EOS Canon 5D Mark II and Olympus OM Zuiko adapter
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.
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
Shooting directly into a sunset gave no issues with flare, etc




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
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Hi,
Great post and wonderful photos.
Do you still get F1.2 from the lens when using it with the adapter?
Nitsan.
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)
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
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.
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
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.
Awesome. Thanks for the advice!
:D
other pictures with 5d m2
http://robin-clouet.com/
photographe
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.
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! :)
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