f/1.2 Prime Lens Series offer Feathered Bokeh and Outstanding Resolution M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO (35mm equivalent: 34mm) and M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO (35mm equivalent: 90mm)

October 26, 2017

Olympus Corporation (President: Hiroyuki Sasa) is pleased to announce the M.Zuiko PRO series M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO (35mm equivalent: 34mm) and M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO (35mm equivalent: 90mm) scheduled to go on sale from November 24, 2017 onwards. These lenses conform to the Micro Four Thirds System standard and deliver both beautiful feathered bokeh at maximum aperture of f/1.2 and outstanding resolution.
These two new lenses combine with the currently available M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO (35mm equivalent: 50mm) to form the f/1.2 prime lens series lineup.

Main Features

• Incredible depictive performance delivering both beautiful feathered bokeh and outstanding resolution.
• Fast and high-precision AF
• Excellent mobility with a compact, lightweight construction and dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (-10°) performance

Sales Outline

These two lenses were developed on the same design philosophy as the currently available M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO. The design philosophy consists of delivering a new level of dimensionality achieved by both beautiful feathered bokeh at maximum aperture of f/1.2 and outstanding resolution.

By focusing not only the size but also the quality of bokeh, it makes the main subject, such as people, stand out in a truly magnificent way. Unlike many large-aperture, single-focal-length lenses which are generally used for portraits, this f/1.2 prime lens series offers a unique value of feathered bokeh effects as well as high resolution.

Details of Main Features

1. Incredible depictive performance delivering both beautiful feathered bokeh and outstanding resolution.

Feathered bokeh refers to a bokeh style where the bokeh transitions smoothly from the in-focus to the out-of-focus, provides a smoother overall background bokeh, and thus makes the subject stand out more beautifully.
In order to achieve feathered bokeh, an aberration measuring instrument was utilized to measure defocusing at the aberration level. This ultra-high precision aberration measurement instrument that was produced by our extensive experience in the development of advanced microscope technology, to accurately measure aberrations, helped in the development of lenses that optimize the level of aberrations while minimizing unwanted aberrations in the lens to ensure beautiful quality bokeh.

Newly developed ED-DSA lens is included on the M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO. The ED-DSA lens possesses the characteristics of both ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens and DSA lense¹, of which Olympus was the first manufacturer to successfully mass produce. The ED-DSA lens makes it possible to significantly reduce the number of lens elements, resulting in a lighter product. This construction also effectively compensates for various types of aberrations that tend to occur on wide-angle lenses, such as comatic aberration, distortion, and color bleeding on the image periphery (magnification chromatic aberration). Extensive use of special lenses incorporated into 15 elements in 11 groups makes outstanding imaging performance possible.

1 DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) lens features an extremely large thickness ratio between the center and the periphery

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO also contains 3 optimally placed and bonded lens elements including one ED lens, which effectively compensate for out-of-focus color bleeding (axial chromatic aberration), a common problem on large-aperture lenses, as well as peripheral color bleeding (magnification chromatic aberration). Also, the extensive use of special lenses incorporated into 14 elements in 10 groups results in excellent optical performance which delivers feathered bokeh effects and accurate detail reproductions, even the widest aperture setting.
Both lenses use the same Z Coating Nano technology as on the M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO for sharp, clear image quality that significantly reduces ghosts and flares that tend to occur in backlit shots.

2. Fast and high-precision AF

Both lenses are equipped with an MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) mechanism. Even though these are large-aperture lenses, a lightweight focusing unit allows quiet and high-speed focusing. Most importantly, there are no limitations on AF performance with CSC cameras, as is typical with DSLR cameras when a fast speed lens is used. The 121 point all-cross type On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor provides wide-range, high-precision coverage of subjects even when using a large-aperture f/1.2 lens with the OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Using Face Priority or Eye Priority AF, which are highly regarded by professional portrait photographers, brings out the true power of these large aperture lenses.

3. Excellent mobility with a compact, lightweight construction and dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (-10°) performance

Our amazingly compact, lightweight system provides unrivaled mobility with the f/1.2 prime lens series.
The same operability is realized by making the overall length and the maximum diameter almost the same size. A uniform lens filter diameter across the three f/1.2 lenses allows the photographer to use the same lens filters such as ND filters and PL filters.
The f/1.2 prime lens series also features reliable dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (-10°C) performance as the M.Zuiko PRO series for use under any weather conditions.

Other Features

1. Excellent close-up shooting

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO has a closest focusing distance of 20 cm and a maximum image magnification of 0.15x (35mm equivalent: 0.3x), while the M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO has a closest focusing distance of 50 cm and a maximum image magnification of 0.1x (35mm equivalent: 0.2x), giving these two lenses the same top class close-up shooting abilities as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO.

2. Design

These lenses were designed with the high level professional photographer in mind. The focusing ring placed at the front of the lens makes focusing easier when paired with the large grip of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Keeping the L-Fn button on a gently curving surface makes it easy to access.
The MF Clutch mechanism makes it possible to instantly switch between auto and manual focusing mode by pulling the focusing ring toward you.

Separately Available Accessories

Lens Cap, LC-62F (bundled)

Lens cap for lenses with a filter diameter of φ62 mm. In addition to the ability to remove the lens even when the lens hood is still attached, the lens cap design is to remove easily.

Lens Case, LSC-0811 (bundled)

A three-layer construction purse-string type lens case which securely protects the lens. The lens can be stored in the case with the lens cap, protection filter, and lens hood (stored) attached to the lens.

Lens Hood, LH-66C (bundled)

A lens hood specifically designed for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO lens. This hood reduces unnecessary light entering the lens when shooting in backlit conditions. The hood release lock button features a non-protruding design that prevents the hood from coming off when accidentally bumping the button during carrying.

Lens Hood, LH-66B (bundled)

A lens hood for use with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO. This hood reduces unnecessary light entering the lens when shooting in backlit conditions. The hood release lock button features a non-protruding design that prevents the hood from coming off when accidentally bumping the button during carrying.

Protection Filter, ZUIKO PRF-ZD62 PRO

This protection filter maximizes the abilities of M.Zuiko PRO lenses bearing the Zuiko name. It features ZERO coating, which cuts reflection by approximately half compared to conventional multicoating, black edged glass, and a satin finished black alumite aluminum frame for a matte surface that suppresses reflections.

Sales Outline for Separately Available Accessories