Olympus announces its first power zoom lens
posted Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 12:19 PM EDT
Olympus Imaging America Inc. has today announced its first M. Zuiko lens model for Micro Four Thirds cameras to include a power zoom feature.
The Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ lens offers 35mm-equivalent focal lengths from 24 to 100mm, controlled using an electromagnetic zoom mechanism with variable speed control, which is said to be near-silent. It also includes an L-Fn button to lock focus while held down, useful if something comes between camera and subject briefly.
The M.Zuiko 12-50mm lens weighs 7.4 ounces (211 grams), and has dimensions of 3.3 inches (83mm) long by 2.2 inches (57mm) diameter. The inner-focus, inner-zoom design features 10 lenses in nine groups, including aspheric and extra-low dispersion elements, and accepts 52mm filters. Maximum magnification is 1:3.5 at wide angle, or 1:6.3 at telephoto.
Available in black or silver versions with front and rear lens caps (but no lens hood), the Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ lens should ship in the US market from mid-January 2012, priced at around US$500.
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The Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ lens. Photo provided by Olympus Imaging America Inc. |
Press Release
Olympus® Introduces A New Micro Four Thirds® Lens That Delivers Pen Performance In The Toughest Conditions
Olympus’ First Micro Four Thirds Lens with an Electronic Zoom is Quiet, Versatile and Designed to Deliver a Range of Images in a Compact, Dust- and Splashproof Body
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., December 14, 2011 – Olympus adds to its powerfully simple and growing PEN family with the first fully-compatible interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens to incorporate an electronic motorized zoom. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ (35mm equivalent 24–100mm) delivers smooth, quiet zooming that gives you versatility, portability and maximizes the performance of the Olympus PEN® compact system cameras.
The sophisticated new lens has a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2x, allowing photographers to capture anything from detailed, wide-angle group shots to medium telephoto-range images so you can get up close and personal for intimate portraits of children and pets – even indoors. The photographer can control the zooming speed by turning the barrel – slowly for drama, quickly for performance, or at an intermediate rate. Manual zooming is also available for those looking to take full control.
In macro mode, which can be set by pushing the zoom ring forward while depressing the macro button on the side of the lens, focusing is possible between 8 and 20 inches for close-up shooting with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent). The L-Fn (Lens Function) button suspends the autofocusing operation temporarily to avoid unintended focusing on obstacles that appear suddenly between the camera and the subject.
Perfect for brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) video capture, the Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ has also been enhanced with a linear motor that drives smooth and quiet autofocusing for stress-free shooting.
New lens elements and glass materials ensure the clearest possible imaging performance, and the proven dust and splashproof mechanism originally featured in the Four Thirds SHG (Super High Grade) series lenses is now incorporated for the first time in a Micro Four Thirds System lens. Multiple sealing rings, fitted throughout the lens body, prevent water splashes and dust from penetrating, making the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ a versatile zoom lens for the toughest conditions.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ: Available Mid-January 2012
Estimated Street Price: $499.99
For a complete list of specifications, visit: http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1582
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 enhance people’s lives every day. These include:
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*Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holder.
©2011 Olympus Imaging America Inc.
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