Bugs and Buds - Trying out the Olympus 60mm f2.8 Macro lens

I have wanted a decent macro lens for some time because, from past experience, I know that having one can open up an entirely new range of photography topics. But which one to choose? In the past I have had quite a bit of experience and fun with Canon's excellent 100mm macro but since I sold off all my Canon gear a couple of years ago, I have been left macro-less, if that's even a word.

Olympus has three macro lenses in its range: the M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f3.5 Macro ($420 approx), the M.Zuiko ED 60mm f2.8 Macro (approx $600) and the $1,700 M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f3.5 Macro IS Pro. Bearing in mind that macro shooting can be mostly a slow process, because you need to spend additional time on focus, depth of field selection, plus engaging camera settings like Olympus's anti-shock feature used to correct shutter impact. I eventually decided against the Pro Macro offering because of cost, about $1000 more than the 30mm lens. Panasonic also retails a macro lens - the LUMIX G series Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro at around $800. Even so I thought the 60mm Olympus lens was a good compromise - its 120mm focal length gives you a perfect reach for most subjects.

Bronze orange stink bug on our lime tree! I need to use pest oil to limit the spread of this stinky and pervasive pest.

A tiny marigold flower in the backyard. It was only when the camera focused that I saw the ant!

This Olympus 60mm Macro lens is small and light, only 185g, light enough to carry with you everywhere. And for faster focusing response this lens features three switchable focus limiters accessed using the selector switch on the side of the lens.

Garden Orb-weaver spider found lurking in the front yard

A bit of water spray never hurts when snapping close-ups of flowers...

I believe this is a tiny Flower Spider (Google search). It's very small and very colourful...

Top view of a tiny 10mm wide daisy.

We have an old white rose growing in the backyard and every year it produces dozens and dozens of flowers. Although they only last a couple of days, the plant just keeps on pumping out new shoots and more flowers. It was only when I enlarged this onscreen that I noticed the beetle hiding away among the petals.

Another gorgeous rose - just a few days after its peak.

Here's a truly weird looking berry that I found poking through the fence from next door - Ochna Serrulata, a South African native, better known as the Mickey Mouse plant. Its red and green berries are tiny - the plant is considered a noxious weed in this country. (I must have a word with the neighbour about that!)

Another rose just coming into full bloom

Unidentified succulent with a curiously-shaped flower...

Tiny tomato flower

The first zinnia flower of the year, bashed around a bit in a recent downpour

Here's a good close up of a crucifix orchid, complete with its own cobwebs

Perfect camouflage. I only noticed this tiny 2cm long caterpillar when it moved - otherwise it just looks exactly like a deaf leaf.