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Olympus Unveils M.Zuiko 12-200mm Zoom Share This on LinkedIn   Share This on Google   Tweet This   Forward This

13 February 2019

Olympus has introduced its splash-proof and dust-proof M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f3.5-6.3 featuring a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-400mm, "the highest magnification zoom available on an interchangeable lens for mirrorless systems," according to the company.

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the 12-200mm zoom include:

  • 16.6x zoom
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Splash- and dust-proof
  • High-speed autofocus
  • Optical design focused on image quality

Oddly enough for a telephoto zoom, the new lens does not have any image stabilization. That would make it practical only on camera bodies that themselves feature image stabilization.

An Olympus representative told us, "Not putting an IS unit in lens allowed Olympus to make the lens even more compact and portable."

There's also no macro capability. At wide angle you can get as close as 8.64 inches for a magnification of 0.1x and at telephoto 2.3 feet for 0.23x, according to the specifications.

The lens features a Movie and Still Compatible mechanism, an advanced inner focusing mechanism that provides "fast, smooth, quiet and accurate auto-focusing, ideal for video shooters," according to Olympus.

Cutaway. Showing the lighter focusing lens.

The optical design includes 16 elements in 11 groups, including 3 aspherical, 2 Super ED, 2 ED, ! Super HR, 2 HR lenses. Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical has been applied to the lens to drastically reduce ghosts and flares, contributing to a clear, high-contrast image.

There are also larger focal length markings on the lens to make it easier to identify the lens in your bag.

Zoom Range. Compositions at 12mm through 400mm.

Separately available but rather indispensable accessories include a lens cap and a lens hood as well as a lens pouch and protection filter.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications for the M.Zuiko include:

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-200mm f3.5-6.3 LENS SPECIFICATIONS
Mount Micro Four Thirds
Focal Length 12mm to 200mm (24mm to 400mm 35mm equivalent)
Aperture Maximum: f3.5 to f6.3
Minimum: f22
7 circular diaphragm blades
Angle of View 84° to 6.2°
Minimum Focus Wide Angle: 8.64 inches
Telephoto: 2.3 ft.
Magnification Wide Angle: 0.1x
Telephoto: 0.23x
Optical Design 16 elements in 11 groups
3 aspherical, 2 Super ED, 2 ED, ! Super HR, 2 HR lenses
Autofocus Yes
Image Stabilization None
Filter Thread 72mm
Dimensions 3.05 x 3.92 inches
Weight 15.93 oz.

PRICE, AVAILABILITY

Olympus said the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f3.5-6.3 lens will be available in late March for $899.99. B&H is now accepting pre-orders.

Pricing for its accessories will be $14.99 for the lens cap, $49.99 for the lens hood, $31.99 for the lens pouch and $79.99 for the protection filter.

Olympus Announces M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f3.5-6.3 Lens

Powerful 16.6x Zoom is the Highest Magnification Available on an Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Systems

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. -- Olympus has announced the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f3.5-6.3 (35mm equivalent) 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 22cm (approximately 10cm 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.

Pricing and Availability

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f3.5-6.3 lens has an expected availability of late March with suggested retail pricing of $899.99 and $1,149.99. The LC-72C Lens Cap will retail for $14.99 (USD & CAD). The LH-76B Lens Hood will retail for $49.99 and $64.99. 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).


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