Lenses : Olympus Debuts M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ Micro Four Thirds Lens

Company’s First MFT Lens with an Electronic Zoom and Splashproof Body

December 14, 2011

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Center Valley, PA—Olympus added to the Pen family with its first fully compatible interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens to incorporate an electronic motorized zoom. The compact M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ (24–100mm equivalent) is engineered to deliver smooth, quiet zooming.

The new lens has a zoom ratio of 4.2x to help photographers capture everything from detailed, wide-angle group shots to medium telephoto-range images, so they can get up close for intimate portraits, even indoors. Photographers can control the zooming speed by turning the barrel—slowly for drama, quickly for performance or at an intermediate rate. Manual zooming is also available for those looking to take full control.

In macro mode (set by pushing the zoom ring forward while depressing the macro button on the side of the lens) focusing is possible between 8 and 20 inches for close-up shooting with a maximum image magnification of 0.72x (equivalent). Additionally, a L-Fn (lens function) button suspends the autofocusing operation temporarily to avoid unintended focusing on obstacles that appear suddenly between the camera and the subject.

Also suited for high-definition (HD) video capture, the Movie & Still Compatible (MSC)12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ is also enhanced with a linear motor designed to drive smooth, quiet autofocusing. Other features include the dust and splashproof mechanism originally featured in the Four Thirds SHG (Super High Grade) series lenses and multiple sealing rings fitted throughout the lens body to prevent splashes and dust from penetrating.

Offered in black or silver, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ will be available mid January with an estimated street price of $499.99. olympusamerica.com

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