Moving from 60mm macro to 30mm Macro lenses? Maybe?

kelpdiver wrote:

There is not a lot of 4/3 macro on anything but the 60. The 45 certainly has use, but is $$.

I think for cameras that do not have PDAF (as EM5II; presumably also the EPL10), the Pana 45mm macro is the better solution, because AF works better compared to the 60mm (AF is similar between the 60mm and 45mm on PDAF cameras). The 45mm is more pricey, but also has IS build in in addition. In not so clear waters I still prefer it to the Zuiko 60mm. Under optimal conditions, however, the Zuiko 60mm is my favorite lens. I also have the impression the Zuiko 60mm is a tick sharper compared to the 45mm...

Here is an example photo that was taken with the Zuiko 60mm. Not an example for the real macro stuff (THIS is the domain of the 60mm lens), but for what is technically possible for fishportrait at relatively long object distance (the clear waters in Egypt helped) - although the 60mm should not be used for such big objects at this long distances. The 12-40mm Pro behind domeport (also the 30mm macros behind flatport) would give better IQ because of shorter object distance (I would even prefer the Canon 8-15mm fisheye @15mm for such a shot): A titan trigger came close and quickly disappered again. I had the chance for a single photo only and since I had arranged the rig and (manual) flashes for macro and there was no time for readjustments, the photo was greatly underexposed. I had to correct exposure in postprocessing, more than usually is good for IQ. Not ideal, but I still like the photo:

Wolfgang