NewsPhotography

Olympus introduces M.Zuiko 8-25mm F4 Pro Micro Four Thirds lens

Olympus has added a new member to its ‘Pro’ lineup of high-end Micro Four Thirds lenses: the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4 Pro. The 8-25mm, which has a 35mm-equivalent field of view of 16-50mm and an F8 equivalent aperture, has numerous special elements, including a ‘DSA’ (dual super aspherical) element to reduce sagittal flare or comatic aberration (commonly referred to as ‘coma‘). A special ‘ZERO’ coating helps prevent flare and ghosting.

The 8-25mm has a minimum focus distance of 23cm (9.1″) across its focal range, and a maximum magnification of 0.42x on its telephoto end. A clutch on the lens barrel makes it easy to switch between auto and manual focus.

This is Olympus’ first collapsable Pro lens, and its 411 gram (14.5 ounces) weight makes it easy to carry around. The lens is weather-sealed to IPX1 standards, freeze-proof, and has a fluorine coating on its front element to repel oil and water.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4 Pro will be available in July for $1099.

Press release:

Introducing the M.Zuiko® Digital ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO Lens

Compact, Lightweight, Ultra Wide-Angle Lens with Excellent Optical Performance
with Dust and Splash Proof Construction

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, June 9, 2021 – Today, OM Digital Solutions Corporation is pleased to announce the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO lens (35mm equivalent: 16-50mm). This Micro Four Thirds® System standard compliant lens covers ultra-wide angle 16mm equivalent1 to standard 50mm equivalent1, providing superb depictive performance across the entire zoom range. It is scheduled to become available for purchase in North America on July 9, 2021. This compact, lightweight, high magnification zoom lens delivers the high image quality expected of the M.Zuiko PRO series, supporting versatile photographic opportunities, including dynamic ultra-wide angle landscape photos, outdoor portraits, and video.

High Magnification
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO lens covers a wide range of shooting scenarios, from the ultra-wide angle 16mm equivalent to a maximum2 3.1x zoom magnification, for capturing everything from dynamic ultra-wide shots to standard shots. This is the first lens in the M.Zuiko PRO series to feature a retracting mechanism to ensure its compact size. Despite being an ultra-wide angle, high magnification zoom lens, this model weighs less than 15 ounces, making it highly portable for agile shooting.

Excellent Optical Performance
Our dedication to optical performance has resulted in a 16-element, 10-group lens configuration that includes special lenses such as Super ED, ED, and EDA lenses. Various types of aberrations are thoroughly suppressed, including chromatic aberration, resulting in high-resolution sharp depiction across the entire zoom range. The integration of a large DSA lens significantly reduces sagittal comatic aberration. This design delivers high level image reproduction from the center to the edges of the image even at the widest aperture setting, ideal for night scenes and star photography. Furthermore, the optimized ZERO Coating and lens shape help to thoroughly suppress ghosts and flaring during backlit shooting, delivering sharp, high-definition images. Because the constant F4.0 aperture is available at any focal length, exposure control is easy when operating the zoom and while recording video.

Close-up Shooting
Enjoy powerful macro shooting with a maximum shooting magnification of 0.42x for performance that rivals that of a half-macro lens. The closest focusing distance is 9 inches across the entire zoom range, making it possible to operate the zoom ring after approaching the subject for easy angle-of-view adjustment. The M.Zuiko Digital 8-25mm F4.0 PRO lens supports Focus Stacking3, which merges images into a single photo in focus from the foreground to background in-camera, for versatile macro functionality.

Reliable Durability
This lens features superb IPX1-equivalent splashproof and dustproof performance and freezeproof performance to 14°F for the ultimate reliability unique to the M.Zuiko PRO series. When paired with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and E-M5 series, you can have peace of mind using this lens in punishing environments such as rain and snow. Fluorine coating is used on the front lens for easy cleaning in rainy, snowy, or dusty environments.

Filter Support
Despite its ultra wide-angle design, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO lens is 72mm filter-compatible, allowing the use of PL or ND filters. This provides more versatility, potentially minimizing glare and reflections, and enhancing the final look of an image.

Other Features
A Manual Focus Clutch provides instantaneous switching between auto and manual focus options. A lens function button is available on the side of the lens so users can change settings with the touch of their thumb, while holding the camera.

Specifications
Please see our website for detailed product specifications: https://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lenses/m-zuiko-digital-ed-8-25mm-f4-0-pro.html.

Pricing, Configurations, Availability & Specifications
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO lens comes packaged with the LH-76E lens hood,LC-72C front lens cap, LR-2 rear lens cap and a protective cloth wrap. It is available for pre-order now for $1,099.99 USD and $1,399.99 CAD at participating local authorized retailers, or at www.getolympus.com, and will begin shipping in July 2021.

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4 Pro specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size FourThirds
Focal length 8–25 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4
Minimum aperture F22
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 7
Optics
Elements 16
Groups 10
Special elements / coatings 1 DSA + 1 Super ED + 1 ED + 1 HR + 2 aspherical ED elements, ZERO coating
Focus
Minimum focus 0.23 m (9.06)
Maximum magnification 0.14×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Linear Motor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 411 g (0.91 lb)
Diameter 77 mm (3.03)
Length 89 mm (3.5)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Filter thread 72 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar No


Author:
dpreview staff

Source: Dpreview

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