contained in them, on another website or in any social media posting is a Copyright infringement.
Article is Copyright 2024 Thomas Stirr. Images are Copyright 2019-2024 Thomas Stirr. All rights reserved. No use, duplication or adaptation of any kind is allowed without written consent. If you see this article reproduced anywhere else it is an unauthorized and illegal use. Posting comments on offending websites and calling out individuals who steal intellectual property is always appreciated!
I have a 60mm lens and have been thinking about switching to a 90mm because I wasn’t satisfied with my photos. Your post helped me in two ways: confirming my thoughts and realizing that I don’t need to switch to the 90mm. If an expert like you has good things to say about the 60mm, I should try to make better use of it. Besides, the 90mm is really expensive. Thanks for helping me save some money!
Hi Jason,
I’m glad that the article was helpful for you.
It can be instructive to identify exactly what it is about your recent images captured with the 60 mm f/2.8 macro that has led to some dissatisfaction. When I first started using the 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro my images were falling somewhat short of my desired outcomes. This was caused by a lack of practice and a failure to adapt my shooting technique as compared to the 60 mm macro.
With my own handheld macro photography with the 90 mm macro, I found that my shutter release timing needed improvement (i.e. reducing the lag time from AF acquisition to fully depressing the shutter release and ensuring it was one slow, continuous motion. I also had to practice my handheld technique in terms of the timing of my breathing, as well as my body positioning/stability.
Tom
Thank you, Good Tests.
I have used the 60 macro for many years and the pictures are amazingly sharp. However when it comes to focus stacking, the extreme focus breathing of the 60mm makes a mess out of the focus stacking. Background data is missing due to the focus breathing. I just got the 90mm and it has much much less focus breathing. I have not done a lot of testing yet but boundary between the main subject and the background are much cleaner.
Hi Earl,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the M.Zuiko 60 mm and 90 mm macro lenses.
Tom