NEW OM SYSTEM LENSES HAVE IP53 WEATHER PROTECTION
THE NEW OM-1 body has arrived with two more OM System badged lenses – an updated version of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO standard zoom (equivalent to 24-80mm) and the new ED 40-150mm f/4.0 PRO telezoom (80-300mm) which joins the existing f/2.8-speed model. Both new lenses have weather-proofing to the same IP53 standard as the OM-1 body.
In addition to the enhanced protection against the elements, the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II also gains a fluorine coating on the exposed surface of the front element to help better repel moisture and grease. The optical design remains the same and comprises 14 elements in nine groups. There is a total of seven special types to provide a high degree of optical correction for aberrations and distortion. There are four aspherical types – including a ‘Dual Super Aspherical’ (DSA) and an ‘ExtraLow Dispersion Aspherical’ (EDA) – two with extra-low dispersion (ED) characteristics and one High Definition (HD) type. The anti-reflection multi-coating is upgraded to the more efficient ‘ZERO’ (Zuiko Extra-Low Reflection Optical) coating. The new 12-40mm zoom supports the OM-1’s 50 fps shooting speed with full AF and AE adjustment (as, indeed, does the old lens).
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0 PRO makes the most of the M43 format (and the smaller constant aperture) to deliver an effective 80-300mm focal range in a lens that’s just a fraction under 100 millimetres in length and weighs 382 grams. The optical construction employs 15 elements in nine groups which includes six special types – two ED, one ‘Super’ ED, one with high-refractive (HR) characteristics and two aspherical types. Again this lens has the ‘ZERO’ multi-coating to minimise ghosting flare, and it has a fluorine coating on the front element for easier cleaning.
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II is priced at $1599 and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0 PRO at $1499. OM System products are distributed by OM Digital Solutions Australia, and for more information visit https:// olympus-imaging.com.au