Olympus Announces The World's Fastest Fixed Aperture Zoom Lenses For Digital Photography

Olympus has announced the development of what they dub the world's fastest "Designed for Digital" interchangeable fixed-aperture wide zoom lenses. Designed for use with Olympus E-System digital SLR cameras, including the E-1 and EVOLT E-300, these three new Digital Specific lenses -- Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm f2.0, Zuiko Digital ED 35-100mm f2.0 and Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm f2.8 -- feature fixed apertures through the entire zoom range. These three lenses are due to go on sale in fourth quarter of 2005.

The Zuiko Digital 14-35mm f2.0 (28mm --70mm equiv.) and the Zuiko Digital ED 35-100mm f2.0 (70mm-200mm equiv.) will be the first lenses in the world to feature an aperture of f2.0 over the full zoom range. The goal of their design is to maximize the full potential of the mobility of the lens zoom range while making the most of the brightness offered at f2.0.

These two lenses use Super ED or ED lens elements to allow each wavelength of light to strike the sensor evenly and at the same time eliminate chromatic aberration to the maximum possible extent at aperture f2.0 and deliver excellent edge-to-edge image quality with superior sharpness, definition, and color fidelity.

The Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm f2.8 Lens features a wide aperture of f2.8 over its entire ultra-telephoto focal length up to 250mm (500mm equivalent). This lens also uses ED glass lenses for its optical system to eliminate chromatic aberration to the greatest degree at f2.8 and to maintain sharpness, color, and tonal definition throughout the zoom range.

The lenses will also offer a splash proof design similar to other Zuiko Digital Specific pro series lenses. This rugged design standard supports photography under the severe conditions in which many professional photographers work by incorporating special seals in the lens construction to protect the lens from moisture and dust. Reinforced metal lens mounts on each lens offer added support when attaching the lenses to E-System camera bodies.

The Olympus Zuiko Digital 14-35mm f2.0, Zuiko Digital ED 35-100mm f2.0 and Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm f2.8 Lenses will be available forth quarter of 2005. Lens pricing and specifications will be announced at a future date.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/e1

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