14 DAY TRIAL // Olympus yesterday announced a new lens for the Four Thirds standard in the form of the Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6.
As one might expect, one of the biggest benefits of the Four Thirds system is size. Although 40-150mm corresponds to 80-300 on a 35mm, the lens weighs only 220 grams. We haven't compared all the telephoto lenses in the world, but we trust Olympus when they say that it is the lightest and the shortest in its class, with a 72mm barrel length.
The Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6" uses ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and high-performance glass elements to maximize optical quality and to minimize chromatic aberrations.
An inner focusing system assures that lens length remains constant, and provides close focusing from 90cm at any focal length.
Moreover, a non-rotating mount ensures that filters do not rotate when the lens is focused, making it much easier to shoot when using polarizing filters.
The new lens is scheduled to go on sale in Japan on November 23, 2006.
Technical specifications
Focal Length 40-150mm (35mm Equivalent: 80-300mm) Lens Construction 12 Elements in 9 Groups, including 1 ED Lens Focusing System Internal Focusing System Angle of View 30.0-8.2 Degree Closest Focusing Distance 0.90m Maximum Image Magnification 0.14x (35mm Equivalent: 0.28x) Minimum Field Size 124 x 93 mm Number of Blades 7 Aperture Maximum F4.0(40mm) - F5.6(150mm) Minimum F22.0 Filter Size ?58 mm Dimension Diameter ?65.5 mm Total Length 72.0 mm Weight 220g
Other Features
Can be used with Tele Converter "EC-14" and Extension Tube "EX-25".