Cameras & Lenses, Focus Stacking, Gear Reviews, Insect Photography, Macro, Micro 4/3 (OM-D/M.Zuiko)

90 mm vs 60 mm Macro Comparison

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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.

Macro set-up which includes OM-D E-M1X, M.Zuiko MC-20 (or MC-14) teleconverter, M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro lens, M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin Macro Flash
OM-D E-M1X with M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro lens.

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/5.6, 1/40, ISO-200, handheld in-camera focusing stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 290 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/5.6, 1/80, ISO-200, handheld in-camera focusing stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 285 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/5.6, 1/50, ISO-200, handheld in-camera focus stacking

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/9, 1/800, ISO-1250, photographed one-handed, subject distance 230 mm.

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin Marco Flash, efov 180 mm, f/13, 1/250, ISO-200, full frame capture, subject distance 370 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/7.1, 1/200, ISO-200, handheld in-camera focus stacking, subject distance 490 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 126 mm, efov 252 mm, f/6.3, -0.3 EV, 1/125, ISO-200, handheld in-camera focus stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 455 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/14, -0.3 EV, 1/250, ISO-200, M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin Macro Flash, cropped to 3066 pixels on the width, subject distance 335 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/5.6, 1/60, ISO-200, handheld in-camera focus stacking

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).

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/13, 1/250, ISO-400, Handheld In Camera Focus Stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 470 mm

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…

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 126 mm, efov 252 mm, STF-8 Twin Macro Flash, f/14, -0.7 EV, 1/250, ISO-200, full frame capture, subject distance 295 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90mm f/3.5 PRO IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 126 mm, efov 252 mm, f/9, -0.3 EV, 1/160, ISO-2500, handheld in-camera focus stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 275 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-14 Teleconverter and Digital Teleconverter @ 252 mm, efov 504 mm, f/8, 1/320, ISO-400, Handheld In-Camera Focus Stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 255 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-14 Teleconverter and Digital Teleconverter @ 252 mm, efov 504 mm, f/9, -0.3 EV, 1/320, ISO-320, Handheld In-Camera Focus Stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 315 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/13, 1/200, ISO-200, M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin Macro Flash, cropped to 4992 pixels on the width, subject distance 305 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-14 Teleconverter @ 126 mm, efov 252 mm, f/7.1, -0.7 EV, 1/320, ISO-320, Handheld In-Camera Focus Stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 260 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-14 Teleconverter and Digital Teleconverter @ 252 mm, efov 504 mm, f/8, 1/320, ISO-500, Handheld In-Camera Focus Stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 375 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/9, 1/640, ISO-5000, photographed one-handed, subject distance 280 mm.

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/13, 1/250, ISO-200, M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin Macro Flash, cropped to 4245 pixels on the width, subject distance 330 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 126 mm, efov 252 mm, f/8, 1/200, ISO-320, Handheld In Camera Focus Stacking, cropped to 3684 pixels on the width, subject distance 335 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro and M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/13, 1/2500, ISO-2500, cropped to 2799 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 785 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/16, 1/800, ISO-6400, full frame capture, Handheld In-Camera Focus Stacking, subject distance 285 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 126
mm, efov 252 mm, f/13, -0.3 EV, 1/250, ISO-200, M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin Macro Flash, cropped to 2193 pixels on the width, subject distance 250 mm

Using teleconverters with the S-Macro function can help increase the feeling of intimacy of macro photography.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter and M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin macro flash @ 126 mm, efov 252 mm, f/14, 1/250, ISO-200, subject distance 285 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-14 Teleconverter and Digital Teleconverter @ 252 mm, efov 504 mm, f/9, 1/320, ISO-800, Handheld In-Camera Focus Stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 270 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90mm f/3.5 PRO IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 126 mm, efov 252 mm, f/7.1, -0.3 EV, 1/160, ISO-1000, handheld in-camera focus stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 270 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/13, -0.3 EV, 1/250, ISO-500, M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin Macro Flash, cropped to 4547 pixels on the width, subject distance 705 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin Marco Flash, efov 180 mm, f/13, 1/250, ISO-200, full frame capture, subject distance 255 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter, Digital Teleconverter and M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin macro flash @ 360 mm, efov 720 mm, f/14, -0.7 EV, 1/250, ISO-200, full frame capture, subject distance 385 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/14, -0.3 EV, 1/250, ISO-200, M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin Macro Flash, cropped to 4395 pixels on the width, subject distance 290 mm

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90mm f/3.5 PRO IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter, Digital Teleconverter @ 252 mm, efov 504 mm, STF-8 Twin Macro Flash, f/14, -0.7 EV, 1/250, ISO-500, full frame capture, subject distance 475 mm

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OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro and M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/10, -0.3 EV, 1/2500, ISO-1600, cropped to 2794 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 985 mm

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4 thoughts on “90 mm vs 60 mm Macro Comparison”

  1. 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!

    Reply

    1. 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

      Reply

  2. 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.

    Reply

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