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The Pro series from Olympus presenting an interesting camera zoom lens: the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f4 PRO for Micro Four Thirds camera mount. The new Olympus lens covers the ultra-wide-angle and the standard range with 16 to 50 mm (corresponding to 35 mm).
It opens up dynamic and unusual perspectives for photos and videos, is suitable for recordings of extensive landscapes or standard views that correspond to the field of view of the human eye. The dust and splash-proof construction make the new lens system a reliable companion in almost every shooting situation.
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f4 PRO is the first lens in the M.Zuiko Pro series that has a retraction mechanism. It becomes very compact and is ideal for traveling, also thanks to its weight of only 411 grams. The wide lens is suitable for everyone who wants to travel with as little luggage as possible, without compromising having to enter into their creativity.
The camera zoom lens construction consists of 16 elements in 10 groups, including special Super ED, ED, and EDA elements to reduce various types of aberrations such as chromatic aberrations. The use of a large DSA element also significantly reduces comatic deviations.
According to Olympus, this construction enables detailed image reproduction from the center of the image to the edges of the image, even at maximum aperture. An optimized “zero” coating prevents ghosting and reflections in backlit photos. Thanks to the constant initial opening over the entire focal length range, the exposure can be easily controlled when taking pictures and video with variable zoom settings.
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f4 PRO is also suitable for macro shots with a maximum magnification of 0.42x (based on small images). The closest focusing distance is 23 cm over the entire zoom range. Even after approaching the subject, the zoom ring can be operated to easily adjust the angle of view. Focus stacking is also possible (although the firmware of the camera may have to be updated to the current status). With this function, several consecutive images are taken with different areas of focus, which are then combined to form an image with a large depth of field.
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f4 PRO is splash-proof and dust-proof according to IPX1 and frost-proof down to -10 ° C. The front lens is provided with a fluorine coating so that it can be easily cleaned if it is dirty. Although the lens is an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, polarizing filters (PL) or neutral density filters (ND) with a diameter of 72 mm can be used. On the side of the lens, there is an L-Fn button (lens function), the settings of which can be adjusted with a single press of a button.
Price and availability
The new Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f4 PRO has been priced at $1,099 and is already up for pre-order via the Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com websites. The zoom lens also includes an LH-76E lens hood that costs $34.99 has to buy separately.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f4 PRO Specs
- Focal Length: 8 to 25mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 16 to 50mm)
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Format Compatibility: Micro Four Thirds
- Angle of View: 107° to 47°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 23 cm
- Maximum Magnification: 0.07 to 0.21x
- Optical Design: 16 Elements in 10 Groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Front Filter Size: 72 mm
- Dimensions (ø x L): 77 x 88.5 mm
- Weight: 14.5 oz / 411 g
Recently, Tokina has also made available its new 25-75mm T2.9, a parfocal lens that the company calls “the pinnacle of modern video zoom lens design.” The new lens weighs 2kg, is 174mm long (PL mount), has a 95mm front diameter, and is priced at $4,999.
