PRESS RELEASE: Olympus Introduces The Compact 18-180mm Zuiko Digital Ultra Zoom Lens
Compact Size and Powerful 10x Optical Zoom Offer Extensive Range and Versatility
Melville, New York, Sept 26, 2005 ? Olympus is excited to announce its first consumer interchangeable SLR ultra zoom lens, the new Zuiko Digital 18-180mm (36-360mm equivalent in 35mm photography), as part of its extensive family of interchangeable Zuiko Digital Specific™ lenses for the Olympus E-System. The new 10x optical ultra zoom lens offers a long focal length of up to 180mm, providing a versatile focal range to both beginner and advanced photographers.
“The new 18-180mm lens provides digital SLR photography enthusiasts with a powerful zoom and the versatility to compose images from wide angle to extreme telephoto,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Designed as a consumer lens, the Zuiko Digital 18-180 mm Zoom is an affordable and compact option for those photographers who may be looking for one lens that they can carry with them anywhere they go. And because it is a Zuiko Digital Specific Lens, it is designed specifically for capturing light on the image sensor, resulting in edge-to-edge sharpness of the highest quality.”
Versatile Focal Range – One Lens Does It All!
The benefit of an SLR system is the freedom to interchange lenses for precision and creativity. But if you were only able to take a single lens with you on a trip, the Zuiko 18-180mm lens would be an excellent choice. Combining a powerful ultra zoom with a compact, lightweight construction of just a little more than 3-inches and 15 ounces, and at an affordable consumer price, this is a profoundly versatile lens. The power of the 18-180mm optical zoom range enables photographers to zoom in for optimal framing of subjects in sports, travel or nature photography, where positioning for shots may be constrained, while still enabling wide-angle compositions for capturing landscapes or group shots.
100% Designed for Digital Lenses
Olympus has taken a purist approach in the design of the E-System by creating 100% digital lenses that comply with the Four Thirds System to be perfectly matched to the imager so light strikes the sensor directly, ensuring rich, accurate colors, sharp contrasts and bright images even at the edges. An additional benefit of the Zuiko Digital Specific™ lenses is the ability to conveniently upgrade the firmware to take advantage of the most current technology available for optimal communication between the lens and the camera body.
Durable, High-Quality Construction
Aspherical and ED glass lens elements are used to eliminate aberration and maintain sharpness, color and tonal definition throughout the zoom range for superior digital images. All Zuiko lenses are lead-free, built instead using titanium for lightweight durability. Reinforced metal lens mounts on each lens offer added support when attaching the lenses to E-System camera bodies.
U.S. Pricing & Availability
The Zuiko Digital 18-180mm Lens will be available in January 2006.
Estimated street price: $499.99
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 parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples lives every day. These include:
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Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.
| ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm F3.5-6.3 Specifications* |
| Focal Length | 18-180mm (35mm equivalent focal length 36-360mm) |
| Lens construction | 15 Elements in 13 Groups, including 2 ED lenses and 2 Aspherical lenses |
| Angle of View | 62-6.9 Degree |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 17.7 in (0.45m) |
| Maximum Image Magnification | 0.23x (35mm equivalent Maximum Image Magnification 0.46x) |
| Minimum Field size | 75 x 55 mm |
| Number of Blades | 7 |
| Maximum Aperture | f 3.5(18mm) - f 6.3(180mm) |
| Minimum Aperture | f 22 |
| Filter Size | 62 mm |
| Dimension | Diameter 3.33 x 3.1 in (84.5 x 78 mm) |
| Weight | 15.5 oz (440g) |
| Tele Converter | EC-14 YES |
| Extension Tube | EX-25 YES |
| Lens Hood | LH-65 |
| Lens Cap | LC-62B (62mm) |
| Lens Case | (optional LSC-0918) |
*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.
©2005 Olympus Imaging America Inc.
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(First posted on Monday, September 26, 2005 at 10:00 EDT)