Olympus E-520 Macro?

Mr.Coinring · Jun 20, 2009

Hello all!
I am a newbe to the slr, and I just ordered an Olympus E-520. My main concern/question is.. what is the best lens setup to get really up close macro shots of rings that I make from silver coins? Do I need an extension tube with macro lenses or should I spend a little more money for a manual focus macro lens like a Olympus Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 lens?....I have no idea what to use

Any help would be greatly appreciated...thanks in advance.
PS: After buying the camera I am on a limited budget.

Bitter Jeweler · Jun 20, 2009

Are you just trying to shoot the rings for "display" purposes, or wanting to show tiny details in the ring/coin itself?

I did these shots with a CoolPix 990 point&shoot:

Mr.Coinring · Jun 21, 2009

WOW....great shots with a "point&shoot"...
I need to get great detail shots of the ring itself, about as close and clear as your shots....Up until now I have been using a crapy Kodak easyshare on the up close setting but it's only a 3.1 MP :thumbdown: I plan on using the E-520 for everything else though so thats why I bought it. I guess I will see what the E-520 can do by itself when it gets here but most likely I will be adding the 10+ macro lens that screws on the end like a filter and see what that gets me....below is a picture I took with the old Kodak....its a wonder I ave been able to sell these rings at all...lol :lol:

Samanax · Jun 21, 2009

Mr.Coinring said:
Do I need an extension tube with macro lenses or should I spend a little more money for a manual focus macro lens like a Olympus Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 lens?....I have no idea what to use. After buying the camera I am on a limited budget.

The cheapest route would be to buy a set of extension tubes and use it with the standard lens that comes with the Olympus...but I'm not sure if extension tubes are available for Olympus DSLRs.

Don Kondra · Jun 21, 2009

I don't have any experience with the extension tubes but I can tell you the ZD 50mm is about as sharp as you can get... used they go for ~$300.

Your next option is a OM 50mm f1.4 or f1.8 with adapter. It's manual focus in aperture mode but produces great images, they go for ~$100 on ebay.

For a more Oly specific forum visit

For the ZD lens line up visit

And for OM lens infor go here and here and here

Cheers, Don

Mr.Coinring · Jun 21, 2009

Ok Guys....thanks for your help.
I went ahead an bought a OM 50mm f1.8 with an adapter on ebay and only spent $50 for both shipped!! The lens is in wonderful shape too!
When I get it all in I will post the results and hopefully get some good tips

Bitter Jeweler · Jun 21, 2009

Mr. Coinring, nice ring. It took me a few minutes to figure out how you managed that. Very cool! Good luck with your sales!

Mr.Coinring · Jun 22, 2009

Thanks for the kind words......I guess I'm on to something as long as it helps with the bills, and maybe a new camera! :mrgreen:
I sell under the same name on that auction site if you ever wanna see more.

lockwood81 · Jun 23, 2009

Don Kondra said:
I don't have any experience with the extension tubes but I can tell you the ZD 50mm is about as sharp as you can get... used they go for ~$300.

Your next option is a OM 50mm f1.4 or f1.8 with adapter. It's manual focus in aperture mode but produces great images, they go for ~$100 on ebay.

For a more Oly specific forum visit

For the ZD lens line up visit

And for OM lens infor go here and here and here

Cheers, Don

What he said. :thumbup: The ZD 50 is a great lens. And with an externsion tube it becomes a super macro.

But you will get good photos with the 1.8 manual, just use a tripod, and be prepared to take a lot of test shots as it will be difficult to focus with the small viewfinder.

Bitter Jeweler · Jun 23, 2009

"That" auction site?

:lmao:

SonnarSphere · Jun 23, 2009

that's a cleverly designed ring.
extension tubes may be a bit excessive for what you doing, here.
they get very very close.

Mr.Coinring · Jun 23, 2009

Sorry....I'm on ebay..;^)

Some time ago I got booted off of a car forum just for mentioning it so now its just a habit.

Small view finder? Part of the reason why I got this E-520 was because it has a secondary Live View sensor. :mrgreen:

I may go ahead and get the tube as they are pretty cheap, and yes I would like to get even closer to these rings and really show off the tiniest detail.

lockwood81 · Jun 23, 2009

Mr.Coinring said:
Sorry....I'm on ebay..;^)

Some time ago I got booted off of a car forum just for mentioning it so now its just a habit.

Small view finder? Part of the reason why I got this E-520 was because it has a secondary Live View sensor. :mrgreen:

I may go ahead and get the tube as they are pretty cheap, and yes I would like to get even closer to these rings and really show off the tiniest detail.

Oh yeah, I forgot about the live view....I hardly ever use it, but for macro work it is great.

SonnarSphere · Jun 23, 2009

Mr.Coinring said:
I may go ahead and get the tube as they are pretty cheap, and yes I would like to get even closer to these rings and really show off the tiniest detail.

you want a full-frame shot of the foot of the number 1 in '1912'? ok =)
go for it!

) use a set of all three tubes at once, in series

)