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OLYMPUS INTRODUCES THE NEW M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 60MM F2.8 MACRO LENS FOR SHOOTING IN A WIDE RANGE OF CONDITIONS
60mm f2.8 Dust-and-Splash-Proof “Nature Macro Lens” Joined by a Limited Edition Black 12mm and the Future Release of a High-Quality 17mm Expand the Micro Four Thirds® Family
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., September 17, 2012 – Today, Olympus adds to the Micro Four Thirds family of lenses with the release of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm* f2.8 Macro lens, a single focal-length macro lens with a dust-splash-proof body that’s ideal for harsh weather conditions. Also joining the expansive list of Olympus® lenses is a limited edition black version of the popular M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 high-grade snapshot lens and an M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 high-grade lens currently under development.
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 lens features excellent close-up capability with 1X** magnification and a focusing distance of 19cm. Its dust-and-splash-proof construction enables the user to shoot macro images in a wide range of conditions, including in the rain or near the water, in addition to traditional landscape and portrait photography.
To ensure the best possible imaging quality, 13 lens elements are incorporated in 10 groups of lenses within the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 with extensive use of special glass materials such as ED (Extra-low Dispersion), HR (High Refractive index) and E-HR (Extra-High Refractive index) elements to completely eliminate the chromatic aberrations often noticeable with telephoto macro lenses. This optical design ensures consistently clear, sharp, high-contrast imaging performance.
Ideal for capturing brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) videos, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 employs an Olympus developed MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) autofocusing mechanism that features an inner focus system to drive quick and quiet focusing. A shooting distance and magnification indicator window enhance macro shooting control and precision.
A focus limit switch sets the focusing range to enable faster focusing. Three modes are available, including close-up (focusing distance between 19 and 40 cm), normal (focusing distance from 19 cm to infinity) and far view (focusing distance from 40 cm to infinity). The 1:1 mode shifts focusing to 1:1 with one-touch operation. Simply setting the mode according to the application makes it easy for users to shoot quickly and comfortably with various shooting styles and at a range of distances.
The optional LH-49 Lens Hood designed exclusively for the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 blocks harmful rays of light and can be safely stored without detaching it from the lens. The lens eliminates the hassle of attaching and detaching the hood before and after every shooting session, but also providing effective protection for the lens body. The FR-2 Macro Ring enables compatibility with the RF-11 Ring Flash and the STF-22 Twin Flash Set.
Limited Edition M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 in Black
Olympus also proudly announces the release of a limited edition black version of the popular M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 large-aperture, wide-angle, single-focal-length interchangeable lens. This high-speed lens offers outstanding imaging performance in an exceptionally compact design that is ideal for shooting dramatic landscapes and street scenes in low-light conditions.
It has a beautiful appearance and a snap ring that enables photographers to pan focus with a distance indicator. Its wide angle of 12mm (equivalent to 24mm on 35mm camera) delivers sharp, clear imaging capability throughout the frame, while fast, quiet autofocusing in both movie and still modes is made possible by the OlympusMSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism, exclusive to Olympus.
Matching its superior performance, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 lens features a classically elegant look with a finely textured black metallic outer finish. The new version will be sold in a kit that includes three lens accessories; the LH-48 Metallic Lens Hood (Black), the LC-48 Metallic Lens Cap (Black), and the PRF-D46PRO Protection Filter.
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 in Development
Olympus is also developing a new Micro Four Thirds System lens, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8. Optimized for snapshots or street shooting, this is a compact, bright, high-grade lens with large f1.8 aperture that features a high-quality metallic outer finish that exudes quality and outstanding craftsmanship, a snapshot focusing mechanism and a focal length equivalent to 34mm on a 35mm camera. Detailed product specifications and pricing will be available closer to its availability. Olympus plans to release the new lens in the first half of 2013.
* Equivalent to a 120mm lens for 35mm cameras
** Equivalent to 2X magnification of 35mm cameras.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 Dust-and-Splash-Proof Macro lens will be available in early October with an estimated street price of $499.99.
The limited edition black Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 lens will be available in early October with an estimated street price of $1,099.99.
For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website.
Journalists interested in more information, review units and high-resolution images of Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses should contact Keith Gordon, Mullen Public Relations, 212-885-3218, keith.gordon@mullen.com, or Jennifer Colucci, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 484-896-5719, jennifer.colucci@olympus.com, or visit the Olympus website: http://asset.olympusamerica.com/login/
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Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhance people’s lives every day. These include:
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