Concurrent with the OM-1 Mark II, OM Digital Solutions has also unveiled the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS and 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 II lenses.
Two views of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS, the lower one showing the optical construction. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)
The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS provides super telephoto capabilities with a zoom range equivalent to 300-1200mm on its own or up to 600-2400mm equivalent with the optional M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20. This lens is compatible with 5-axis sync IS when used with the new OM-1 Mark II camera, where it provides up to seven stops of shake correction. Used independently, it offers up to six stops of compensation.
The optical design contains 25 elements in 15 groups and includes four Super ED lenses, two ED lenses, six HR lenses and one HD lens, while its compact, weather-sealed construction ensures reliable performance in any environment. The 4x zoom range allows for flexible composition, ensuring clear, high-resolution images across the entire zoom range, while customisable zoom ring torque settings allow adjustments between Smooth (S) and Tight (T) modes via the Zoom Torque/Lock switch. It also comes with a Locking switch to prevent unintentional extension while carrying, along with a Focus Limiter switch, Focus Mode switch, IS (Image Stabilisation) switch and an L-Fn (Lens Function) button. Close focusing is possible at 56 cm at the wide-angle end, with a maximum image magnification of 0.7x and 2.8 m at the telephoto end, where the magnification is 0.39x. The new lens also supports the Focus Stacking mode in the latest OM cameras.
Unlike some other M.Zuiko Digital ED lenses, this lens only has IPX1 splash and dust proofing, which makes it less of an ideal match for the OM-1 cameras, which have IP53-class weather resistance. However, there’s a fluorine coating on the front element and the lens boasts a ‘lightweight’ design for its type with a weight of approximately 2,065 grams.
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS lens will be available in early February 2024 at a suggested retail price of AU$4,499 ($4,699 NZD). Click here for detailed product specifications.
Two views of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 II lens showing the retracting inner barrel extended and the optical construction. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)
The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II is a second generation model that claims to be the lightest and most compact option among the three M.Zuiko Digital ultra wide-angle zoom lenses (the other two being the 8-25mm f/4.0 PRO and 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO lenses). Its optical design consists of 12 elements in eight groups and features two DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) lenses positioned at the front to capture a sweeping 100-degree angle of view plus a dual aspherical lens at the rear to correct common aberrations and achieve high image quality within a compact form. Its minimum focus is 25 cm across the entire zoom range, providing a maximum magnification of 0.11x at 9mm and 0.2x at 18mm.
Weighing only 154 grams and just 49.3 mm in length, it features a retractable design and comes with a LH-55D petal-shaped lens hood. When paired with an OM-5 camera body, it creates a user-friendly, lightweight system, weighing just 568 grams. This lens will be released in late February 2024 with an RRP of AU$999 ($1099 NZD). Click here for more information.