Here are the main tech specs for the new S$698 (incl GST) Micro Four Thirds lens from Olympus.
12-50mm, 4.2x zoom, 3-speed motorised zoom mechanism, MSC mechanism for foast, quiet AF, stop focus and macro magnification at 0.72x (35mm equiv), dust/splash proof.
The main technical specifications are tabulated at the end of this article.
Focal range from 12-50mm (35mm equiv: 24-100mm)
To enable a wide 84-degree angle of view to be captured at 24mm wide-angle, this zoom lens uses a Dual Super Aspherical (DSA) element that requires high-precision manufacturing because of the extremely large ratio between the thickness of the lens center and periphery; as well as double-sided aspherical elements located at an intermediate position between the lenses to correct spherical and chromatic aberrations that can accompany changes in the zoom ratio.
Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Micro Four Thirds lens
In addition, an HR (High Refractive index) element and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element are combined for optimum correction of color aberrations.
Extensive use of special glass materials in the 9-group, 10-element lens construction of the zoom lens ensures high imaging performance throughout the zooming range.
In addition, all lens surfaces are multi-coated to ensure high transmittance and clear imaging performance even under unfavourable conditions such as shooting against light.
The use of an inner zooming system means that there is no variation in overall lens length during zooming, ensuring that stability can be maintained during handheld shooting.
Motorised zoom mechanism for stable zooming at a constant rate
The motorised zoom mechanism drives the zoom lens at one of three selectable speeds and allows the user to control zooming as desired, including slow zooming during movie shooting, detailed composition setting, and quick zooming when required.
Manual zooming is also available, allowing the user to take full control over zooming if desired.
MSC mechanism enhanced by linear motor drive for faster, quieter AF control
Developed independently by Olympus, the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism enables fast, quiet focusing. The new lens enhances the MSC mechanism using a new linear motor drive.
Driving the coil linearly with a direct electromagnetic force without using a gear that would produce noise, the new lens can drive autofocusing with swift start-up and faster, quieter and smoother operation.
Focus stop function and macro mode for close-up shooting at 0.72X magnification (35mm camera equivalent)
The macro mode can be set by pushing the zoom ring forward, while depressing the macro button on the side of the lens. In this mode, focusing is possible between 50 and 20 cm for close-up shooting with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent).
The L-Fn (Lens Function) button activates the focus stop function that stops the autofocusing operation temporarily. This makes it possible to avoid unintended focusing on an obstacle that may appear suddenly between the camera and the subject.
Dust/splash-proof mechanism
The dust/splash-proof mechanism used in the SHG (Super High Grade)/HG (High Grade) series of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses is now incorporated for the first time into a Micro Four Thirds product.
This mechanism uses multiple sealing rings fitted in key positions of the lens to prevent water splashes and dust from penetrating the lens.
The main tech specs are tabulated below:
| Mount type | Micro Four Thirds System standard |
| Focal length | 12-50mm (35 mm equivalent: 24-100mm) |
| Lens construction | 10 elements in 9 groups ( DSA element, 2 aspherical elements, HR element, ED element etc) |
| Angle of view | 84° – 24° |
| AF system | High Speed Imager AF (MSC: Linear motor drive) |
| Closest focusing distance | 0.2 m (macro mode) |
| Max image magnification48 | 0.36 X (35mm equiv: 0.72 X) in macro mode |
| Max field size | 36 x mm² (macro mode) |
| Num of blades | 5 blades (Circular diaphragm) |
| Max aperture | f/3.5 (12 mm) – f/6.3 (50 mm) |
| Min aperture | f/22 |
| Filter size | Φ52 mm |
| Max diameter | 57 mm |
| Overall length | 83 mm |
| Weight | 211 g |
| Provided accessories | Lens cap (LC-52C), lens rear cap (LR-2), Instruction manual, Olympus International Warranty Card |
| Price | S$698 (incl GST) |
Tags: lens, micro four-thirds, Olympus, Zuiko
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