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Practical test: The LM macro 40 mm close-up lens with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 system camera

Based on the mirrorless system camera Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the high-quality Olympus digital 12-50 mm/1:3.5-6.3 EZ lens, we wanted to show how simple it is to take fantastic macro photographs without an additional macroscope. All you need is our LM macro 40 mm close-up lens and a good stand, such as our LM-Makrostativ3.

Olympus OMD -M1, LM Macro Lens 40mm, Macrostand 3

Many hobby photographers are interested in macrophotography, but most of them are scared off by the expensive and sophisticated equipment. We have an entry-level solution for macrophotography that is inexpensive but still produces high-quality images. We chose the system camera Olympus OM-D E-M1 to illustrate how our products can be used, but of course they are compatible with many other cameras and lenses, too.

Olympus OME E-M1 Objektiv 12-50mm, LM Macro lens 40mm

We performed our tests on the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and selected the Olympus digital 12-50 mm/1:3.5-6.3 EZ objective lens, which has a special feature: it does not extend when zooming or focusing but remains at a constant length. Using a stand in conjunction with manual focus (by turning off autofocus) will help you get a shot that is in sharp focus. Combined with our LM macro 40 mm close-up lens, you can achieve a level of magnification that is roughly equal to an 8x microscope magnification, enabling an image field of 14 mm x 10.5 mm to be covered in full frame. This equipment allows a great deal of flexibility: the LM macro 40 mm close-up lens just needs to be screwed onto the camera lens – all you need for this is a step-down ring (STR5237).

macro photography clockwork

Thanks to the central optical path, the image quality is very good – and in fact surpasses that of many stereo microscopes. With such high magnification levels, a stable stand with a rack and pinion system is advisable in order to prevent blurred, unfocussed images. We used our LM Makrostativ3 stand.

macro photography computer chip

The wide-angle setting of the Olympus digital 12-50 mm/1:3.5-6.3 EZ (12 mm) lens produces the so-called fisheye effect (illumination is reduced from the centre to the periphery of the image). That effect disappears if the zoom is used.

macrophoto vignetting fisheye effect microscopy macroscope photo LM Macro lens 40mm

Conclusion:

A simple, inexpensive solution for getting started with macrophotography. The LM macro 40 mm close-up lens is a great add-on to the Olympus zoom lens. The image quality is very good, and using the zoom to adjust magnification allows for a high degree of flexibility in terms of application. For higher magnifications, we recommend our LM macroscopes. Our LM macro 80 mm close-up lens is an excellent choice for mobile use. It is very lightweight and therefore enables free-hand shooting of insects, plants and the like at lower magnifications.

16.01.2015



Ordering codeProduct descriptionPricePriceAvailable

DMLDSLR40
LM Macro 40 - close-up lens 40mm (37mm thread)

Data Sheet0
Operating Instructions1
Euro 929,--
US $ 984.74

Makrostativ3
LM macro stand 3 with an extremely stable profile pillar with a length of 500mm, precise height adjustment with rack and pinion, quick coupling with quick-release plate, both black anodized and a black and white removable object disk

Data Sheet
Euro 1890,--
US $ 2003.4

STR5237
LM Filter Step Down Ring from 52 mm to 37 mm

Data Sheet
Euro 99,--
US $ 104.94
For EU (European Union) VAT (IVA, TVA) not included

New LM Digital Adapter for: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III / Olympus OM-D E-M1X / Olympus OM-D E-M5 III / Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II / Olympus OM-D E-M5 II / Olympus OM-D E-M1 / Olympus E-5 / Olympus E-3 / Olympus E-30 / Olympus E-620 / Olympus Pen E-PL7 / Olympus OM-D E-M5 / Olympus Pen E-PL5 / Olympus OM-D E-M10 / Olympus Pen E-PM2 / Olympus E-330 / Olympus E-520 / Olympus E-420 / Olympus E-450 / Olympus E-510 / Olympus E-410 / Olympus Pen E-PL8 / Olympus Pen E-PL6 / Olympus Pen E-PL3 / Olympus Pen E-PM1 / Olympus Pen E-P1 / Olympus Pen E-P2 / Olympus E-600 / Olympus Pen E-PL1 / Olympus Pen E-PL2 / Olympus E-400 / Olympus SP-610UZ / Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom / Olympus SZ-20 / Olympus SZ-30MR / Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom / Olympus FE-47 / Olympus FE-4040 / Olympus FE-5035 / Olympus mju-5010 /