Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1:8 Hands On

Late last week What Digital Camera had the opportunity to try out Olympus's latest prime lens to be added to the Micro FourThirds range - the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1.8.

Designed as a specialist portrait lens for Micro FourThirds users with its bright f/1.8 maximum aperture, the lens is equivalent to 150mm in film terms, features a construction of 10 elements in 9 groups, uses a 58mm filter thread and weighs 305g.

With an all-metal construction and desirable silver finish, the lens slots into Olympus's lens lineup above the M.ZUIKO Digital 45mm f/1.8. While the latter may be considered by many as a preferred focal length for portraits with its equivalent focal length of 90mm, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1.8 is likely to appeal to users who'd like to gain some extra distance between themselves and their subject, whilst fulfilling the frame.

First impressions of the lens coupled to Olympus's O-MD EM-5 were very excellent. Silent in operation and both solid and robust in terms of its build, it compliments the retro appearance of the O-MD very well. On a couple of occasions we found the focal length caught us out and in confined spaces, so if you're going to be working in tight areas like the M.ZUIKO Digital 45mm f/1.8 is a good alternative, but in the short time we laid hands on the lens we found little to fault.

To accompany our hands on look at Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1:8 we've uploaded a few of our test images which can be viewed by clicking here.

More information about the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1:8 can be found by clicking here.

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1:8 Specification

Focal Length: 75mm
Focal Length (35mm Equivalent): 150mm
Lens Construction: 10 lenses/9 groups
ED lens elements: 3
HR elements: 2
Lens mechanism: Inner focus with screw drive mechanism
Angle of view: 16
Closest focusing distance: 0.84m
Maximum image magnification: 0.1x (Micro Four Thirds) / 0.2 x (35mm format)
Number of aperture blades: 9
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Filter diameter: 58mm
Dimensions: 64mm x 69mm
Weight: 305g