Olympus PEN Converter Lenses Tested

Performance

Using the converter with the 14-42mm lens only reduces the minimum focus distance by one centimetre, which isn't all that impressive, but does allow for slightly tighter composition. Good sharpness and contrast are maintained with no signs of chromatic aberrations becoming more prominent.

The reduction in minimum focus distance with the 40-150mm lens is much more impressive. With the converter in pace this distance is reduced from 90cm to 35cm, which allows for impressive frame filling shots. As with the 14-42mm lens, sharpness levels with this combination are good, although a little red fringing can sometimes be seen around high contrast out of focus edges.

The converter only reduces the focusing distance by one centimetre when used with the 14-42mm lens.		Taken without the converter, this image shows the slightly looser composition from being one centimetre further away.
The effect of the converter is much stronger when used with the 40-150mm lens.		This image shows the same scene photographed with the 40-150mm lens at its minimum focus distance without the converter.

The value this converter provides will depend on the lens it is being used with. If you only own the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II lens, then the one centimetre reduction in minimum focus distance may not be worth the £40 to you. If however, you own the 40-150mm, or even both, this lens will allows close up images of acceptable quality to be taken with minimum added weight and expense.

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