Olympus Imaging Corp. (President: Masaharu Okubo) today announced the launch of the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II. The lens complies with the Four Thirds System standard, and is scheduled to go on sale in Japan on December 20, 2008.

ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses comply with the Four Thirds System standard and are specifically designed to maximize the performance potential of digital SLR image sensors. Developed as a successor to the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 (introduced Oct. 2003), which itself earned high praise from advanced amateur and professional users, the new ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II boasts High-Speed Imager AF support and a circular aperture mechanism for higher imaging performance.

Thanks to its support for High-Speed Imager AF, the new lens can be teamed with the Olympus E-30 digital SLR camera, also announced today, enabling users to enjoy responsive AF Live View shooting, as well as the E-30's new Art Filter effects, via the camera's LCD monitor. In addition, the lens supports creative photography with a new circular aperture mechanism, excellent close-up shooting capabilities, and a full complement of other performance features.

To ensure the best possible quality and precision, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II will be manufactured at Tatsuno Plant (Kami-Ina, Nagano, Japan), which is equipped with the most advanced production technology.

Main Features

1. High-Speed Imager AF compatibility
   The ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II supports the High-Speed Imager AF offered on Olympus E-30, E-520, and E-420 digital SLR cameras, enabling users to enjoy Live View shooting with the ease of a compact digital camera. And with the new E-30, users can even confirm the results of Art Filter effects on the LCD monitor while enjoying the convenience of AF Live View shooting.
2. A full complement of features to support creative photography
   
   Circular aperture diaphragm
   A circular aperture mechanism maximizes the smooth defocusing characteristics that are a key advantage of large-aperture lens design. (Mechanism is designed to offer a near-circular aperture at up to about two stops from full open.)
   
   Closest focusing distance of 22cm throughout the zoom range
   For focusing, the lens uses a floating & inner focus mechanism, with excellent imaging performance from infinity down to the minimum focusing distance. Exhibiting minimal aberration even at extremely close range, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 22cm at all focal lengths.
   A versatile zoom range makes the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II an ideal choice in a wide range of shooting situations, and enables users to enjoy the apparently exaggerated perspective of wide angle shooting, with sufficient telephoto power to zoom in for close-ups of the main subject.
   
   Splash- and Dust-proof structure
   Exterior joints are sealed to assure splash- and dust-proof high enough to withstand the demands of professional use.
3. Dedicated digital design for high image quality
   Compact size, high image quality, and f2.8 brightness were achieved by optimal arrangement of 3 aspherical lens elements and 4 cemented lens elements. The result is 'one-class-up' sharpness and contrast, with minimal distortion for superior imaging performance over the entire zoom range.
   Lens coatings have also been optimized to minimize ghosting and flaring even on backlit shots taken with the sun in the frame.