Olympus Releases New Super-Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

The new Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 Zoom Lens from Olympus allows super-wide-angle digital photography in a compact, lightweight package. The lens is compliant with the Four Thirds System standard for digital SLR cameras and covers a wide focal length range.

The lens is compatible with all Olympus E-series digital SLR cameras and is highly portable, measuring less than 3 inches in length. The Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 Zoom Lens is expected to retail at $599.99 beginning in fall 2008.

Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 Zoom Lens

New Ultra-Wide-Angle Zoom Lens is Easy on the Back and the Wallet

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 13, 2008 – Olympus has applied its optical expertise to develop the Zuiko Digital 18-36mm equivalent (ED 9-18mm Four Thirds) f4.0-f5.6, a super-wide-angle zoom lens covering a wide focal length range. This compact ultra-wide-angle zoom lens can be used on any of the Olympus E-System digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera bodies, and measures only 3 inches long and weighs a mere 9.88 ounces for greater portability.

The lens’ lightweight design coupled with In-Body Image Stabilization – available in the flagship E-3, E-510 and the newly announced E-520 – makes capturing amazing, blur-free images possible even without a tripod. Olympus now offers two super-wide-angle zoom lenses (9-18mm affordable consumer lens and 7-14mm splash-proof lens for the pro photographer) that feature both a focal distance equivalent to less than 20mm on a 35mm camera and image stabilization. E-System owners also realize the benefits of Live View, which makes it possible to shoot from unique perspectives that are difficult with an optical viewfinder alone, including over a crowd or at ground-level to catch a toddler’s first steps.

"Affordable super wide-angle lenses with equivalent focal lengths less than 20mm have not been widely available in digital SLR photography,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager – DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Pairing this lens or any of the other Zuiko digital lenses with the new E-520, and its in-body image stabilization, provides a combination ideal for lower light shots like a fountain at night. This combination offers image stabilization for a super wide-angle zoom not found in camera systems with in-lens stabilization."

100% Digital-Specific Lens for Sharpness and Rich Colors

The 9-18mm lens is part of Olympus’ expanding line of 100 percent digital lenses – designed specifically for digital photography. Unlike other camera companies, Olympus does not rely on old film lenses, which often result in images with soft edges or other imperfections.

Availability and U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
The Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f.4.0-f5.6 will be available in the fall of 2008. The estimated street price will be $599.99.