ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)

In yet another expansion to the rapidly growing E-System lens line-up, Olympus unveils the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens. This affordable complement to the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* enables stunningly original perspectives with an extra-wide field of view. And at just 280g, it weighs in at significantly less than those of the competition. The Four Thirds-based ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens will go on sale in 2008.

Focus on more with the larger depth of field afforded by the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens. This super-compact and light-weight addition to the E-System family is ideal for anything from sweeping desert landscapes to broad shots: emphasise the green of a cactus against burnt red cliffs, or capture the breadth of a farmer�s market in a single shot. Meanwhile, a remarkably compact design � featuring a diameter of 79.5mm, a length of 73mm and a weight of only 280g � ensures utmost mobility.

Enjoy the impeccable optical quality inherent in all ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses with this bright model: 13 lens elements in nine groups, including one aspherical ED lens and two aspherical elements endow the ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* with a pronounced advantage over the competition. Coupled with the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens, this affordable combination provides you with an incredible 9-180mm range (18-360mm)* for unparalleled versatility. A minimum focusing distance of 25cm round out this 2x-zoom model�s list of convenient attributes.

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens will become available in 2008.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens � main features:
� Extreme wide angle capabilities from 9-18mm (18-36mm)*
� Ultra-compact dimensions (79.5mm in diameter and 73mm in length) and light weight (280g)
� 2x zoom
� Minimum focusing distance of 25cm
� 13 lens elements in 9 groups, including 1 aspherical ED lens and 2 aspherical elements
� Based on the Four Thirds Standard
� Ideal complement to ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens
� Compatible with all Four Thirds Standard cameras including Olympus� recently introduced E-420 and E-520

* Figure in brackets represents 35mm camera equivalent.

More : olympus.co.uk

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)

In yet another expansion to the rapidly growing E-System lens line-up, Olympus unveils the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens. This affordable complement to the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* enables stunningly original perspectives with an extra-wide field of view. And at just 280g, it weighs in at significantly less than those of the competition. The Four Thirds-based ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens will go on sale in 2008.

Focus on more with the larger depth of field afforded by the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens. This super-compact and light-weight addition to the E-System family is ideal for anything from sweeping desert landscapes to broad shots: emphasise the green of a cactus against burnt red cliffs, or capture the breadth of a farmer�s market in a single shot. Meanwhile, a remarkably compact design � featuring a diameter of 79.5mm, a length of 73mm and a weight of only 280g � ensures utmost mobility.

Enjoy the impeccable optical quality inherent in all ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses with this bright model: 13 lens elements in nine groups, including one aspherical ED lens and two aspherical elements endow the ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* with a pronounced advantage over the competition. Coupled with the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens, this affordable combination provides you with an incredible 9-180mm range (18-360mm)* for unparalleled versatility. A minimum focusing distance of 25cm round out this 2x-zoom model�s list of convenient attributes.

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens will become available in 2008.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens � main features:
� Extreme wide angle capabilities from 9-18mm (18-36mm)*
� Ultra-compact dimensions (79.5mm in diameter and 73mm in length) and light weight (280g)
� 2x zoom
� Minimum focusing distance of 25cm
� 13 lens elements in 9 groups, including 1 aspherical ED lens and 2 aspherical elements
� Based on the Four Thirds Standard
� Ideal complement to ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens
� Compatible with all Four Thirds Standard cameras including Olympus� recently introduced E-420 and E-520

* Figure in brackets represents 35mm camera equivalent.

More : olympus.co.uk

ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 Pancake

A mere 23.5mm in length and 95g in weight

Details

* Pancake Lens
* Compact design and lightweight
* 20cm closest focusing distance

The ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 (35mm equivalent focal length: 50mm) pancake lens accentuates the amazing compactness of the E-System. Featuring an extremely short-barrelled, lightweight design, this lens represents the perfect accompaniment for the E-420. With its overall compactness, the set-up reminds of the legendary improvement to mobility that the famous Olympus OM series provided.



Specifications

Technical Data

		Focal length	25 mm
		Focal length (equiv. 35mm)	50 mm
		Lens configuration	5 lenses / 4 groups
		Aspherical glass elements	1
		Lens mechanism	floating focus mechanism
		Angle of View	47 �
		Closest focusing distance:	0.2 m
		Maximum image magnification	0.19 x (Four Thirds) / 0.38 x (35mm format)
		Number of aperture blades	7
		Maximum aperture	1:2.8
		Minimum aperture	1:22
		Filter diamater	43 mm
		Dimensions	64 mm �, 23.5 mm
		Weight	95 g
		Compatible to Tele converter EC-20	Yes
		Compatible to Tele converter EC-14	Yes
		Compatible to Extension tube EX-25	Yes

more information : olympus.co.uk , olympus.com.au

ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 Pancake

A mere 23.5mm in length and 95g in weight

Details

* Pancake Lens
* Compact design and lightweight
* 20cm closest focusing distance

The ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 (35mm equivalent focal length: 50mm) pancake lens accentuates the amazing compactness of the E-System. Featuring an extremely short-barrelled, lightweight design, this lens represents the perfect accompaniment for the E-420. With its overall compactness, the set-up reminds of the legendary improvement to mobility that the famous Olympus OM series provided.



Specifications

Technical Data

		Focal length	25 mm
		Focal length (equiv. 35mm)	50 mm
		Lens configuration	5 lenses / 4 groups
		Aspherical glass elements	1
		Lens mechanism	floating focus mechanism
		Angle of View	47 �
		Closest focusing distance:	0.2 m
		Maximum image magnification	0.19 x (Four Thirds) / 0.38 x (35mm format)
		Number of aperture blades	7
		Maximum aperture	1:2.8
		Minimum aperture	1:22
		Filter diamater	43 mm
		Dimensions	64 mm �, 23.5 mm
		Weight	95 g
		Compatible to Tele converter EC-20	Yes
		Compatible to Tele converter EC-14	Yes
		Compatible to Extension tube EX-25	Yes

more information : olympus.co.uk , olympus.com.au

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD

Product Outline

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD is the world's first standard zoom lens to feature a large f2.0 aperture *1. Boasting industry-leading imaging performance, this lens is a worthy addition to our Super High Grade (SHG) series. Together with the ED 7-14mm f4.0, ED 35-100mm f2.0 and ED 90-250mm f2.8 lenses, this lens completes our series of professional zoom lenses with fixed F-values.

The flagship of the ZUIKO DIGITAL series, this lens was developed to meet the requirements of the most demanding professionals. With features like the best possible image quality, reliable dust-/drip-proofing, Olympus's exclusive SWD-driven ultra-fast AF system, a mechanically interlocked manual focusing mechanism, and a large, flower-shaped hood with a polarization filter control window, this lens offers the reliable, trouble-free performance you need to express yourself with confidence.

With its unique f2 aperture and a zoom range equivalent to 28 to 200 mm on a 35 mm camera lens, this lens epitomizes the versatility, power and creative freedom made possible by the FourThirds System.

*1 Among interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras. (Survey by Olympus).

Main Features

1. Standard lens with world-first f2.0 aperture
A professional type standard zoom lens with high f2.0 brightness throughout a zoom range equivalent to 28-70 mm of 35 mm camera lenses, this lens makes extensive use of ED and aspheric lens elements to eliminate chromatic aberrations and distortion, this lens boasts the highest imaging performance in our lens lineup, performance that is possible only with the FourThirds System. Other benefits of this superb lens include a focusing system that uses floating and inner focusing mechanisms to enable close-up shooting capability as close as 35 cm across the range � the best performance available in this class of professional lenses.

Together with the high-speed shutter, as well as the soft, beautiful blur proper to the large f2 aperture, these features set this high-definition standard zoom lens apart from the rest, making it ideal for almost any application � from landscapes and portraits to indoor shooting and photo-journalism.

2. 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.

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.

For more information : olympus-global , olympus-esystem

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD

Product Outline

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD is the world's first standard zoom lens to feature a large f2.0 aperture *1. Boasting industry-leading imaging performance, this lens is a worthy addition to our Super High Grade (SHG) series. Together with the ED 7-14mm f4.0, ED 35-100mm f2.0 and ED 90-250mm f2.8 lenses, this lens completes our series of professional zoom lenses with fixed F-values.

The flagship of the ZUIKO DIGITAL series, this lens was developed to meet the requirements of the most demanding professionals. With features like the best possible image quality, reliable dust-/drip-proofing, Olympus's exclusive SWD-driven ultra-fast AF system, a mechanically interlocked manual focusing mechanism, and a large, flower-shaped hood with a polarization filter control window, this lens offers the reliable, trouble-free performance you need to express yourself with confidence.

With its unique f2 aperture and a zoom range equivalent to 28 to 200 mm on a 35 mm camera lens, this lens epitomizes the versatility, power and creative freedom made possible by the FourThirds System.

*1 Among interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras. (Survey by Olympus).

Main Features

1. Standard lens with world-first f2.0 aperture
A professional type standard zoom lens with high f2.0 brightness throughout a zoom range equivalent to 28-70 mm of 35 mm camera lenses, this lens makes extensive use of ED and aspheric lens elements to eliminate chromatic aberrations and distortion, this lens boasts the highest imaging performance in our lens lineup, performance that is possible only with the FourThirds System. Other benefits of this superb lens include a focusing system that uses floating and inner focusing mechanisms to enable close-up shooting capability as close as 35 cm across the range � the best performance available in this class of professional lenses.

Together with the high-speed shutter, as well as the soft, beautiful blur proper to the large f2 aperture, these features set this high-definition standard zoom lens apart from the rest, making it ideal for almost any application � from landscapes and portraits to indoor shooting and photo-journalism.

2. 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.

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.

For more information : olympus-global , olympus-esystem

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.

For more information : olympus-global , olympus-esystem

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.

For more information : olympus-global , olympus-esystem

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD

Product Outline

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD is a high-performance standard zoom lens that features for the first time the SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) autofocusing system and covers a zoom range equivalent to 24 to 120 mm on a 35 mm camera lens. Special optical glass elements are used to correct various types of aberrations, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. This lens also boasts impressive close-up shooting capability, allowing users to shoot from as close as 25 cm throughout the zoom range.

Autofocusing is powered by Olympus's breakthrough SWD. Developed as the world's fastest AF system, this extraordinary autofocusing drive provides both high speed and high precision while operating with lower noise than ever. Optimized for use with the concurrently released E-3 camera, this lens enables the E-3 to demonstrate the full power of its high-speed capability, providing the fastest autofocusing available in the world*1 using a standard zoom lens.

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.

When used in combination with the new E-3, which features improved AF computation and lens-body communication rates, the SWD makes possible the fastest autofocusing in the world*1.

*1 Among Standard-class interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras. Measurement with E-3 at a focal length of 60mm (120mm: 35mm equivalent). based on our in-house measuring standard. (As of Oct. 17, 2007, surveyed by Olympus).

2. High-performance 5x standard zoom lens with a zoom range equivalent to 24-120 mm
The Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens element and three ED lense elements effectively correct the chromatic aberration produced by magnification on the wide-angle side and axial chromatic aberration on the telescopic side, while the asphericity of the lenses provides compatibility between size reduction and high picture quality. The digital-dedicated design ensures high imaging performance with one-step higher sharpness and contrast throughout the zoom range, while the lens coating is optimized to reduce glare when shooting against the light and to minimize ghosts and flare. Wide angle capability equivalent to 24 mm on a 35 mm camera lens makes possible dynamic, wide-perspective landscape photography.

3. Close-up shooting from as close as 25 cm throughout the zoom range
The focusing system uses floating and inner focusing mechanisms to provide a minimum shooting distance of 25 cm throughout the zoom range. This dramatically enhances perspective at the wide-angle end and close-ups of main subject at the telescopic end. With a maximum shooting magnification of 0.28x (equivalent to 0.56x on a 35 mm camera lens), this lens out-performs any other in its class (large-aperture zoom lenses with wide-angle coverage).

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.

* Mechanically interlocked manual focusing 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.

For more information : olympus-global , olympus-esystem

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD

Product Outline

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD is a high-performance standard zoom lens that features for the first time the SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) autofocusing system and covers a zoom range equivalent to 24 to 120 mm on a 35 mm camera lens. Special optical glass elements are used to correct various types of aberrations, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. This lens also boasts impressive close-up shooting capability, allowing users to shoot from as close as 25 cm throughout the zoom range.

Autofocusing is powered by Olympus's breakthrough SWD. Developed as the world's fastest AF system, this extraordinary autofocusing drive provides both high speed and high precision while operating with lower noise than ever. Optimized for use with the concurrently released E-3 camera, this lens enables the E-3 to demonstrate the full power of its high-speed capability, providing the fastest autofocusing available in the world*1 using a standard zoom lens.

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.

When used in combination with the new E-3, which features improved AF computation and lens-body communication rates, the SWD makes possible the fastest autofocusing in the world*1.

*1 Among Standard-class interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras. Measurement with E-3 at a focal length of 60mm (120mm: 35mm equivalent). based on our in-house measuring standard. (As of Oct. 17, 2007, surveyed by Olympus).

2. High-performance 5x standard zoom lens with a zoom range equivalent to 24-120 mm
The Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens element and three ED lense elements effectively correct the chromatic aberration produced by magnification on the wide-angle side and axial chromatic aberration on the telescopic side, while the asphericity of the lenses provides compatibility between size reduction and high picture quality. The digital-dedicated design ensures high imaging performance with one-step higher sharpness and contrast throughout the zoom range, while the lens coating is optimized to reduce glare when shooting against the light and to minimize ghosts and flare. Wide angle capability equivalent to 24 mm on a 35 mm camera lens makes possible dynamic, wide-perspective landscape photography.

3. Close-up shooting from as close as 25 cm throughout the zoom range
The focusing system uses floating and inner focusing mechanisms to provide a minimum shooting distance of 25 cm throughout the zoom range. This dramatically enhances perspective at the wide-angle end and close-ups of main subject at the telescopic end. With a maximum shooting magnification of 0.28x (equivalent to 0.56x on a 35 mm camera lens), this lens out-performs any other in its class (large-aperture zoom lenses with wide-angle coverage).

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.

* Mechanically interlocked manual focusing 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.

For more information : olympus-global , olympus-esystem