Olympus Supersonic Wave Drive Lenses
Olympus are releasing 3 new Supersonic Wave Drive lenses, 1 standard lens and a 2.0x Teleconverter to support the launch of the E-3 DSLR. The SWD lenses are: 12-60mm (24-120mm) 1:2.8-4.0 SWD ($999.99), 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5 SWD ($1,199.99) and 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 SWD ($2,299.99). The standard lens is the 70-300mm (140-600mm) 1:4.0-5.6 ($479.99).
Olympus UK Press Release
Olympus bolsters E-System with new ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses featuring the Supersonic Wave Drive AF system
London, 17 October 2007 – To accompany the release of the E-3 professional D-SLR, Olympus is expanding its range of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, which are compatible with all Four Thirds System-based camera bodies. Among the new lenses are the astounding ZUIKO DIGITAL SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) models which boast the world’s fastest autofocus speeds* and represent a new benchmark for professional versatility and performance.
With its range of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, Olympus has the widest line-up of fully digital lenses available today. Each lens is specifically made to meet the unique demands of digital image capture and features near telecentric construction to ensure highest-quality results. Thanks to compliance with the Four Thirds Standard, ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are also considerably lighter and more compact than their conventionally designed counterparts.
Now, with the introduction of four new lenses, Olympus continues to offer more for demanding photographers. Each incorporates at least one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens element to effectively reduce chromatic aberration across the entire image area and return optimal results.
In addition to the new powerful and extremely compact ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 lens (equivalent to 140-600mm), the line-up will also be enriched by three lenses incorporating the newly-developed Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) autofocusing system. On top of extreme precision and control, the SWD enables unparalleled autofocusing speeds when used in combination with the E-3 professional D-SLR. Ensuring great flexibility, the SWD lenses are splashproof, incredibly bright, and cover a combined focal length range spanning 12-200mm (equiv. to 24-400mm). And extending the magnification of lenses even further, a 2.0x teleconverter will also join the ZUIKO DIGITAL ranks.
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm (24-120mm) 1:2.8-4.0 SWD
Featuring the revolutionary new SWD autofocus system, this splashproof 5x zoom lens brings the world’s fastest* AF performance in the hands of E-3 owners. Its 12mm (24mm) wide-angle capabilities ensure great versatility as does the small minimum focus distance of just 25cm.
· Supersonic Wave Drive AF system: World’s fastest* AF system when combined with Olympus E-3
· 5x zoom
· 25cm closest focusing distance
· Mechanical manual focusing
· Circular aperture diaphragm
· Extreme wide angle capabilities from 12mm (24mm)
· Splashproof
(Available November 2007)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5 SWD
This ultra-fast SWD lens features AF speeds that are 2x quicker than the current ZUIKO DIGITAL 50-200mm lens. Its 4x zoom power extends to 200mm (400mm) enabling photographers to easily pick out and capture subjects from great distances – no matter if in the tropics or in the desert thanks to splashproof protection.
· Supersonic Wave Drive AF system: Ultra-fast AF speeds (2x faster than current 50-200mm lens)
· 4x zoom
· 1.2m closest focusing distance
· Mechanical manual focusing
· Circular aperture diaphragm
· Lens hood with slide-window for PL filter
· Splashproof
(Available November 2007)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 SWD
It’s a world first for a standard zoom lens: An exceptional 1:2.0 aperture across the entire zooming range. Combined with its 2.5x zoom, this lens provides pro photographers with a never-before-had level of flexibility. And together with the ultra-fast AF speeds afforded by the SWD system, a great photo moment need never be missed again.
· World’s first standard zoom with 1:2.0 aperture across entire focal range
· 2.5x zoom
· Ultra-fast Supersonic Wave Drive AF system
· Mechanical manual focusing
· Circular aperture diaphragm
· Lens hood with window for PL filter
· Splashproof
(Available early 2008)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm (140-600mm) 1:4.0-5.6
With magnification muscle extending to 300mm (600mm), this ZUIKO DIGITAL lens is remarkably powerful. Nevertheless, it remains astoundingly portable. Measuring a mere 127mm and weighing just 620g, it’s real proof that high-performance zoom power doesn’t need to impede mobility.
· 4.3x zoom
· Tremendous telephoto capabilities to 300mm (600mm)
· Extremely compact and lightweight
(Available late October 2007)
ZUIKO DIGITAL 2.0x Teleconverter EC-20
Double the focal length of the master lens without affecting performance of the master lens. With this new teleconverter which is compatible with all ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, photographers can get twice as close to their subject without the need for an additional lens.
· Doubles the focal length of the master lens
· Attachable with all ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses: from Fisheye and Macro to Super Telephoto
· Digital-specific converter: thin, compact and high image quality
· Splashproof
(Available November 2007)
(Figures in brackets show 35mm camera equivalents)
On top of the many ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, the Olympus E-System additionally boasts numerous other accessories. Most are compatible with the new E-3 D-SLR and all ensure the best possible all-round pro photography experience.
* As of October 2007
Overview of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses
Top Pro Lens range (splashproof)
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm (14-28mm) 1:4.0
· New! ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 SWD
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm (70-200mm) 1:2.0
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm (180-500mm) 1:2.8
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm (300mm) 1:2.0
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm (600mm) 1:2.8
Pro Lens range (splashproof)
· ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) 1:2.8-3.5
· New! ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm (24-120mm) 1:2.8-4.0 SWD
· ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) 1:2.8-3.5
· New! ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5 SWD
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm (16mm) 1:3.5 Fisheye
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm (100mm) Macro 1:2.0
Standard Lens range
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm (36-360mm) 1:3.5-6.3
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:4.0-5.6
· New! ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm (140-600mm) 1:4.0-5.6
· ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm (70mm) Macro 1:3.5
(Figures in brackets show 35mm camera equivalents)
Olympus America Press Release
Olympus Announces Three New Zuiko Digital Lenses For Quiet, Ultra-Fast Autofocus
High-Performance 2x Teleconverter Doubles Focal Lengths for Twice the Power
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., October 16, 2007 - Launching together with the new Olympus E-3 Digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera, Olympus proudly adds three new ZUIKO DIGITAL™ lenses to its line of 100 percent digital-specific optics. These innovative lenses employ Olympus’ newly-developed Supersonic Wave Drive™ (SWD) technology inside to provide quiet, ultra-fast autofocus (AF) speed, and offer several impressive distinctions, including:
# New ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD, in combination with the E-3, delivers the fastest autofocus speed in the world;1
# The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD focuses twice as fast as the previous ZUIKO DIGITAL lens with that focal length; and
# The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD joins the existing ZUIKO DIGITAL 35-100mm f2.0 as the brightest fixed aperture lenses in their class.
Moreover, a new ultra-compact, high-performance ZUIKO DIGITAL EC-20 2x Teleconverter doubles the focal lengths of any lens attached from the wide selection of FourThirds and Olympus E-System lenses, for twice the telephoto power. Now the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD (which covers a zoom range equivalent to 100mm to 400mm on a 35mm camera lens), combined with the EC-20, will provide a huge equivalent zoom range of 200-800mm.
“With these three new SWD lenses, we’ve got outstanding glass to match the high quality performance of our flagship E-3 digital SLR,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “In testing, the autofocus speed of the 12-60mm has proven to be the fastest in the world, and the 14-35mm is the world’s first standard zoom lens to rival fixed focal length lens speed with a bright F2.0 aperture. The fast-focusing 50-200mm telephoto is ideal for sports and action photography, and these three lenses fulfill many of a photographer’s focal length needs.”
All three SWD lenses will be manufactured at the Olympus Tatsuno Plant in Japan, which is equipped with the highest state-of-the-art production technology in the field of optical equipment.
Supersonic Wave Drive Technology
Olympus-proprietary SWD technology has enabled an ultra-fast, whisper-quiet, high-precision AF system. Two compact, high-powered SWD devices power autofocus at an ultra-high speed by exciting unique elliptical oscillations, while an ultra-compact 5.3mm x 4.3mm optical encoder detects and controls the lens drive position using direct rotation detection without reduction gear. This enables it to achieve a level of precision that’s accurate to 5 microns (5/1000 mm). When used in combination with the new E-3, which offers improved AF computation and lens-body communication rates, the SWD motors provide the fastest focusing speed of approximately 170 ms (0.17 seconds).
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD
The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD is a high-performance standard zoom lens, which covers a zoom range equivalent to 24mm to 120mm on a 35mm camera lens. Special optical glass elements are used to correct various types of aberrations, while the 100 percent digital design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. This lens also boasts impressive close-up shooting capability, allowing users to shoot from as close as 25cm throughout the zoom range.
The lens’ autofocus is powered by Olympus’ breakthrough SWD. Designed to be the world’s fastest AF system, this extraordinary autofocus drive provides both high speed and high precision while operating with lower noise than ever. Optimized for use with the new E-3, this lens enables the camera to demonstrate the full power of its high-speed capability, providing the fastest autofocus available in the world using a standard zoom lens.
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD
The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD is a high-performance super-telescopic zoom lens that features, for the first time, the SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) autofocus system and covers a zoom range equivalent to 100mm to 400mm of a 35mm camera lens. ED lens elements are used extensively to correct the color blurring that can occur when telescopic lenses are extended to their maximum focal length, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. Close-up shooting capability is also superb, with a minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range.
Autofocus is powered by Olympus’ breakthrough SWD, enabling this lens to achieve an AF speed about two times faster2 than the previous ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 model. The ideal partner for the E-3, this lens maximizes that camera’s high-speed autofocus capability, and with its superior tracking capability, this lens is ideal for sports photography and outdoor shooting applications.
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD
The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD, which covers a zoom range equivalent to 28mm to 70mm on a 35mm camera lens is the world’s first standard zoom lens to feature a large f2.0 aperture3. Boasting industry-leading imaging performance, this lens is a worthy addition to the Olympus Super High Grade (SHG) series of lenses. Together with the ED 7-14mm f4.0, ED 35-100mm f2.0 and ED 90-250mm f2.8 lenses, this lens completes Olympus’ series of professional zoom lenses with fixed F-values.
The flagship of the ZUIKO DIGITAL series, this lens was developed to meet the requirements of the most demanding professionals. It includes reliable splash- and dust-proofing, Olympus’ exclusive SWD-driven ultra-fast AF system, a mechanically interlocked manual focusing mechanism and a large, petal-shaped hood with a polarization filter control window.
With its unique f2.0 aperture providing bright viewing with a sharp subject and a soft blurring of the background, this lens epitomizes the versatility, power and creative freedom made possible by the Four Thirds System and is ideal for almost any application - from landscapes and portraits to indoor shooting and photojournalism.
ZUIKO DIGITAL 2x Teleconverter EC-20
The ZUIKO DIGITAL 2x Teleconverter EC-20 is an ultra-compact, high-performance lens capable of doubling the focal length of the master lens. It can be mounted on any ZUIKO DIGITAL lens, dramatically extending lens performance and putting more subjects within the photographer’s range without affecting mobility or ease of use.
Complementing the already available ZUIKO DIGITAL 1.4x Teleconverter EC-14, the EC-20 adds new versatility to the ZUIKO DIGITAL line-up, providing a convenient, cost-effective solution to the demands of telescopic shooting, as well as wide-angle macro and ultra-high-magnification shooting.
Availability
The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD will be available in November 2007.
The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD will be available in December 2007
The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD will be available in the first quarter of 2008.
The ZUIKO DIGITAL 2x Teleconverter EC-20 will be available in December 2007.
U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD Estimated Street Price: $999.99
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD Estimated Street Price: $1,199.99
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD Estimated Street Price: $2,299.99
ZUIKO DIGITAL 2x Teleconverter EC-20 Estimated Street Price: $479.99
For more information, review units and high-resolution images of the new Olympus lenses contact Michael Bourne, Mullen Public Relations, 978-468-8953 or [email protected], or Jennifer Lyons, public relations manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, ph: (484) 896-5350 / (800) 622-6372 or the Olympus Web Site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.
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