(Extracted from the February 1991 issue of the UK photo magazine "Practical
Photography"; this was a group test of 6 Zuiko lenses.)
These short telephotos rank among many photographers favourite lenses, and
it's not hard to see why when examining this Zuiko. The additional focal
length over a standard lens is sufficient to give superior perspective for
portraits etc, but size and weight increases are minimal. This OM 85mm, for
example, weighs under 100gm more than the 50mm f1.8, and is only 16mm
longer.
Focusing via the generously proportioned diamond rubber grip is nicely
damped, and needs a 180 degree turn to reach the one metre minimum focusing
distance. Despite the fast f2 maximum aperture, Olympus has kept the front
element size down to the regular 49mm filter size.
In terms of optical ability, this Zuiko performs with some distinction. The
widest apertures begin respectably, but stopping down to f4 and beyond
improves performance significantly. An impressive peak of sharpness is
reached in centre frame at f16.
The edges also perform with a welcome level of consistency, with excellent
definition available between f4 and f11. Our only gripe is that the maximum
aperture centre and edge figures are a touch down on what might have been
expected. So use this lens with care at full bore.
Lens number: not available (Zuiko MC variant)
MTF % values for centre and edge (edge in parenthesis)
(the spatial frequency measured was not specified):
f2: 53% (44%)
f2.8: 61% (51%)
f4: 69% (61%)
f5.6: 72% (64%)
f8: 75% (65%)
f11: 72% (61%)
f16: 85% (53%)
Concluding Summary:
Portrait buffs will be well pleased with the Zuiko 85mm short tele. On top
of polished optical ability, it provides lovely perspective in a most
compact package. It's a lens that will spend plenty of time mounted onto
your camera body.
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