NewsSeptember 2005

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Three new Olympus Four Thirds System lenses

In addition to its announcement of the new E-500 digital SLR Olympus has also today revealed three new lenses. The ED 17.5 - 45 mm F3.5 - F5.6 (35 - 90 mm equiv. FOV, 2.6x) and 18 - 180 mm F3.5 - F6.3 (36 - 360 mm equiv. FOV, 10x) will be included in the two different E-500 kits. Also announced today is the 35 mm F3.5 Macro lense (70 mm equiv. FOV).

Phil: Note that the ED 35-100 mm F2.0 and ED 90-250 mm F2.8 were actually announced back in February, I'm not sure why they're included in this press release.

Press Release:

ZUIKO DIGITAL and Top Pro lenses

Olympus extends E-System lens range to coincide with E-500 launch

London, 26 September 2005 – Olympus is extending its interchangeable lens range to provide photographers with a greater choice and increased creative possibilities. Based on the FourThirds Standard and compatible with all Olympus E-System cameras, the 2.6x and 10x zoom and macro lenses are targeted at users who want high performance and exceptional value for money.

In addition, two Top Pro range telephoto lenses are also being introduced. Both offer extraordinary brightness across their entire focal range and guarantee outstanding image quality.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm (36-360mm*) 1:3.5-6.3

Featuring 10x magnification power ranging from a 18mm to 180mm tele (36-360mm equivalent on a 35mm camera), this compact and lightweight standard zoom offers versatility and its closest focusing distance is just 0.45m at any zoom position.

Main features:

• Focal length: 18-180mm (36-360mm*)
• Lens speed: 1:3.5-6.3
• Closest focusing distance: 0.45m
• Dimensions: 84.5 x 78mm
• Weight: 440g

ZUIKO DIGITAL 17.5-45mm (35-90mm*) 1:3.5-5.6

This standard 2.6x zoom lens will be sold exclusively as part of the Olympus E-500 SE Kit. It is extremely compact and lightweight and has a closest focusing distance of 0.28m at any zoom position.

Main features:

• Focal length: 17.5-45mm (35-90mm*)
• Lens speed: 1:3.5-5.6
• Closest focusing distance: 0.28m
• Dimensions: 71 x 70mm
• Weight: 210g

ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm (70mm*) Macro 1:3.5

Olympus presents the world’s lightest macro lens with the introduction of this ZUIKO DIGITAL lens which weighs only 165g. It is competitively priced and enables users to take 1:1 life-size macro shots (2:1 equivalent on a 35mm camera).

Main features:

• Focal length: 35mm (70mm*)
• Lens speed: 1:3.5
• Closest focusing distance: 0.146m
• Dimensions: 71 x 53mm
• Weight: 165g

The latest two models in the Top Pro range of interchangeable lenses, which are specifically aimed at the professional photographer, feature Olympus’ advanced optics and high precision technology and are dust and splash-proof making them ideal for working under demanding conditions.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED – 35-100mm (70-200mm*) 1:2.0

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm (equivalent to 70-200mm on a 35mm camera) is the world’s first 1:2.0 telephoto lens. Its increased focal length and maintained 1:2.0 aperture over the entire range makes it the brightest choice for the professional photographer.

Main features:

• Ultra-bright 1:2.0 maximum aperture over entire zoom range
• One Super ED and four ED glass elements for absolute minimum chromatic aberration
• Splash and dust proof construction to enhance reliability
• 2.9x zoom performance 35-100mm (70-200mm on a 35mm camera)
• Closest focusing distance: 1.4m
• Dimensions: 96.5 x 213.5mm
• Weight: 1,800g (with tripod adapter)

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED – 90-250mm (180-500mm*) 1:2.8

Even at the full, ultra-telephoto 250mm focal length (equivalent to 500mm on a 35mm camera), the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm (180-500mm*) maintains its bright 1:2.8 aperture, making it particularly popular with sports, nature and other photographers that rely on fast framing.

Main features:

• Ultra-bright 1:2.8 maximum aperture over entire zoom range
• 2.8x telephoto to ultra-telephoto zoom performance 90-250mm (180-500mm on a 35mm camera)
• Three ED glass elements for absolute minimum chromatic aberration
• Splash and dust proof construction to enhance reliability
• Closest focusing distance: 2.5m
• Dimensions: 124 x 276mm
• Weight: 3,270g (with tripod adapter)

Full Olympus E-System lens line-up
(specifications are subject to change without notice)

• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm (14-28mm) 1:4.0
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) 1:2.8-3.5
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 (available from 2006)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) 1:2.8-3.5
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 17.5-45mm (35-90mm*) 1:3.5-5.6 (for E-500 SE Kit exclusively) NEW!
• ZUIKO DIGTAL ED 18-180mm (36-360mm) 1:3.5-6.3 (available from spring 2006) NEW!
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm (70-200mm) 1:2.0 (available from October 2005)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:3.5-4.5
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm (180-500mm) 1:2.8 (available from November 2005)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye (available from January 2006)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm Macro (70mm) 1:3.5 (available from December 2005) NEW!
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm (100mm) 1:2.0 Macro
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm (300mm) 1:2.0
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm (600mm) 1:2.8

* Focal length equivalent on a 35mm camera