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February 17, 2005 — Olympus announced three lenses for its E-series of digital single lens reflex cameras. Two of the lenses have a fixed aperture of f/2.0 throughout the zoom range. The other zoom lens has an aperture of f/2.8. The three Zuiko interchangeable lenses are Four Third compliant and specifically designed for digital cameras, including the Olympus E-1 and E-300 DSLRs. All of the lenses will be available around October 2005.
"These three new lenses represent a technological milestone by maintaining fixed apertures through their entire zoom ranges," said John Knaur, senior marketing manager at Olympus Imaging America Inc. "And because they are Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses, they are designed specifically for digital capture with smart technology that delivers edge-to-edge sharpness with reduced distortion and shading."
The Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm zoom lens is equivalent to 28-70mm in 35mm format and maintains f/2.0 aperture throughout the entire zoom range. The 35-100mm zoom lens, equivalent to 70-200mm, also has a fixed f/2.0 aperture. The wide zoom lenses use Super ED glass lens elements to reduce chromatic aberration by allowing each wavelength of light to strike the image sensor evenly.
The ultra-telephoto Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm zoom lens is designed for sports and nature photographers with its fixed f/2.8 aperture. The digital lens is equivalent to a 180-500mm zoom lens. This lens, like the others, has separate zoom and focus rings. It is also water resistant and has seals throughout the construction to keep moisture and dust out. These three lens announcements are only part of Olympus’ long-term plan to build its E-series lens portfolio.
"We are planning for several lens announcements each year for both consumer and professional applications in order to meet the demands and higher standards that digital photography requires," Knaur said. Prices on the three Zuiko lenses are not available at this time. ****