Production
1960 – 1989
Country
Japan
Optical
6-7 elements in 5-6 groups
Updated
Feb 6, 2026
Olympus 50mm f1.8
Olympus OM Mount · 50mm · f/1.8
Overview
Olympus's standard OM-mount lens. A reliable, affordable option for photographers using Olympus SLR systems, offering decent optical performance at reasonable cost.
Verdict: The Olympus 50mm f1.8 is a solid vintage lens option with reliable performance. Community members recommend it as a capable performer for photographers seeking good optical quality combined with vintage character and affordability.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Pleasant bokeh from thoughtful aperture design.
Color
Balanced color rendering, neutral to slightly warm.
Sharpness wide open
Good sharpness from f4 onwards, improving with stopping down.
Flare resistance
Moderate flare resistance with acceptable performance.
Contrast
Good contrast with pleasant micro-contrast.
Vignetting
Mild vignetting wide open, reduces significantly by f2.8-f4.
Community Insights
What people love
- Reliable optical performance across range
- Good value for purchase price
- Solid mechanical construction and durability
- Consistent rendering across usage
- Versatile for various photography applications
What people dislike
- Can be soft when used wide open
- Limited distinctive character compared to some alternatives
- May require professional cleaning after long storage
- Some copies affected by fungus or haze
Pro Tips
- Peak optical performance usually at f4-f8 apertures
- Test on digital camera via appropriate adapter before committing
- Handle lens cleaning carefully to preserve original coatings
- Adapts well to modern mirrorless camera systems
Sample Photos
Sources (2)
MFlenses ForumForum
Olympus's standard OM-mount lens. A reliable, affordable option for photographers using Olympus SLR systems, offering decent optical performance at reasonable cost.
DPReview ForumForum
Olympus's OM-mount standard lens. A reliable, affordable option for photographers using Olympus SLR systems with decent optical performance.