Tokyo, Japan (15 September 2014) – Olympus Imaging is pleased to announce the launch of the new but long anticipated M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f2.8 PRO professional telephoto zoom lens.
The second, released lens in the M.Zuiko PRO category of professional lenses, the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f2.8 PRO boasts high optical performance, splash & dust proof construction and robustness, extremely high image quality under any conditions. It is the perfect lens for all customers seeking a depictive power and mobility that satisfies professional standards.
Together with the current standard-wide M.Zuiko ED 12- 40mm f2.8 PRO zoom lens, this professional lens pair covers the focal length from 24mm to 300mm (35mm equivalent), with the same bright f2.8 constant aperture. Combined with the OM-D E-M1, these lenses will provide the professional photographer with all-condition imaging confidence.
The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f2.8 PRO is expected to be available in November 2014 and the recommended retail price is to be announced.
1. Superior image quality, with the fixed f2.8 aperture at all focal lengths
This lens achieves a compact, lightweight and high performance by taking advantage in this product of the hallmarks of the Micro Four Thirds System standard to achieve a maximum aperture of f2.8 at all zoom focal lengths and cover a telephoto range of 80mm to 300mm (35mm equivalent).
To achieve compact, lightweight lens with optical performance exceeding that of the highly regarded Four Thirds System standard Super High Grade (SHG) lens, the lens employs such glass materials as the Super ED lenses, the ED or HD lens*1 as well as of EDA*2and other aspherical lenses. The latest design technologies were also incorporated in developing the lens, such as making proactive use of ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) Coating to thoroughly eliminate ghosts and flare.
As a result, with a maximum aperture at all zoom focal lengths the lens provides the high Olympus image quality that satisfies professional standards.
2. Mobility that comes from a fixed-length compact body outfitted with fast aperture lens and splash & dust proof construction
As a telephoto zoom lens with a fast aperture of f2.8 for professional use, the lens has a stable center of gravity and a total length that remains unchanged during zooming. It also offers strong splash & dust proof performance that permits photography even in the rain when used in combination with astonishing compact and lightweight E-M1, the flagship model of the OM-D series. With these outstanding mobility, this lens gives you the possibilities of photographing the way you like in any locations using the minimum amount of equipment.
3. A fast, accurate AF with high close-up performance, achieved with the world’s first Dual VCM focusing system*3
The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f2.8 PRO utilises a Dual VCM focusing system that is a super high performance version of Olympus’ original fast and quiet Movie and Still Compatible (MSC) mechanism. The Dual VCM focusing system is the world’s first to use two linear motors to perform focusing with a floating method. The system provides extremely fast autofocusing with no loss of image quality possible by operating two groups of miniaturized focusing lenses simultaneously, quickly, and with great precision. For a long telephoto zoom lens, the focusing speed is on par with that of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO.
Also, it offers a closest shooting distance of 70cm (approx. 50cm from the lens tip) throughout the entire zoom range with no loss of image quality due to the corrective effects of the floating lens design.
4. Combined with a teleconverter, it provides a high quality and high performance 112-420mm*1 telephoto zoom.
Along with the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm PRO, Olympus introduces the M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14, which is the world’s first rear teleconverter for the Compact System Cameras. Attaching it between the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f2.8 PRO and the camera body changes the combination into a compact, high-performance telephoto lens with a focal length of 112mm to 420mm (35mm equivalent). Leaving the closest shooting distance unchanged, the maximum shooting magnification is increased to 0.6x (35mm equivalent). As it specifically designed for the Compact System Camera, this teleconverter also minimizes image degradation.
*1 High Refractive Index & Dispersion lens
*2 Extra-low Dispersion Aspherical lens
*3 Voice Coil Motor. A linear motor that translatory moves the coil with electromagnetic power
