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Olympus adds wireless flash commander FC-WR and receiver FR-WR to OM-D system

27 Jan

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In addition to a new weather-resistant flashgun, Olympus has announced a new wireless flash receiver FR-WR and wireless commander FC-WR, bringing additional wireless flash functionality to its OM-D system. The commander and receiver claim the same splashproof, freezeproof (to -10°C/+14°F) and dustproof durability as the new FL-700WR flashgun.

The FC-WR commander can connect with up to three different groups, and offers quick access to individual group settings via three dedicated buttons. The FR-WR unit includes a sync terminal for connection with commercial flash equipment.

The FC-WR commander will cost $ 350; the FR-WR receiver will cost $ 230. Both will be available in February.

OLYMPUS ADDS TO OM-D® SYSTEM WITH WEATHER RESISTANT WIRELESS FLASH FL-700WR, WIRELESS COMMANDER FC-WR, AND WIRELESS RECEIVER FR-WR

Flash System Designed for Wireless Radiowave Shooting

CENTER VALLEY, PA., January 24, 2019 – Olympus has today announced a new Electronic Flash, the FL-700WR, Wireless Commander FC-WR, and Wireless Receiver FR-WR, all coming in late February 2019 and designed to meet the growing demands of professional photographers. The electronic flash features dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance, as well as wireless radiowave shooting compatibility with a maximum guide number of 422.

Designed for compatibility with the OM-D system, the FL-700WR wireless high-performance electronic flash offers radiowave-shooting capabilities. During wireless shooting, it functions as a commander or a flash with built-in receiver. The FL-700WR electronic flash, as well as the Wireless Commander FC-WR and the Wireless Receiver FR-WR, all feature dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance. This durable construction makes it possible to control multiple flash units from the camera in various shooting conditions.

High-Intensity, Weather-Resistant Performance with a Maximum Guide Number of 42
This flash features a maximum guide number of 422 (ISO 100/m). The compact, lightweight design delivers excellent portability with high flash output. The weather sealed performance offers reliability when shooting in a variety of environments, including rain, when paired with the Olympus® OM-D E-M1X and other weather sealed body and lens combinations. The user can enjoy full flash power after charging for approximately 1.5 seconds3 for quick, comfortable and easy shooting. Because of the short charging time, sequential flash photography4 at 10 fps is possible.

Wireless Radiowave Communication
This product is equipped with a wireless radiowave communication function, which operates even in bright conditions, or when there are obstructions in the area. It can communicate up to a distance of 30 meters, making accurate communication possible even when the flash is set behind the subject.

The FL-700WR can function as a commander or a flash with built-in receiver. When used as a commander, it has the ability to connect to three groups and an unlimited number of flash units. The user can select which group they want to fire and not to fire, and configure the flash intensity compensation. It can also function in the conventional RC mode (optical communication) as a slave flash.

Equipped with Multi Flash mode5
Multi Flash mode5 makes it possible to express subject motion by firing multiple times during long exposures or bulb shooting. The intensity, interval (frequency), and number of shots can be configured to match the ideal settings for the subject.

Compatible with High Res Shot6, Focus Stacking, and Focus Bracketing
Features such as High Res Shot6, Focus Stacking, and Focus Bracketing, included on camera models such as the OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II, can function with this flash.

Other Available Features

  1. The super FP flash enables high-speed synchronization that exceeds the camera’s maximum sync speed.
  2. First-curtain and second-curtain sync fires when the shutter curtain opens or closes .
  3. TTL modes enable the pre-flash to measure the required intensity so the output automatically adjusts to the optimal level.
  4. An LED light for movies features a 77° angle of illumination and 100-lux brightness emittance from one meter away.
  5. The bounce angle can be adjusted within 180° horizontally and 90° vertically. It is equipped with a catchlight panel and wide panel. The firing angle covers the focal length of 7mm (14mm ) when using the wide panel.
  6. Equipped with auto zoom , the firing angle is supported by lenses with a focal length of 12-75mm (24-150mm10).
  7. The FL-700WR flash emits an electronic sound when charging is complete.

Wireless Commander FC-WR and Wireless Receiver FR-WR
The new wireless commander FC-WR and wireless receiver FR-WR offer the same dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance as the FL-700WR electronic flash. When combined with a weather sealed body and lens such as the OM-D E-M1X, users can enjoy shooting in even the harshest environments.

The FC-WR and FR-WR are compatible with a variety of items, such as the FL-900R, for wireless radiowave communication. The commander can connect to three different groups and an unlimited number of flash units. The user can also select which group they want to fire and not to fire, and adjust the flash intensity.

The FC-WR is equipped with independent buttons for groups A, B, and C, making it possible to quickly configure settings for each group as well as adjust the shooting mode and flash intensity while viewing the monitor. Groups and channels can easily be set and checked using the dials on the FR-WR. This design makes the unit intuitive, comfortable and easy-to-use during multi-unit shooting.

The FR-WR is equipped with a sync terminal that can connect to commercial flash units, such as a monoblock flash, and can be remotely fired using wireless radiowave communication. When flash11 charging is complete, the flash emits an electronic sound.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The FL-700WR Electronic Flash, FC-WR Wireless Commander and FR-WR Wireless Receiver will be available in February 2019 with pricing as follows:

FL-700WR Electronic Flash $ 399.99 (U.S.), $ 449.99 (CAD)
FC-WR Wireless Radiowave Flash Commander $ 349.99 (U.S.), $ 399.99 (CAD)
FR-WR Wireless Radiowave Flash Receiver $ 229.99 (U.S.), $ 279.99 (CAD)

1 When using in a low temperature, please warm the battery by keeping it in a pocket etc.
2 Firing angle of 75mm / standard light distribution mode, ISO 100/m.
3 When using Ni-MH batteries. Approx. 2.5 seconds when using alkaline batteries.
4 Only when using OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II mechanical shutter. At a firing ratio of 1/16.
5 OM-D E-M1X, OM-D E-M1 Mark II, OM-D E-M10 Mark III, Olympus PEN E-PL9 only (As of January 2019). Continuous firing of the flash may adversely affect human subjects. Caution is required.
6 Only when using manual settings. The flash is not available while using Handheld High Res Shot on the OM-D E-M1X.
7 When the shutter curtain opens. (First curtain sync)
8 When the shutter curtain closes. (Second curtain sync)
9 35mm equivalent.
10 When using a Micro Four Thirds lens.
11 When connecting Olympus flash only.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Godox S-R1 adapter lets you fit round magnetic modifiers and filters to regular hotshoe flashes

27 Jan

Chinese flash manufacturer Godox has launched a new adapter that allows users to attach the company’s round magnetic accessories to regular speedlight-style flash units. The S-R1 adapter uses a clamping mechanism to secure itself around the rectangular head of the flash unit, and then accepts the circular accessories from the AK-R1 range.

Godox round magnetic accessories include diffusers, a snoot, honeycomb grid as well as barndoors and a collection of coloured gels. These were originally designed for the Godox AD200 and H200R flash units, but with this S-R1 adapter they can now also be used on the V860ll, V850ll, TT685 and TT600 hotshoe-style flash guns as well.

Although Godox has specified which of its own flash units this adapter will work with, there is no reason it won’t work with flash guns from other manufacturers that share similar dimensions.

Godox says that the S-R1 is available to buy now, but there is no sign of it in the usual dealers yet and no price has been announced. For more information see the Godox website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olympus announces weather-resistant FL-700WR flash

27 Jan

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Along with the announcement of the sports-oriented OM-D E-M1 X camera, Olympus has introduced a new wireless flash unit. The FL-700WR features a weather-resistant build that’s dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (down to 14°F / -10°C). Sitting between the existing FL-600R and flagship FL-900R, it offers a guide number of 42 meters and claims a 1.5 second flash recycle time.

The flash also supports Olympus’ multi-frame modes such as High Res Shot, Focus Stacking and Focus Bracketing – though not the E-M1X’s Handheld High Res Shot mode. A Multi Flash mode makes it possible to fire the flashgun multiple times during a single shot, with adjustable intensity and frequency. The flash is also equipped with an LED light for constant illumination during video recording.

The FL-700WR will be available in February for $ 400.

OLYMPUS ADDS TO OM-D® SYSTEM WITH WEATHER RESISTANT WIRELESS FLASH FL-700WR, WIRELESS COMMANDER FC-WR, AND WIRELESS RECEIVER FR-WR

Flash System Designed for Wireless Radiowave Shooting

CENTER VALLEY, PA., January 24, 2019 – Olympus has today announced a new Electronic Flash, the FL-700WR, Wireless Commander FC-WR, and Wireless Receiver FR-WR, all coming in late February 2019 and designed to meet the growing demands of professional photographers. The electronic flash features dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance, as well as wireless radiowave shooting compatibility with a maximum guide number of 422.

Designed for compatibility with the OM-D system, the FL-700WR wireless high-performance electronic flash offers radiowave-shooting capabilities. During wireless shooting, it functions as a commander or a flash with built-in receiver. The FL-700WR electronic flash, as well as the Wireless Commander FC-WR and the Wireless Receiver FR-WR, all feature dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance. This durable construction makes it possible to control multiple flash units from the camera in various shooting conditions.

High-Intensity, Weather-Resistant Performance with a Maximum Guide Number of 42
This flash features a maximum guide number of 422 (ISO 100/m). The compact, lightweight design delivers excellent portability with high flash output. The weather sealed performance offers reliability when shooting in a variety of environments, including rain, when paired with the Olympus® OM-D E-M1X and other weather sealed body and lens combinations. The user can enjoy full flash power after charging for approximately 1.5 seconds3 for quick, comfortable and easy shooting. Because of the short charging time, sequential flash photography4 at 10 fps is possible.

Wireless Radiowave Communication
This product is equipped with a wireless radiowave communication function, which operates even in bright conditions, or when there are obstructions in the area. It can communicate up to a distance of 30 meters, making accurate communication possible even when the flash is set behind the subject.

The FL-700WR can function as a commander or a flash with built-in receiver. When used as a commander, it has the ability to connect to three groups and an unlimited number of flash units. The user can select which group they want to fire and not to fire, and configure the flash intensity compensation. It can also function in the conventional RC mode (optical communication) as a slave flash.

Equipped with Multi Flash mode5
Multi Flash mode5 makes it possible to express subject motion by firing multiple times during long exposures or bulb shooting. The intensity, interval (frequency), and number of shots can be configured to match the ideal settings for the subject.

Compatible with High Res Shot6, Focus Stacking, and Focus Bracketing
Features such as High Res Shot6, Focus Stacking, and Focus Bracketing, included on camera models such as the OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II, can function with this flash.

Other Available Features

  1. The super FP flash enables high-speed synchronization that exceeds the camera’s maximum sync speed.
  2. First-curtain and second-curtain sync fires when the shutter curtain opens or closes .
  3. TTL modes enable the pre-flash to measure the required intensity so the output automatically adjusts to the optimal level.
  4. An LED light for movies features a 77° angle of illumination and 100-lux brightness emittance from one meter away.
  5. The bounce angle can be adjusted within 180° horizontally and 90° vertically. It is equipped with a catchlight panel and wide panel. The firing angle covers the focal length of 7mm (14mm ) when using the wide panel.
  6. Equipped with auto zoom , the firing angle is supported by lenses with a focal length of 12-75mm (24-150mm10).
  7. The FL-700WR flash emits an electronic sound when charging is complete.

Wireless Commander FC-WR and Wireless Receiver FR-WR
The new wireless commander FC-WR and wireless receiver FR-WR offer the same dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance as the FL-700WR electronic flash. When combined with a weather sealed body and lens such as the OM-D E-M1X, users can enjoy shooting in even the harshest environments.

The FC-WR and FR-WR are compatible with a variety of items, such as the FL-900R, for wireless radiowave communication. The commander can connect to three different groups and an unlimited number of flash units. The user can also select which group they want to fire and not to fire, and adjust the flash intensity.

The FC-WR is equipped with independent buttons for groups A, B, and C, making it possible to quickly configure settings for each group as well as adjust the shooting mode and flash intensity while viewing the monitor. Groups and channels can easily be set and checked using the dials on the FR-WR. This design makes the unit intuitive, comfortable and easy-to-use during multi-unit shooting.

The FR-WR is equipped with a sync terminal that can connect to commercial flash units, such as a monoblock flash, and can be remotely fired using wireless radiowave communication. When flash11 charging is complete, the flash emits an electronic sound.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The FL-700WR Electronic Flash, FC-WR Wireless Commander and FR-WR Wireless Receiver will be available in February 2019 with pricing as follows:

FL-700WR Electronic Flash $ 399.99 (U.S.), $ 449.99 (CAD)
FC-WR Wireless Radiowave Flash Commander $ 349.99 (U.S.), $ 399.99 (CAD)
FR-WR Wireless Radiowave Flash Receiver $ 229.99 (U.S.), $ 279.99 (CAD)

1 When using in a low temperature, please warm the battery by keeping it in a pocket etc.
2 Firing angle of 75mm / standard light distribution mode, ISO 100/m.
3 When using Ni-MH batteries. Approx. 2.5 seconds when using alkaline batteries.
4 Only when using OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II mechanical shutter. At a firing ratio of 1/16.
5 OM-D E-M1X, OM-D E-M1 Mark II, OM-D E-M10 Mark III, Olympus PEN® E-PL9 only (As of January 2019). Continuous firing of the flash may adversely affect human subjects. Caution is required.
6 Only when using manual settings. The flash is not available while using Handheld High Res Shot on the OM-D E-M1X.
7 When the shutter curtain opens. (First curtain sync)
8 When the shutter curtain closes. (Second curtain sync)
9 35mm equivalent.
10 When using a Micro Four Thirds® lens.
11 When connecting Olympus flash only.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olympus introduces 2X teleconverter, updates Micro Four Thirds roadmap

26 Jan

Olympus has announced its new 2X teleconverter, the MC-20, which is compatible with the company’s 40-150mm F2.8 Pro and 300mm F4 Pro lenses, as well as the 150-400mm F4.5 that will be arriving in 2020. Like Olympus’ pro lenses, the MC-20 is weather-sealed and should function down to -10°C/+14°F, according to the company. The MC-20 will be available this summer.

In addition, Olympus has released an updated Micro Four Thirds lens roadmap. There aren’t any dates on the roadmap, and the only lens called out is the 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro, which is coming in 2020. The company is planning to release new zoom and fast prime Pro lenses as well as less expensive super telephoto and ‘high magnification’ (presumably travel zoom) lenses.

What Micro Four Thirds lenses are you hoping to see next? Let us know in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olympus OM-D E-M1X in the studio: familiar image quality, Pixel-Shift still impresses

26 Jan

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We’ve been shooting with the new Olympus OM-D E-M1X for a little while now, both in and out of our studio. Our standard studio tests show that conventional stills performance is little changed from the E-M1 II, but its high-res Pixel Shift mode is still impressive.

Click here to read our Olympus OM-D E-M1X First Impressions Review

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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New Samsung Exynos chipset supports 8K video, up to five camera modules

26 Jan

Samsung announced its Exynos 9820 chipset, which will likely power the company’s 2019 flagship smartphones, including the Galaxy S10, late last year. Now Samsung has unveiled additional detail on the new processor in a press release.

Of course, it’s the new chipset’s imaging capabilities of interest and on paper it looks like the Exynos 9820 won’t disappoint. It will be able to manage up to five camera modules. It’s already known at least one version of the Galaxy S10 will likely come with a triple-camera on the back. This leaves enough processing power for a front dual-camera as well.

In addition devices equipped with the chipset will be able to record 8K video using a 10-bit HEVC codec. This doesn’t necessarily mean such high-res video will be standard on the Galaxy S10 at launch, but it’s good to know any Exynos 9820-equipped devices will be future-proof in terms of video and an 8K mode could possibly be activated via firmware update.

On the display side of things the new chipset can manage 4K displays with HDR10+ and dynamic tone mapping.

Non-imaging highlights include a tri-cluster setup with a mix of Samsung custom cores and ARM designs, a Mali-G76 12-core design that is 40% faster than last year’s GPU, a neural processing unit (NPU) that is seven times faster than the previous version and a 8nm LPP process, which requires 10% less power than the 10nm LPP process from last year.

More detail can be found on the Samsung website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Facebook’s photo sharing app Moments is being shuttered due to lack of user interest

26 Jan

Facebook is shuttering its image sharing app Moments, the company announced on Thursday. The product, which was announced in June 2015, allows multiple Facebook users to privately share images they’ve taken with the people who are featured in them. The app transforms Facebook’s facial recognition technology into a convenient tool, but few users are actually using the service.

The premise behind Facebook Moments is simple: many people snap images at a gathering. Those images can be manually shared with other individuals who attended the same event, but there’s a chance someone may miss out on photos they were featured in.

By using its facial recognition tech, Facebook is able to scan the user’s camera roll, identify other Moments users in the images, and issue an alert suggesting the user share those particular images with the other people featured in them. Google Photos offers a similar feature.

Moments was launched as a standalone app, and it’ll be officially shuttered on February 25, according to an email Facebook has sent to users. CNET reports that Facebook Moments’ demise is partly due to a lack of interest from users.

In addition to the email, users were given an alert within the Moments app, and any Facebook user who utilized the service within the last year will see an alert about the closure within the main Facebook app. Facebook Moments will be inaccessible starting on February 25. Users who wish to keep their images can use Facebook’s new ‘Export Your Moments’ tool to save them.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hasselblad updates firmware for X1D-50c, adds support for new XCD lenses

26 Jan

Hasselblad has announced a firmware update for its X1D-50c medium format mirrorless camera that brings new and improved support to a number of lenses and a converter as well as added features and functionality within the camera itself.

In addition to improved autofocus compatibility with compatible HC/HCD lenses via the XH Adapter, firmware version 1.22 adds support for the following lenses and converter:

  • XCD 65mm F2.8
  • XCD 80mm F1.9
  • XCD 135mm F2.8
  • H 1.7x Converter

Also in the update is a new exposure bracketing option that makes it possible to set a timer to avoid camera shake when shooting long exposures, a new indication to let users know what Auto Focus Scan Range is being used (Near, Far, or Full) and a new customizable icon arrangement on the main menu screen of the X1D-50c.

It’s also now possible to turn off the front-facing LED when using the self timer countdown and the ability to reset focus point in live view by pressing the Cross (X) button.

Firmware version 1.22 can be downloaded directly from Hasselblad’s website.

Hasselblad Firmware Update 1.22 for X1D-50c adds support for new XCD Lenses

With the release of Hasselblad’s most recent XCD Lenses, the XCD 65, 80, and 135 including X Converter 1,7, the new 1.22 Firmware Update ensures photographers are equipped with the most up-to-date tools for capturing their creative visions. Alongside the latest 0.5.33 lens firmware, this update also includes a list of minor improvements that advance the overall functionality of the X1D- 50c mirrorless medium format camera. As with all X1D-50c and XCD Lens firmware updates, these upgraded features are easily downloaded through the My Hasselblad section at Hasselblad.com.

Support of Newest Lenses The XCD 2,8/65, XCD 1,9/80 and XCD 2,8/135 are added to the lineup of supported lenses for the X1D-50c. Note that these lenses must also be updated to firmware 0.5.33 as well.

New Exposure Bracketing option It is now possible to set an initial delay in order to avoid camera shake on long exposures.

Indication of Auto Focus Scan Range in Live View With lenses that support divided scan range of Near, Far, or Full, a visual icon will be shown in Live View indicating when Near or Far settings are enabled. Currently the XCD 120 and XCD 135 lenses support this feature.

Customisable icon arrangement on main menu screen Drag and drop icons to rearrange quick-access shortcuts to settings and options on the X1D-50c’s main menu screen.

New Custom Button options Three new custom button options are available, including Live View On/Off, Drive to Near (mini- mum focus distance) and AF Scan Range Cycle.

New Self Timer option It is now possible to turn off the front flashing LED during the Self Timer countdown.

AF with HC/HCD Lenses and Converters/Extension Tubes Autofocus for compatible HC/HCD Lenses via the XH Adapter includes expanded support of select H System lens accessories including extension tubes and select adapters.

Reset Focus point in Live View Set Focus Point back to the centre directly while in Live View by pressing the Cross (X) Button.

Firmware updates are available from the “My Hasselblad > Downloads” section online at Hasselblad. com. Users can update their firmware simply by downloading the “.cim” file to an SD card and selecting Firmware Update from the Service Menu on their camera.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple announces it will pay licensing fee to ‘Shot on iPhone’ contest winners after complaints

25 Jan
Shot on iPhone 7 by Erdem Summak

Recently we reported on the launch of Apple’s 2019 ‘Shot on iPhone’ photo contest and the complaints some professional photographers were having about the small print. Trevor Mahlmann for example, shared his thoughts in a post on Reddit.

Essentially photographers were handing over exclusive commercial ownership of their images in exchange for photo credit.

It seems the complaints have not gone unnoticed, however, resulting in Apple clarifying its position. In an updated press release the company today announced it is planning to pay the winning photographers of its competition.

“Apple believes strongly that artists should be compensated for their work. Photographers who shoot the final 10 winning photos will receive a licensing fee for use of such photos on billboards and other Apple marketing channels.”

The PDF with the official rules has been updated accordingly as well. We still don’t know how much the licensing fee will be but Apple recognizing that an image worth putting on a billboard is an image worth paying for is a step into the right direction.

Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” contest will run through February 7. Read our previous post to find out how to enter.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olympus developing 150-400mm F4.5 Pro lens with built-in 1.25X teleconverter

25 Jan

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Olympus has announced the development of a pro-level super tele-zoom lens, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro. This hefty lens will have a standard focal range of 300-800mm equiv. on Micro Four Thirds bodies, with a built-in 1.25X teleconverter increasing those numbers to 375-1000mm equiv., at the cost of 2/3-stop of light. If you want even more reach, the lens will also be compatible with Olympus’ new MC-20 2X teleconverter.

The lens will be stabilized and will work with the 5-axis IS systems built into modern Olympus cameras for extra shake reduction. As one would expect, it will be fully weather-sealed and Olympus claims it should function at temperatures as low as -10°C/+14°F.

The 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro will be available in 2020, and pricing has not yet been disclosed.

OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF PRO SUPER TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS & 2x TELECONVERTER

The M.Zuiko® Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO And M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 Will Make 2000mm (35mm Equivalent) Super Telephoto Handheld Shooting Possible

CENTER VALLEY, PA., January 24, 2019 – Olympus announces the development of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO super telephoto zoom lens. This lens is compatible with the Micro Four Thirds® System standard, and features a 1.25x built-in teleconverter, covering a focal length range of 300-1000mm[1] (35mm equivalent). Also in development is the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20. The combination of both products makes handheld super telephoto shooting possible at a 35mm equivalent focal length of 2000mm.

With these new products, Olympus will further expand its super telephoto lens lineup, maximizing the advantages of the Micro Four Thirds System, including excellent image quality, compact lightweight designs, and superior portability.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens is designed for exceptional optical performance in a compact, lightweight form, and includes dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C) design with superb handheld usability. This is the first Olympus® interchangeable lens with a built-in 1.25x teleconverter, which easily extends the focal length to the maximum of 1000mm1 (35mm equivalent). It also offers in-lens image stabilization (IS), supporting 5-Axis Sync IS[2] when operating in concert with the image stabilization of Olympus OM-D® cameras. The compact system delivers remarkable portability, and the built-in teleconverter provides convenience, making it the optimal super telephoto zoom lens for sports and bird photography. This lens has an expected availability date of 2020.

The M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 doubles the focal length of the master lens while offering outstanding portability as well as dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C) performance. The teleconverter is compatible with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens, currently in development, as well as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO and M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lenses. Not only does this teleconverter extend the telephoto range, but it also doubles the maximum shooting magnification of the master lens for unprecedented super telephoto macro shooting. This item has an expected availability date of summer 2019.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens expected availability date: 2020; M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 expected availability date: Summer, 2019. Pricing is not available at this time.

[1] When using the built-in teleconverter. Widest aperture setting is F5.6.

[2] Further information regarding compatible models to be provided in the product press release upon official product sales announcement.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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