The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ is billed as the world's most compact pancake zoom lens. Scheduled for release in late February, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is only 22.5mm thick when retracted. The optical formula incorporates 8 elements in 7 groups, including 1 Super HR, 1 ED and 3 aspherical elements. Weighing in at only 93 grams, the lens is compatible with the separately sold LC-37C automatically closing lens cap, which is an industry first for an interchangeable lens. The M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ will be available for £299.99.The automatically closing lens cap is priced at £39.99.

Olympus Press Release

The Most Compact*1 Electronic Pancake Zoom Lens

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ (28-84mm, 35mm equivalent) The M.ZUIKO series, Micro Four Thirds System Standard Compliant

lympus Imaging Corporation (President: Haruo Ogawa) is pleased to announce the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ (35mm equivalent: 28-84mm), scheduled for release in late February 2014. This is the most compact*1 electronic pancake zoom lens in the M.ZUIKO series and conforms to the Micro Four Thirds System standard.

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ is the most compact*1 standard 3x zoom lens which covers an equivalent focal range of 28-84mm (35mm equivalent). Achieving ZUIKO QUALITY is paramount while designing for a compact form. The qualities of the electronic zoom were utilized for the outstanding usability on a standard zoom lens, with the lens retraction mechanism synchronized with both the power of the camera and the Automatic Opening Lens Cap (sold separately).

This lens is also equipped with the Olympus-original MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism, making quick and silent focusing possible when used in combination with a PEN or OM-D series camera. 
When used in combination with the OM-D E-M10 and PEN series cameras, this lens contributes to making a superbly portable system.

Main Features

• The most compact*1 pancake zoom lens
• ZUIKO QUALITY packed into a compact lens
• Operability that offers outstanding usability
• Maximum shooting magnification equivalent of 0.45x at 35mm conversion (0.225x)
• Compatible with the Automatic Opening Lens Cap, a first for an interchangeable lens system (sold separately)

Main Features Details

1. The most compact*1 pancake zoom lens

The upcoming M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ is a standard 3x zoom lens that covers an equivalent focal range of 28-84mm (35mm conversion). At 22.5 mm thick, this lens is less than half the length of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR that went on sale July 2011, on par with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F2.8, and at a weight of 93 g, offers an amazingly compact, and lightweight form that can truly be called a pancake zoom lens.

The compact form of this lens was achieved by utilizing the latest technology, switching from a linear zoom position encoder to a rotational type, reworking the space when the lens is retracted, changing the position of the aperture mechanism, and reworking the optical system.

The lens color is available in black and silver, with a refined design that will perfectly match both older and newer camera bodies.

2. ZUIKO QUALITY packed into a compact lens

Because the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R has maintained popular for its excellent image quality ever since launching in July 2011, we wanted to maintain that quality, and have succeeded in making that almost same lens composition more compact in this model. To maintain image quality while making the lens more compact, a Super HR lens, ED lens, and three aspherical lenses were effectively used for sharpness that extends not only from the center, but all the way to the edges of the image.

3. Operability that offers outstanding usability

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ is the second electronic zoom lens, after the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ that went on sale in January 2012. This model is equipped with a 2-step variable speed*2 zoom function used by changing the rotation angle of the zoom ring. A focus ring and zoom ring are located around the entire circumference of the lens for easy manual focusing no matter how the camera is held. This lens offers the outstanding in usability while remaining compact, with it changing to shooting position from retracted position linked to the camera's main power. 
The smooth zooming typical of an electronic zoom is also perfect for shooting movies.

4. Maximum shooting magnification equivalent of 0.45x at 35mm conversion (0.225x)

The closest shooting distance of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ at wide angle is 20 cm, and 25 cm at telephoto, making it capable of taking even better close-up shots than the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR. Therefore, the maximum shooting magnification of 0.45x equivalent (35mm conversion) (0.225x) makes it the biggest in the standard zoom class. 
Also, when combined with Macro Conversion Lens MCON-P02, the maximum magnification rate is equivalent to 0.762x (35mm conversion) (0.381x), for easy macro shooting that goes beyond the macro mode of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ on its own (0.36x).

5. Compatible with the Automatic Opening Lens Cap, a first for an interchangeable lens system (sold separately)

The Automatic Opening Lens Cap LC-37C (separately sold) is available exclusively for use with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ, the first of its kind for use with an Olympus interchangeable lens system. When the camera is turned off, this accessory protects the lens from dust and scratches, and when the camera power is turned on it is instantly ready to shoot, making this the perfect accessory for snapshots and quick shooting. Also, because you don't have to remove or attach the lens, you never have to worry about losing it. This lens cap was designed to match the lens perfectly.

*1 Thickness when the lens is retracted. Among the interchangeable standard zoom lens series.
*2 Only available when shooting still image. When shooting movie, the zoom speed is constant.

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Main Specifications

Focal length 14 - 42 mm (35mm equivalent: 28 - 84mm)
Lens construction 8 elements in 7 groups (1 Super HR lens, 1 ED lens, 3 aspherical lenses)
Angle of view W: 75° - T: 29°
Closest shooting distance W: 0.2 m - T: 0.25 m (Note: 0.29 range in the intermediate zoom area)
Maximum shooting magnification 0.225x (35mm conversion: 0.45x equivalent)
Minimum shooting range 77mm x 58mm
Number of aperture blades 5 (circular aperture)
Maximum aperture ratio F3.5 (14mm) - F5.6 (42mm)
Minimum aperture ratio F22
Filter size φ37 mm
Size (Max. diameter x overall length) φ60.6 x 22.5 mm
Weight 93g

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