Olympus's fast OM standard macro — the Zuiko Auto-Macro 50mm f/2, sharp close and at distance.
The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Macro 50mm f/2 is a fast standard macro lens for the Olympus OM mount, introduced in 1985. Unlike the bellows-only short macros, this is a conventionally focusing macro that doubles as a bright normal lens, and it earned a strong reputation for close-up sharpness. It stood as one of the finest optics in the OM macro line.
This is a manual-focus Olympus OM macro lens with a 50mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2, designated Auto-Macro with an automatic diaphragm. It focuses conventionally to close range for macro work and can be extended further with accessories. The confirmed specifications are the 50mm focal length, the f/2 maximum aperture and the manual-focus OM macro design; magnification ratio, filter thread and weight are omitted here rather than asserted without confirmation.
A 50mm macro at f/2 is a versatile lens that handles close-up detail and everyday shooting with equal ease, giving flat-field sharpness up close and a natural field of view at distance. The fast aperture also makes it usable for portraits and general work, unusual for a macro. Its combination of speed and close-focus sharpness made it a favourite among OM users and copy photographers alike.
This lens is well regarded and moderately scarce, so clean examples command respect on the used market. Check the glass for haze and fungus, confirm the aperture blades are dry, and test the long macro focus travel for smooth, even resistance without stiff spots. Verify the aperture ring clicks positively. It is a popular adaptation on mirrorless, where its flat-field sharpness and f/2 speed make it excellent for both macro and general use.