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EOS Canon 5D Mark II and Olympus OM Zuiko adapter

19 October 2009 12 Comments

I’ve been building a collection of Olympus OM Zuiko lenses recently for the OM-1 and OM-4 film bodies I recently purchased. As I was trawling ebay for new glass, I thought it’d be fun to pick up an OM->EOS adapter to allow me to mount the Zuiko glass on my Canon 5D Mark II. It’s a pretty interesting experience… Why do it? Well for one, fast Zuiko glass has a distinctive look that is different from more modern lenses – particularly the OOF (out of focus) characteristics (i.e. bokeh). Another reason is cost – you can pick up a great condition used Olympus Zuiko 50mm (or 55mm) f/1.2 for around $400 whereas a new autofocus Canon 50mm f/1.2 will run upwards of $1.5k. Finally, despite the fast apertures, Zuiko lenses are renowned for being extremely compact. For example, the Olympus Zuiko 50mm f/1.2 measures just 43mm in length vs 65mm for the Canon 50mm f/1.2. Of course, all this is not to suggest a direct comparison is warranted given the newer optics in the Canon, the AF, etc – but you get the point.

I’ll consider putting up some reviews of the Zuiko’s at a later date but for now, here’s three quick of images from the a Canon 5D Mark II with a Olympus OM Zuiko 55mm f/1.2.

IMG_4364

This is Rio… when you have time to focus, you get ultra sharp results with a dramatic falloff in depth of field due to the f/1.2

IMG_4419

Shooting directly into a sunset gave no issues with flare, etc

IMG_4205
More dramatic falloff in DOF and that funky Zuiko bokeh.

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12 Comments »

  • r4 card said:

    EOS Canon 5D Mark II was my first full frame camera. Prior to it I had owned and operated a 40D, 30D and Rebel XTi. I am a wedding and sports photographer primarily, so I have been able to test the 5D Mark II out under both of these conditions

    # 14 November 2009 at 7:54 pm
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    # 26 December 2009 at 5:32 am
  • Nitsan Simantov said:

    Hi,
    Great post and wonderful photos.

    Do you still get F1.2 from the lens when using it with the adapter?

    Nitsan.

    # 1 February 2010 at 2:03 pm
  • Lawrence Ripsher (author) said:

    You do indeed. There are no changes from that perspective. I’ll be posting more on this combo later (as well as the 21mm f2)

    # 1 February 2010 at 2:19 pm
  • Nitsan Simantov said:

    That’s awesome!

    thanks for the reply. :)

    I’ve JUST ordered one and hopefully wont have too much trouble with the crop factor (I’m still using my beloved 40D).
    -Do you know whether there is any change in DOF when using a smaller sensor cameras with 35mm film lenses?

    I hope I do alright with the focus on it. From what I understand it can be a bit tricky when used wide open. Are you using an adapter with AF confirm?

    Over the past half day I’ve become a fan of your’s. I’ve been reading lots of stuff on your website and loving your photos too.

    Nitsan.

    PS. You can see my work here: http://www.nitsan.info
    :D

    # 2 February 2010 at 12:57 am
  • Lawrence Ripsher (author) said:

    Hi Nitsan, great news & good luck with the lens. Did you get the 50mm or 55mm? On a cropped sensor, it’ll give you a slightly different (i.e. cropped) field of view. Basically you multiply the focal length and aperture by 1.6 to give you the result – so basically the same angle of view and depth of field as a 80mm f/1.9 on a full frame body… the lens speed still stays at f/1.2 obviously.

    I am using a AF confirm – it’s pretty decent although I tend to use a combination of my eyesight / judgement and the AF confirm – I find that works better than either one alone.

    Thanks for the kind words – I checked out your site on there and you’re a promising young talent. Keep up the good work and stay in touch.

    # 2 February 2010 at 1:08 am
  • Nitsan Simantov said:

    I got the 55mm.

    Ah, I see.. So would I actually get shallower depth of field with a Canon EF 50mm f1.8?

    That’s very surprising/disappointing but never mind, I’m sure I’ll enjoy the lens anyways. I got a very good deal on it so I wont loose any money if I decide to sell it later. :)

    Or I could just upgrade to a full frame… :P

    # 2 February 2010 at 1:41 am
  • Lawrence Ripsher (author) said:

    No don’t worry – the multiplying effect happens for all lenses… your 50mm f/1.8 would be an equivalent 80mm f/2.9 (also multiply by 1.6) so you’re going to get a much more shallow depth of field with the Oly you just bought.

    # 2 February 2010 at 1:43 am
  • Nitsan Simantov said:

    Awesome. Thanks for the advice!
    :D

    # 2 February 2010 at 11:28 am
  • photographe said:

    other pictures with 5d m2
    http://robin-clouet.com/
    photographe

    # 26 February 2010 at 3:04 am
  • nuno said:

    Hi,
    am looking for such an adapter, where did you purchased yours?
    Id like to be sure I make the right purchase instead of buying something that wont work.
    ( also for Zuiko 50mm f/1.2 on EOS 5D Mark II )

    Thanks.

    # 27 July 2010 at 6:06 am
  • Nitsan Simantov said:

    I got my adapter off eBay from a seller called Camplus for £14.50. DONT BUY FROM THIS SELLER!
    The adapter was half-working and kept giving errors and the seller was really unhelpful. I had to open a case just to get a refund.

    I then got an adapter from another seller (cant find his name) for some £16. Works beautifully!!!

    Search for “OM EOS adapter” (no quotes) and you’ll find one. spend a little extra on the adapter and you’ll get a good quality one.

    I got the 55mm and it’s my favorite lens. I use it a LOT.
    When I was looking for mine most of them were going for £400 but somehow I got it for about £170 inc delivery from the US.

    There were quite a few when I was looking for mine so you’ll probably find one no problem.

    I’m looking at getting a Tenpa 1.36x viewfinder magnifier to compensate for my 40D’s smaller viewfinder as it’s pretty difficult to focus at f1.2.
    Lucky you for having a MKII though.
    The 5D’s viewfinders are gorgeous! I doubt you’ll have any problems focusing on a 5d.

    I also got a metal 55mm (thread) hood for it as this lens is REALLY prone to flare and haze. Especially at f1.2.
    It’s a really nice hood. it’s just a “Tube” style hood that cost about £4.

    Hope that helps, and I’m sure Lawrence will have some info on it too.

    Btw How are things going for you Lawrence?

    N

    PS. This lens is amazing for video! :)

    # 27 July 2010 at 6:48 am

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