May 13, 2008
Digital-dedicated interchangeable lens compliant to the Four
Thirds System standard
Super-wide-angle (equivalent to 18-36 mm of 35 mm lenses) zoom lens with ultra
compact and lightweight design
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6
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ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 |
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 on E-520 |
Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Masaharu Okubo) is pleased to announce the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6, a super-wide-angle zoom lens compliant with the Four Thirds System standard for digital SLR cameras and scheduled for release by the end of 2008.
Based on the Four Thirds System standard, Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are interchangeable
lenses with a digital-dedicated design that maximizes the performance of the
image sensors used by digital SLR cameras. The newly announced ZUIKO DIGITAL
ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 — which will join Olympus's Standard series*1
of Olympus interchangeable lenses, is a super-wide-angle zoom lens covering a
wide focusing range equivalent to 18-36 mm on a 35-mm camera lens. Representing
the commercialization of the "super-wide-angle zoom lens" described
in the ZUIKO DIGITAL Interchangeable Lens Roadmap currently promoted on our website.
Until now, super-wide-angle lenses tended to be big, heavy, and expensive, making
it difficult for most camera users to take advantage of them. The newly announced
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 promises to change all this. With its ultra
compact and lightweight design and the outstanding portability, thanks to the
DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) lens, available only with the Four Thirds System,
this lens will make super-wide-angle photography friendlier and more affordable.
Despite its compact size — it's just 73 mm long and weighs a mere
280 grams (current plan)*2 — this lens boasts a long focusing range equivalent
to 18-36 mm on a 35-mm camera lens.
No manufacturer has yet released a zoom lens in the super-wide-angle domain that has both a focal distance equivalent to less than 20 mm on a 35-mm camera lens and a built-in image stabilization mechanism. However, when used with an Olympus digital SLR camera body with a built-in image stabilization mechanism such as the E-3 (released in November 2007), the E-510 (released in June 2007) or the newly announced E-520, the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 enables super-wide-angle handheld shooting at a focal distance equivalent to 18 mm on a 35-mm camera lens without using a tripod even at night. And with any one of these combinations, users will also enjoy the benefits of the Live View shooting function, which makes it possible to create compositions using unique and unusual perspectives that are difficult to obtain with conventional viewfinders.
| *1 | The OLYMPUS ZUIKO DIGITAL series of interchangeable lenses is comprised of three lines: 1) the Standard series, which prioritizes high cost efficiency and reduced size/weight; 2) the High Grade series with advanced functions and high performance including a splash- and dust-proof design; and 3) the Super High Grade series, which features the professional specifications and superior imaging required by top professionals. |
| *2 | Specifications may be subject to change without prior notice. |
Pricing & Launch Date
|
Product Name |
MSRP |
Launch date |
|---|---|---|
| ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 | Not determined | Before end of 2008 |
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