New W/A for 4/3 users

[spylaw4]

This may be of interest to D3 (4/3) users, but in some ways it's a pity it's in the standard range, but at least that will keep the price down!

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens for a unique perspective

London, 13 May 2008 – In yet another expansion to the rapidly growing E-System lens line-up, Olympus unveils the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens. This affordable complement to the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* enables stunningly original perspectives with an extra-wide field of view. And at just 280g, it weighs in at significantly less than those of the competition. The Four Thirds-based ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens will go on sale from September 2008 in Olympus’ ‘standard’ range of lenses.

Focus on more with the larger depth of field afforded by the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens. This super-compact and light-weight addition to the E-System family is ideal for anything from sweeping desert landscapes to broad shots: emphasise the green of a cactus against burnt red cliffs, or capture the breadth of a farmer’s market in a single shot. Meanwhile, a remarkably compact design – featuring a diameter of 79.5mm, a length of 73mm and a weight of only 280g – ensures utmost mobility.

Enjoy the impeccable optical quality inherent in all ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses with this bright model: 13 lens elements in nine groups, including one aspherical ED lens and two aspherical elements award the ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* with a pronounced advantage over the competition. Coupled with the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens, this affordable combination provides you with an incredible 9-180mm range (18-360mm)* for unparalleled versatility. A minimum focusing distance of 25cm round out this 2x-zoom model’s list of convenient attributes.

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens will be available from September 2008.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens – main features:

· Extreme wide angle capabilities from 9-18mm (18-36mm)*
· Ultra-compact dimensions (79.5mm in diameter and
73mm in length) and light weight (280g)
· 2x zoom
· Minimum focusing distance of 25cm
· 13 lens elements in 9 groups, including 1 aspherical ED lens
and 2 aspherical elements
· Based on the Four Thirds Standard
· Ideal complement to ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm
1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens
· Compatible with all Four Thirds Standard cameras including Olympus’ recently introduced E-420 and E-520
* Figure in brackets represents 35mm camera equivalent.

[stnami]

At 4-5.6 it is running a bit slow for a wide , the same problem as the DP-1, better off with a film camera unless you are into images of dead things then time could be on your side .... even then the dim light will put a curse on you........

[Mauribix]

Originally Posted by stnami

At 4-5.6 it is running a bit slow for a wide , the same problem as the DP-1, better off with a film camera unless you are into images of dead things then time could be on your side .... even then the dim light will put a curse on you........

18mm equivalent (in 35mm format) with F/4 aperture looks not so ugly...
even more if I think that my M8 + 12CV (16mm equivalent in film) it's just a F/5.6 and with the Wate it's a 21mm equivalent with F/4...

With film cameras the story doesn't differ so much... maybe just with M6/7/P + ZEISS distagon 18mm F4 we could apparently have the same "result", but the price should be again an important factor...

I know that FILM Vs DIGITAL is an old question so maybe these solutions are even not so comparable between them IMHO.

[Mauribix]

P.S.

Obviously quality is another pair of shoes, even if, Zuiko lenses are usually and historically Superb in all respect.

[stnami]

even more if I think that my M8 + 12CV (16mm equivalent in film) it's just a F/5.6 and with the Wate it's a 21mm equivalent with F/4..

,, yep they are slow as well

[Mauribix]

Yes, I really need a definitive W/A under the effective 21mm range with fast capabilities (RF coupled) to use with my M8 and film camera

[Telecentric]

Originally Posted by Mauribix

P.S.

Obviously quality is another pair of shoes, even if, Zuiko lenses are usually and historically Superb in all respect.

I have pre-ordered one - delivery expected in September. I have always believed that the only genuinely effective way to test of a piece of kit is to get hold of one and use it for real to make photographs in your own style.

I will share the outcome once it arrives and I have had a chance to put it through its paces - if it is optically as good as my other Zuiko Digital lenses then it will be fine. Whether it will replace my 11-22mm or simply complement it or end up on eBay remains to be seen.

[DTD]

One nice thing about it is how compact it is – as I get older my back tells me to b*****r the fast lenses.

[Mauribix]

Originally Posted by Telecentric

I have always believed that the only genuinely effective way to test of a piece of kit is to get hold of one and use it for real to make photographs in your own style.

I agree. That's why i continue to prefer 4/3 to Canikon cameras, they simply fit better my needs.

I will look forward to see your first shots with this lens.