OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 is 45mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro for standard, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 30mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1.25x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 45mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm, OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 is 45mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro reaches 1.25x magnification vs 0.11x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 is 45mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro for standard, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro if you shoot wide — it starts at 30mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1.25x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 45mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 30mm | 45mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 40° | 27° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 60-60mm | 90-90mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 10 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.25x | 0.11x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $299 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 37mm |
| Diameter | 55.5mm | 56mm |
| Length | 63mm | 46.5mm |
| Weight | 128g (4.5 oz) | 116g (4.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
