ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD

Product Outline

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD is a high-performance super-telescopic zoom lens that features for the first time the SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) autofocusing system and covers a zoom range equivalent to 100 to 400 mm of a 35 mm camera lens. ED lens elements are used extensively to correct the color blurring that can occur when telescopic lenses are extended to their maximum focal length, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. Close-up shooting capability is also superb, with a minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range.

Autofocusing is powered by Olympus's breakthrough SWD, enabling this lens to achieve an AF speed about two times faster* than our previous ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 model. The ideal partner for the concurrently released E-3 camera, this lens maximizes the E-3's high-speed autofocusing capability.

* Measurement based on our in-house measuring standard.

Main Features

1. SWD for ultra-fast autofocusing
The newly developed Olympus-original SWD has made possible an ultra-fast, whisper-quiet, high-precision AF system. Two compact, high-power supersonic wave drive devices drive autofocusing at an ultra-high speed by exciting unique elliptical oscillations, while an ultra-compact optical encoder detects and controls the lens drive position using direct rotation detection without a reduction gear, enabling extraordinary 1/1000 mm-order precision.

The AF speed is about 2 times*1 the previous ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 model. With its high speed and superior tracking capability, this lens is ideal for sports photography and outdoor shooting applications.

*1 Measurement based on our in-house measuring standard

2. High-performance 4x super-telescopic range covering a zoom range equivalent to 100 to 400 mm
Three ED lens elements are used to correct the color blurring noticeable with telescopic lenses at maximum. Best-in-class f2.8-3.5 brightness and high picture quality combine to ensure high imaging performance with improved sharpness and contrast all over the zooming range. An improved lens coating reduces glare when shooting against the light and minimizes ghosts and flare. In addition, with coverage that extends to the super-telescopic domain equivalent to 400 mm on a 35 mm camera lens, this lens makes it possible to capture the motion of a distant subject or take spectacular landscape images by taking advantage of the compression effect produced by the super-telescopic lens.

With the simultaneous release of the EC-20 teleconverter lens, you'll easily be able to boost telescopic capability to a field angle equivalent to 800 mm.

3. Close-up shooting from as close as 1.2 m throughout the zoom range
The focusing system uses floating and inner focusing mechanisms to provide a minimum shooting distance of 1.2 m throughout the zoom range. With a maximum shooting magnification of 0.21x (equivalent to 0.42x on a 35 mm camera lens), this lens out-performs any other in its class (large-aperture zoom lenses capable of covering the super-telescopic domain). This powerful close-up capability makes it easy to capture close-ups of blossoming flower or a resting butterfly that would fly away if you approached too closely.

Other Features

* Mechanically interlocked manual focusing mechanism
Mechanical interlocking of the manual focusing mechanism allows smooth, natural manual focusing with an extremely high level of precision. Seamless switching from AF to MF is possible at any time thanks to the Full-Time Manual Focusing function,

* Circular aperture mechanism
The circular aperture makes it possible to create a smooth, uniform, aesthetically pleasing blur.

* Large lens hood with a polarization filter adjustment window
The lens hood has a sliding window to facilitate rotation of the polarization filter if one is used.

* Reliable dust-proof/drip-proof mechanism
To support photography in the extreme conditions often faced by professionals, the external finish is sealed at multiple points for maximum protection from dust and spray.

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