Macro lenses are pretty special, but the OM System M.Zuiko 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS Pro takes things to a new level. Let’s start with that headline. This is a lens with 2x magnification or 2:1 reproduction ratio as standard – but as OM System/Olympus cameras employ Micro Four Thirds sensors, with a 2x crop factor, that equates to 4x magnification in 35mm terms. The 90mm Macro can also be used with the Olympus MC-20 teleconverter, doubling the magnification to 4x/4:1 reproduction ratio. Taking the 2x crop factor into consideration, it delivers 8x magnification.
This is the manufacturer’s second macro lens, following the fantastic Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro that is highly regarded but getting a little long in the tooth. While the 90mm f/3.5 is marginally slower, it otherwise outperforms its predecessor in almost every way – not least the autofocus, which is much faster. It also boasts up to seven stops of image stabilisation with Sync IS technology and is weathersealed with an IP53 rating.