Test On My Available Macro Setup M4/3

3 setup i used here (Number 1,2,3 - explain different between one another) :

1 - 55mm f1.8 Super-Takumar M42 + Extension Tubes Set + M42 to M4/3 adapter

2 - 55mm f2.8 Quantaray Macro 1:1 PK + PK to M4/3 adapter

3 - 20mm f1.7 Panasonic Lumix Pancake M4/3 + Step-Up Ring 46 to 52 + +10 Close-Up Filter

';

The size comparison

(forgot to add the 20mm tho but i think u get what i'm trying to tell, just 20mm pancake + close-up filter.)

Length & Extra Information's Explanation :
1 - definitely 50-55mm f1.4-1.8 prime old lens (super-takumar is what i used here) is JUST a little short. what i used here is the tamukar with old coating system that cause light flare a little, others 50-55mm prime some might also have this kind of issue. but 50-55 old primes are good for flare portrait (to mention here just in case you dont know that) ^^

2 - 50-60 f2.8-3.5 1:1 macro lens which is design for Real Serious Macro shoots, Perform great, for the Aperture you can get great photo under sunlight but not indoor, maybe you might consider the 50 f2 macro Zuiko?? ><" but still i can take it with 1 hand + another hand with torch light <3

3 - 20mm + filter of course the lightest & shortest, if some close-up is what you want then that might be the best choice because it's Cheap, Light, Easy to carry, quite sharp.

Shoot with Super-Takumar at f16 (+ extension tubes set & adapter)
distance between subject & lens = 2.7 - 2.8inches

 Shoot with 55mm 1:1 macro lens + adapter

(without moving the camera refer to previous photo shoot by Super-Takumar)

 

 Shoot with 55mm Macro 1:1 Lens at f2.8

 Shoot with 55mm Macro 1:1 Lens at f16
distance between subject & lens = 1.9 - 2 inches

 

 Shoot with 20mm Pancake + Close-Up Filter at f16

(At closest range)
distance between subject & lens = 2.5inches

Weight :
3 - 20mm pancake + filter is much much lighter then the other 2,
2 - 55mm Macro Quantaray is heaviest But solid feels on hands,
1 - 55mm Super-Takumar weight is not balancing due to the solid metal build on lens light on extensions
(feels like the mount can damage cause the lens is Long & a bit weight on front)

On Hands Feels & Handling :

1 - It's not comfort in hand because the extension tubes are light & little solid metal build on the prime so the front will be heavy. & because I'm using third party extension tubes (i think there's no original tho?) a little lose when adapted.

2 - It feels metal solid but a bit heavy on PEN "Light Body" VS "Heavy Lens" might cause your hands shake after few hours shoots, but it's more firm & stay in place even with cheapo third party adapter.

3 - On hand feeling is just like a pancake without filters, nothing to complain, the lightest.

Focusing, Macro Ratio & Quality :
1 - Focusing range fixed no matter how you turn the focus ring, & the focus looks a little bit more narrow.

2 - Focus is good & fair from nearest to infinity.

3 - The focus range on 20mm pancake is even worst than the 55mm prime i used ^^" Just a bit, not much, but you definitely cant get 1:1 macro (the other 2 can) As everybody known the more glass you had the worst quality you get (in General, some might be better depends on what "Glass" you had) fine for center sharp images. Quality depends on what Filter you used too.

Conclusion :
it's not to compare the best or worst, it's what suit you most in the end,
1 - extreme macro, fine to carry, acceptable quality = primes + extensions
2 - extremely macro with great quality = macro lens
3 - some close up & easy to carry = 20mm + filters

And remember macro is macro But you can use the lens for others purpose like our Beloved Expert Robin did, & really thank him for spending the time to explain everything so clearly about lighting, comfort, use of gears, & many many more, I'm always want to Learn some more from him & always bothering (until Me my own also feel I'm way too over). I hope Robin don't mind that. ><"

because we loves to shoot that's why we try, until we know what we really like most. I just cant wait to explore more & more on macros if I could. see more, try more, learn more, shoot more & love more <3