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Olympus has unveiled a super telephoto zoom for its Micro Four Thirds cameras: the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm F3.5-6.3. It’s a 24-400mm equiv. zoom boasting a class-leading 16.6x magnification. Though it lacks the ‘Pro’ designation of higher-end Olympus optics, the company claims that it offers the same dustproof and splashproof build quality as those lenses.
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The 12-200mm F3.5-6.3 does not offer built-in stabilization, and will rely on camera body IS. The lens uses Olympus’ MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) focusing mechanism and provides quieter operation – particularly useful for shooting video. The company’s ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating is also employed to reduce flare and ghosting.
The 12-200mm will go on sale in March for $ 900.
Official Olympus 12-200mm F3.5-6.3 sample images
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Press release
OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 12-200mm (35mm EQUIVALENT 24-400mm) F3.5-6.3 LENS
Powerful 16.6x Zoom is the Highest Magnification Available on an Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Systems
CENTER VALLEY, PA., February 13, 2019 – Olympus is pleased to announce the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm F3.5-6.3 (35mm equivalent 24-400mm) super telephoto zoom lens. Conforming to the Micro Four Thirds® System Standard, this lens features the highest magnification zoom available on an interchangeable lens for mirrorless systems at 16.6x . Users will experience excellent depictive performance across the entire focal length from wide-angle to telephoto, making it the perfect travel companion, packing high-speed and high-precision autofocus into an amazingly compact, lightweight form. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm F3.5-6.3 lens features a dustproof and splashproof construction, making this lens durable enough to withstand the toughest shooting conditions, especially when paired with a weathersealed Olympus OM-D® camera body.
When shooting wide, the closest focusing distance is approximately 22 cm (approximately 10 cm from the end of the lens) from the main subject for capturing the subject along with an expansive background. When shooting telephoto, the maximum magnification of 0.46x (35mm equivalent) for close-up photography and for significant background defocusing. This do-it-all lens is perfect for close-ups of children’s expressions, indoor and outdoor situations and a variety of other subjects.
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm F3.5-6.3 lens features the same reliable dustproof and splashproof performance as the M.Zuiko PRO lens series. When combined with a dustproof and splashproof camera , it can function in the most punishing of environments.
This lens is equipped with the MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) mechanism, an advanced inner focusing mechanism providing fast, smooth, quiet and accurate auto-focusing, ideal for video shooters. Users will enjoy a short shooting time lag, so split-second photo opportunities are not missed. Amazingly high-speed, precise autofocus performance on this high-magnification zoom lens will provide comfortable, fun shooting.
ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating, Olympus’ cutting-edge thin-coating technology, cultivated from multilayer film disposition technology used in microscopes, has been applied to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm F3.5-6.3 lens to drastically reduce ghosts and flares, contributing to a clear, high-contrast image.
Separately Available Accessories
LC-72C Lens Cap: Equipped with a 72mm filter diameter that can be attached and removed without the need to remove the lens hood.
LH-76B Lens Hood: Protects the lens and reduces unnecessary light entering the lens when shooting in backlit conditions.
LSC-0914 Lens Case: A pouch-style lens case that protects lenses with three-layer construction. Lenses can be stored with the lens cap, protection filter and lens hoot (stored) attached.
ZUIKO PRF-ZD72 PRO Protection Filter: A lens filter equipped with ZERO coating and blackened glass edges, used to suppress flares and ghosting caused by reflections. The frame consists of a satin finish black aluminum. This filter is also compatible with other lenses of a 72mm filter diameter.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Company names and product names contained in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm F3.5-6.3 lens has an expected availability of late March 2019 with suggested retail pricing of $ 899.99 (USD) and $ 1,149.99 (CAD). The LC-72C Lens Cap will retail for $ 14.99 (USD & CAD). The LH-76B Lens Hood will retail for $ 49.99 (USD) and $ 64.99 (CAD). The LSC-0914 Lens Case will retail for $ 31.99 (USD & CAD). The ZUIKO PRF-ZD72 PRO Protection Filter will retail for $ 79.99 (USD & CAD).
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm F3.5-6.3 specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | FourThirds |
| Focal length | 12–200 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F3.5–6.3 |
| Minimum aperture | F22 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 7 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 16 |
| Groups | 11 |
| Special elements / coatings | 3 Aspherical lenses, 2 Super ED, 2 ED, 1 Super HR, 2 HR elements + ZERO coating |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.22 m (8.66″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.46× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Focus distance limiter | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 455 g (1.00 lb) |
| Diameter | 78 mm (3.07″) |
| Length | 100 mm (3.94″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Zoom method | Rotary (extending) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | No |
| Filter thread | 72 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | No |
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)