New Compact Standard Zoom Added To Olympus PRO Line

Arriving alongside the OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a new M.Zuiko Digital PRO series lens in the M43 mount. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4.0 PRO is the equivalent to a 24-90mm in the 35mm format and is both more compact and lighter than the existing 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO model (which, of course, is a stop faster). Being a PRO series lens, it has a weather-sealed barrel construction – with metal alloy barrel tubes – and insulation which enables shooting in temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius. It measures just 70mm in length and weighs 254g which, Olympus claims, makes it the world’s most compact and lightweight standard zoom lens.

The optical construction comprises 12 elements in nine groups which include no fewer than eight special types – one Super High Refractive, two High Refractive, two aspherical, one Dual Super Aspherical (DSA) and two with extra-low dispersion (ED) characteristics. Collectively, these special elements correct for distortion and various aberrations while helping maintain a compact lens size. The lens also has Olympus’ ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) multi-coating to minimise internal reflections and suppress ghosting and flare.

The minimum focusing distance is 12cm at 12mm and 23cm at 45mm, maintaining a magnification ratio of 1:2 (i.e. half life-size) across the entire focal range. The minimum aperture is f/22 and the 12-45mm accepts 58mm screwthread diameter filters.

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4.0 PRO is priced at $1,099.

For more information visit www.olympus.com.au