Olympus to show M.Zuiko Pro 7-14mm f/2.8 and 300mm f/4 lenses at CP+

When Olympus announced the OM-D E-M1, it was pretty obvious that the days of the Four Thirds system were numbered -- to the regret of many photographers who had fallen in love with the superb Four Thirds lens lineup. On the upside, thanks to the phase detection strips, the E-M1 is able to focus Four Thirds glass nearly as quickly – if not quicker than – any of Olympus' now gone DSLR models.

With the advent of the E-M1, it was also pretty obvious that Olympus was aiming for the professional sector, on which it had lost ground before with the decision to ultimately go mirrorless only. However, when the first Pro-series M.Zuiko lens was announced with the new 12-40mm f/2.8, Olympus made it unmistakably clear that they were back in the game.

Now the company has announced the development of two more Pro-series M.Zuiko lenses, one of which is an ultra-wide angle and the other one being a tele lens. The ultra-wide angle is a 7-14 mm, which puts it in direct competition with the ageing but proven Panasonic Lumix 7-14mm f/4. Unlike the Panasonic though, the new Olympus lens will sport a constant f/2.8 aperture, which will make it even more versatile.

The newly announced telephoto lens is a 300mm f/4, and this one definitely reminds us of the pro-series Four Thirds telephoto lenses such as the 150mm f/2 and the 300mm f/2.8. Unlike the latter two, the new M.Zuiko Pro lens comes with a smaller aperture of f/4, but we reckon this is a concession to size and weight. The lens will still have its heft, as can be assumed by the additional tripod mount that it comes with.

Both new M.Zuiko Pro lenses will dust- and splash-proof. Mock-ups will be on display at the CP+ show in Yokohama, Japan. The lenses are scheduled to become available in 2015, with prices yet to be announced.