Olympus’s new lens offers a 4.2x zoom range covering the equivalent of a 24-100mm zoom, making it a flexible optic for indoor group shots, scenics and portrait photography. The company says a new motorized zoom mechanism zooms smoothly and quietly so it won’t interfere with audio when shooting movies. The camera also features Olympus’s MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) fast, quiet autofocus. For photographers shooting under less than ideal conditions, the lens is dust- and splash-proof.
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 will be available in January and will list for $499.95.
For details and specifications, read the Olympus press release, below.
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
Specifications
Specifications
Mount Standard
Micro Four Thirds System Standard
Focal Length
12-50mm (35mm equivalent focal length 24-100mm)
Lens construction
10 Elements in 9 Groups – DSA lens, 2 Aspherical lenses and ED Lens
Angle of View
84 – 24 Degree
AF System
High-speed Imager AF (MSC) – Linear Motor Drive System
Closest Focusing Distance
0.35m (at Normal Mode)
0.2m (at Macro Mode)
Maximum Image Magnification
0.36x (at Normal Mode)
[0.72x (at Macro Mode)]
Minimum Field Size
36 x 48mm
Number of Blades
5 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
Maximum Aperture
f3.5(12mm) – f6.3(50mm)
Minimum Aperture
f22
Filter Size
Diameter 52mm
Dimension
Diameter 57 x 83mm
Weight
211g
Box Contents
Lens Cap (LC-52C), Lens Rear Cap (LR-2), Instruction Manual, Olympus Worldwide Warranty Card
