Great Affordable Lenses for the Olympus OM-1

Olympus did a great job at designing a system that is small, compact, and ergonomic. The OM-1 was the first professional body for the mount. Olympus wanted to showcase was they were capable of.

My lens recommendations are going to be focused on keeping you light weight, nimble, and with enough money left over for Portra 400.

The OM System

It’s not a lens mount, it’s a system.

While pretentious, Olympus did deliver.

The lenses are light and compact. Having the aperture ring at the front of the lens provides an interesting experience.

Lens Compatibility

Unlike other manufacturers, there are no special compatibility rules or quirks. All of the Olympus OM lenses will work on the OM-1.

Third party lenses from Vivitar, Tokina, Kiron, and others are available. Tamron made an Adaptall 2 adapter for the OM-mount.

This list focus on lenses that are reasonably easy to find on the used market in good usable condition. This means free of fungus, haze, balsam separation, cigarette smells, and oily aperture blades.

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Olympus OM Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8

• The “kit” lens.
• Easy to find in good condition.
• Fast aperture for low-light shooting.
• Small and light weight.
• 49mm filter threads.

The 50mm f1.8 is the most popular lens to use with the OM-1. The focal length is perfect for street, portraits, and general photography. It’s one of the most flexible focal lengths.

It, like the OM-1, is smaller than it’s counterparts from Nikon, Canon, or Minolta. The combination is sleek and portable, so it’s there when you need it.

There’s a faster f1.4 version, if you a lens that is better for low light.

Olympus OM Zuiko Auto-W 28mm f/2

• Perfect for landscapes, street, and travel.
• 49mm filter threads.

The lens has excellent handling with a minimum focus distance of 30cm.

There is a smaller and less expensive f3.5 version.

Olympus OM Zuiko 135mm f/3.5

• An affordable portrait lens.
• Blur backgrounds.

Whether you’re shooting a distant bird, a sports event, or even looking for a unique portrait lens, the Olympus OM Zuiko 135mm F/3.5 is a superb choice. It lets you get close to the action, even from a distance, providing a new perspective to your photography.

It is one of the most readily available and inexpensive telephoto lenses for the OM-1. While it’s not as readily available as the 50mm or 28mm, you can find it if you look on the used market. It is easier to find than longer OM mount lenses.

A step above the 85mm, the 135mm lens is more substantial but still designed with Olympus’ commitment to compactness.

Olympus OM Zuiko Auto-T 85mm f/2

A fantastic lens for portrait photography, this lens’s focal length can help you capture stunning portraits with a soft, blurred background. Its large aperture also offers great performance in low-light conditions.

The only issue is that it is significantly more expensive than the other lenses on this list.

The Olympus OM 85mm f/2 is a telephoto lens that brings distant subjects close to you. This lens is your secret weapon in capturing nuanced expressions, subtle emotions, and intimate moments from afar.

Slightly larger and a bit weightier than its counterparts, it carries an air of silent confidence. Ready for a deep dive into the telephoto realm? Let the Olympus OM 85mm f/2 be your guide, and embark on an exciting journey of discovery!

Pros

• Ideal for portrait photography.
• Produces beautiful bokeh and a shallow depth of field.
• Excellent optical performance.

Cons

• More expensive than other lenses.
• May be too zoomed-in for everyday use.

Olympus OM Zuiko Auto-Macro 50mm f/3.5

This lens is for those who love capturing the tiny details of life. From the texture of a flower petal to the intricacies of a watch mechanism, this lens allows you to capture these details with precision. I have a review of the Olympus OM 50mm f/3.5 macro lens here.

If you’re into capturing detail or are a macro enthusiast who loves to explore the miniature marvels of the world? Then the Olympus OM Macro 50mm f/3.5 lens is the perfect partner for you! This lens loves to delve into the finer details, revealing intricate nuances that often go unnoticed.

From the intricate patterns of a butterfly wing to the delicate dewdrops on a flower petal, this lens allows you to capture them all. Paired with your camera, the Olympus OM Macro 50mm f/3.5 is ready to uncover the hidden beauty of the world around you. So go ahead, take the plunge, and dive into the captivating world of macro photography!

Pros

• Excellent for close-up shots and macro photography.
• Can create unique perspectives.
• Superb optical performance with a flat field of focus.

Cons

• Requires an extension tube to reach 1:1 magnification.
• Not the best for low-light situations due to a smaller maximum aperture.
• Specialized use might not be suitable for all types of photography.