Olympus Zuiko Digital 35/3.5 Macro

The Olympus Zuiko Digital 35mm f/3.5 macro is almost a no-brainer for four-thirds users with an interest in macro photography. The lens is very sharp straight from f/3.5 all the way up till about f/11. Neither distortions nor lateral CAs are really field-relevant and vignetting is nothing to worry about either. The lens is also capable of delivering a very smooth bokeh which is certainly an important aspect for a macro lens. So technically things appear to be pretty rosy but from a field perspective the lens has also a few drawbacks. The effective working distance at max. magnification (1:1) is very small at just less than 5(!)cm. Critters may get a little nervous here which is limiting the usability within this special scope. Macro photographers may also criticize the lack of a focus limiter which is unusual for a dedicated macro lens. You can naturally produce great results at more conventional focus distances but the comparatively slow max. aperture will not give you access to the shallow depth-of-field needed e.g. for classic portrait photography. The build quality of the lens is pretty decent although subjectively there appears to be a lack of "substance" due to the low weight. However, the extraordinary low price point outshines the negative aspects ... unless you can afford the Olympus Zuiko 50mm f/2 macro.

Positive:
Compact, lightweight design
Good optical performance
Good build quality
Good flare and ghosting performance
Great value

Negative:
Indirect electronic manual focus system is an acquired taste
Barrel distortion