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Olympus' Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm f4.0 - f5.6 lens. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Olympus announces Zuiko 70-300mm lens
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(Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 09:00 EDT)

From its headquarters in Center Valley PA, Olympus Imaging America Inc. has today announced its forthcoming Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 zoom lens.

Development of the lens was first disclosed by the Japanese parent company Olympus Corp. last March, although at that time specifications were unannounced and only a prototype photo was available. Today's lens looks fairly similar to that prototype, and will offer a 35mm-equivalent focal range of 140-600mm when used on a Four-Thirds digital SLR. The lens design includes 14 elements in ten groups, three of them using ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. Maximum aperture varies from f4.0 to f5.6 across the zoom range, and the minimum focusing distance is just 96 centimeters (although when autofocusing, the lens cannot focus nearer than 1.2 meters).

The Olympus Zuiko 70-300mm lens will go on sale from September 2007, priced at around $400. The lens will weigh 620 grams (21.8 ounces), and will accept 58mm threaded filters. Further details can be found in the specifications table and press release below...

Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm f4.0 - f5.6 Lens
Olympus' Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm f4.0 - f5.6 lens. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Focal Length 70-300mm
35mm Equivalent Focal Length 140-600mm
Lens Construction 14 Elements in 10 Groups, (including 3 ED lenses)
Angle of View 18 - 4.1 Degree
Closest Focusing Distance 0.96m (at MF shooting)
note: 1.2m when using at AF shooting
Maximum Image Magnification 0.50x
35mm Equivalent Max. Image Magnification 1.0x
Minimum Field Size 26x35mm
Number of Blades 9 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
Maximum Aperture f4.0 (70mm) - f5.6 (300mm)
Minimum Aperture f22
Filter Size Diameter 58mm
Dimensions Diameter 80x127mm
Weight 21.8 oz. (620g)
Accessories Lens Hood - LH-61E (Included)
Lens Cap - LC-58C (Included)
Lens Case - LSC-0918 (Optional)
Compatibility Tele Converter EC-14 - YES (MF available)
Tele Converter EC-20 - YES (MF available)
Extension Tube EX-25 - YES (MF available)
Box Contents 70-300mm F4-5.6
Lens Cap(LC-58C)
Lens Rear Cap(LR-1)
Lens Hood(LH-61E)
Instruction Manual
Olympus Worldwide Warranty Card
More Photos
Olympus' Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm f4.0 - f5.6 lens on the Olympus EVOLT E-510 digital SLR. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
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Original Source Press Release:

Olympus Zooms In On Ultra-Compact 70-300mm Super-Telephoto Digital Lens

Versatile, Lightweight Telephoto Lens Offers 600mm Equivalent and Incredible Macro Capabilities in Half the Size of Competitive Lenses

CENTER VALLEY, PA, June 26, 2007 – Olympus, a worldwide leader in lens technology, today announces its new super-telephoto Zuiko Digital™ ED 70-300mm (f4.0-f5.6) lens with a compact, lightweight design that is ideal for travel – a perfect complement to the two new portable D-SLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras, the EVOLT E-410 and E-510.

The lens’ impressive 140-600mm equivalent focal length (in 35mm photography) is excellent for capturing beautiful images in situations where getting close to a subject is not practical, such as photographing distant scenes, wildlife, sports and children at play. Additionally, due to its unique optical design and impressive minimum focusing distance, this telephoto lens enables consumers to get up-close (38 inches / 0.96 meters) to subjects when taking macro shots – essential for capturing the intricate detail of a flower or jewelry. The lens will be compatible with all E-System and Four-Thirds system cameras, and it will be available at an attractive price for consumers.

“Today’s active lifestyles demand compact lenses that can be taken to the action,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Previously, consumers avoided carrying large, cumbersome lenses, ultimately missing photographs. Consumers can now get close to subjects while carrying a smaller lens that won’t weigh them down.”

Affordably Priced Super-Telephoto for Astounding Reach
When shooting wildlife or sports, the ability to zoom in and bring the action close can make or break the picture. Whether photographing a tiger in the wild or a young softball player at third base, the Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm lens puts long-range capabilities in the hands of consumers at an affordable price. The lightweight, portable size makes it an ideal lens for travel, and paired with an image stabilized digital SLR like the EVOLT E-510 the photos are sharp and clear at any focal length, even at times when a tripod may not be available.

100 Percent Designed for Digital Lenses
Looking to the future and technology, Olympus lenses are designed to be 100 percent digital, enabling lenses to be seamlessly matched to the image sensor so that light strikes the sensor directly with even coverage for accurate color and sharp photographs edge to edge. Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses each house their own CPU and offer the user the ability to upgrade the firmware as new technology becomes available. The ability to upgrade firmware also establishes optimal communication between the lens and the camera body, enabling better compensation for common distortions such as “shading” (darkening of the edges of an image that may sometimes occur in photographs) or “barrel distortion” (the bowing of vertical lines).

Durable Construction
Designed to meet the needs of the enthusiast photographer, the Zuiko Digital 70-300mm lens uses advanced optical designs and the highest quality optical glass, including 3 ED glass elements, to provide rich color and crisp, clear photographs. All Zuiko lenses are lead-free, utilizing titanium within the optical design. The lightweight comfort and durability of this lens will give the user years of use no matter where in the world they may travel.

US Pricing & Availability
The Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm Super-telephoto Lens will be available in September 2007. Estimated street price: $399.99

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples’ lives every day. These include:

  • Digital and film cameras
  • Professional SLR Imaging Systems
  • Digital and Microcassette recorders
  • Digital Media
  • Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

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