Lens Reviews / OM System Lenses i Not yet tested

12-40mm

(From Olympus lens literature) The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II (35mm equivalent: 24-80mm) is a high-performance, standard zoom lens featuring the brightness of F2.8 across the entire zoom range from wide-angle 24mm equivalent to mid-range telephoto 80mm equivalent1. This is the successor to the popular classic Micro Four Thirds M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO standard zoom lens (released November 29, 2013) and offers improved image quality and weather-resistant performance thanks to the latest technologies.

Reliable weather-resistant performance for stress-free shooting even in punishing environments

• Advanced IP53 dustproof and splashproof performance, and freezeproof performance to 14°F Lens clear the IPX3 and higher splashproof tests, far exceeding the conventional IPX1 rating, as well as dustproof tests.

Features IP53 dustproof and splashproof performance for peace of mind in even more punishing conditions. It can also function in low-temperature environments down to 14°F, and pairing this lens with a dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof camera body makes it possible to continue shooting in punishing environments such as rain, snow, and even dusty environments with peace of mind.

• Fluorine coating added

In addition to water, oil, and dust repellent performance, the fluorine coating on the front-most lens reduces friction. Lens can easily be cleaned with a blower or cloth when dirty, allowing users to continue shooting immediately.

Further improved high image quality and a compact, lightweight design in a standard zoom lens with a fixed maximum aperture of F2.8

• Optical design with 14 elements in nine groups for excellent resolution across the entire zoom range

This model uses an optical design with 14 elements in nine groups (one EDA lens, two aspherical lenses, one DSA lens, two ED lenses, one HD lens, two HR lenses) with four aspherical lenses including a DSA lens effectively placed to achieve a compact, lightweight form and superior depictive performance expected of an M.Zuiko PRO lens. Effectively compensating for aberrations that occur when zooming, results in high resolution from the center to the edges of the frame across the entire zoom range, from wide-angle 24mm equivalent to mid-telephoto 80mm equivalent1. This high-performance lens fully utilizes the high image quality performance of the camera body when using High Res Shot mode.

• Clearer, sharper imaging than ever before

The latest manufacturing techniques suppress surface scattering on aspherical lenses, significantly reducing flares compared to conventional products, resulting in clearer depictive performance. Optimal placement of coating, including ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating, improves resistance in backlit situations.

Versatile features for a wide range of applications, including macro shooting

• Close-up shooting performance with a maximum image magnification of 0.6x

This lens features a closest focusing distance of 20 cm across the entire zoom range. At the wide-angle end, users can enjoy macro shooting with an enhanced sense of perspective, and at the telephoto end a maximum image magnification of 0.6x that rivals half-macro lenses, for authentic close-up shooting. The lens is capable of various styles of macro shooting and includes support for Focus Stacking which is useful for close-up shooting.

• A MSC mechanism enables high-speed, silentAF

The compact, lightweight focusing unit consisting of two cemented lenses is powered by a linear motor driving MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) mechanism, resulting in high-speed, silent AF. This design makes shooting still images and videos easy. The lens is capable of approximately 50 fps (AF/AE tracking) sequential shooting when paired with the new OM SYSTEM OM-1, thanks to advanced camera control technology.

• Superb controls for quick setting changes

Pull the focus ring toward you to instantly switch to manual focus with the Manual Focus Clutch mechanism and use the L-Fn (lens function) button to control the lens with a single finger. These features allow users to quickly switch settings as needed to continue shooting without delay.

PRICING & AVAILABILITY:

M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II : $999.99 USD; $1,299.99 CAD .Availability date: Early March 2022