OM Digital Solutions has also released the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II, a second generation model with greatly improved weather resistance.

Angled view of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)

The 12-40mm lens is a second-generation product with improved weather resistance (IP53 standard, compared with IPX1 in its predecessor). IPX1 has no rating for protection against ingress of dust or moisture and only rates protection against ‘vertically falling droplets, such as condensation, sufficient that no damage or interrupted functioning of components will be incurred when an item is upright’.

This illustration shows the extent of the weather-resistant sealing in the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)

IP53 rates the product as providing: 1) Partial protection against dust and other particulates, such that any ingress will not damage or impede the satisfactory performance of internal components; and 2) Protection against direct moisture spray at angles up to 60° off vertical.

The new lens also claims improved performance in backlit situations with reduced ghosting and flare. A new fluorine coating on the front element repels moisture and dust and makes the lens easier to keep clean. Its optical design (shown below) contains 14 elements in nine groups and includes one EDA (Extra-low Dispersion Aspherical), two aspherical, 1 DSA (dual-sided aspherical), two ED (extra-low dispersion), one HD (high-definition) and two HR (high refractive index) elements.

A cutaway view of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)

 


The optical diagram shows the positions of the exotic elements in the new lens. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)

Autofocusing is driven by a lightweight focusing unit consisting of two cemented lenses driven by a linear motor. The MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) mechanism is compatible with the maximum burst speeds of the OM-1, which boast approximately 50 fps sequential shooting with AF/AE tracking. Standard features like the Manual Focus Clutch mechanism and use the L-Fn (lens function) button are provided.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens is due for release in mid-March at an RRP  of AU$1599. It will be supplied with the LH-66D lens hood. Click here for more information.

SPECS:
Picture angle: 84 to 30 degrees (diagonal)
Minimum aperture:  f/22
Lens construction: 14 elements in 9 groups (including (1 EDA, 2 aspherical, 1 DSA, 2 ED, 1 HD and 2 HR elements); ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) and fluorine coatings
Lens mounts: Micro Four Thirds
Diaphragm Blades: 7 (rounded aperture)
Weather resistance: Yes, to IEC 60529 IP53 standard
Focus drive: High-speed imager AF (MSC) using stepping motor
Stabilisation: No; relies on camera’s IBIS
Minimum focus: 20 cm
Maximum magnification: 0.3x at 40mm
Filter size: 62 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x L): 69.9 x 84 mm
Weight: 382 grams
Standard Accessories: Front and end caps, lens hood (LH-66D), wrapping cloth
RRP: AU$1599

Distributor: OM Digital Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Ph: 1300 659 678, https://olympus-imaging.com.au/