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Olympus Zuiko 90-250/2.8 and 35-100/2 Digital SLR lenses

by Bob Atkins; created 2005

Here's the Olympus press release:

Olympus Announces Prices For Zuiko Digital 90-250mm F2.8 And 35-100mm F2.0 Lenses Melville, New York, September 26, 2005 ? Olympus announced delivery dates and prices today for two new Zuiko Digital Specific? lenses. Available in October 2005, the Zuiko Digital ED 35-100 f2.0 lens will retail at an estimated street price of $2499.99. Later in November the Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm f2.8 lens will ship with an estimated street price of $5999.99. Designed for use with Olympus E-System digital SLR cameras, including the E-1, EVOLT E-300, and new EVOLT E-500, the two lenses feature constant apertures through the entire zoom range to offer the most advanced and fastest zoom of their kind available anywhere today. The new lenses complement the current line of Olympus Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses and establish the line as one of the largest 100% designed for digital lens systems offered by a manufacturer to date.

World's First Lens to Offer f2.0 Over Full Zoom Range The Zuiko Digital ED 35-100mm f2.0 (70mm-200mm equiv.) will be the first lens in the world to feature an aperture of f2.0 over the full zoom range. Designed to maximize the full potential of the mobility of the lens zoom range while making the most of the brightness offered at f2.0., the lens will give photographers the freedom to use the f2.0 aperture over focal lengths ranging from 35mm (70mm equiv.) to telephoto 100mm (200mm equiv.). The 35-100mm f2.0 also features both ED and Super ED Glass element for astonishing image quality.

Long Zoom Ideal for Sports & Nature Photography The Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm f2.8 Lens features a wide aperture of f2.8 over its entire ultra-telephoto focal length up to 250mm (500mm equivalent), providing photographers freedom to shoot in more varied lighting situations while still maintaining excellent sharpness and definition. The power of the optical zoom range on this lens enables users to instantaneously obtain optimal framing in sports and nature photography, where positioning for shots is often subject to constraints. This lens also uses ED glass lenses for its optical system to eliminate chromatic aberration to the greatest degree at f2.8 and to maintain sharpness, color, and tonal definition throughout the zoom range.

Versatile Rugged Design Standard As part of the growing Pro-line of Zuiko Digital Lenses, both lenses will offer the dust and splash proof design of other Zuiko Digital Specific pro series lenses. This rugged design standard supports photography under the severe conditions in which many professional photographers work by incorporating special seals in the lens construction to protect the lens from moisture and dust. Reinforced metal lens mounts and lens barrels on each lens offer added support, dependability and durability in the field.

The two lenses will employ separate zoom and focus rings so that photographers can easily maintain focus on their subjects while utilizing control of creative composition with a separate zoom ring. Like all Zuiko Digital Lenses, these new lenses are also firmware upgradeable for future performance improvements.

The entire line of Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses comply with the Four Thirds System to be perfectly matched to the imager so light strikes the sensor directly, ensuring rich, accurate colors, sharp contrasts and bright images even at the edges. With the addition of these two lenses, the Zuiko system will offer optical ranges from an ultra-wide-angle of 7mm (14mm equivalent in 35mm film photography) to ultra-telephoto 300mm (600mm equivalent).

Zuiko Digital 90-250mm F2.8

90_250mm.jpg (7818 bytes)

  • Focal Length:? 90-250mm (180mm-500mm 35mm equivalent)
  • Lens Construction:? 17 elements in 12 groups (Including 3 ED Lenses)
  • Angle of View:? 14? to 5?
  • Closest Focusing Distance:? 8.2" (2.5m)
  • Maximum Field Size:? 207mm x 156mm
  • Maximum Image Magnification:? 0.08x(0.16x 35mm equivalent)
  • Maximum Aperture:? f2.8
  • Minimum Aperture:? f22
  • Number of Blades:? 9
  • Filter Size:? 105mm
  • Dimensions:? 4.88" D x 10.9 L(124mm x 276mm)
  • Weight:? 7.21lbs. (3,270g)
  • Price $5999.99

Zuiko Digital 35-100mm F2.0

35_100mm.jpg (8493 bytes)

  • Focal Length:? 35mm-100mm (70mm-200mm 35mm equivalent)
  • Lens Construction:? 21 elements in 18 groups, including Super ED Lens and 4 ED Lenses
  • Angle of View:? 34? to 12?
  • Closest Focusing Distance:? 4.6" (1.4m)
  • Maximum Image Magnification:? 0.09x (0.18x 35mm equivalent)
  • Maximum Aperture:? f2.0
  • Minimum Aperture:? f22
  • Number of Blades:? 9
  • Filter Size:? 77mm
  • Dimensions:? 3.8" D x 38.4 L(96.5mm x 213.5mm)
  • Weight:? 3.64 lbs. (1,650g)
  • Price $2499.99

Where to buy

Bob Atkins (www.bobatkins.com)

Readers' Comments


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Bas Scheffers , September 27, 2005; 03:12 P.M.

That 90-250/2.8 is a unique lens, other brands don't have anything to match it, so Olympus may be forgiven for the price tag. But obviously, the 35-100/2.0 is supposed to compete with the 70-200/2.8 models by Canon and Nikon, with the slightly bigger aperture off-setting the "depth of field problem". So how come they price it 50% more expensive and without IS/VR?

I am a big fan of the affordable 14-54 and 50-200 zooms, they are superb lenses and superb value. I understand they sell their 150 and 300mm lenses (which I'd never buy, not my bag, baby) for the same price as the competitions 300 and 600mm lenses as they perform the same function and products are priced by market value, not cost, by any brand.

But what I don't understand is why they are now - whichever way you look at it - priced higher than the competition. They better come down soon or have one fantastic new pro body people will be willing to pay the premium for the lenses for.

Steve Chan , September 27, 2005; 04:37 P.M.

I think that the particular apertures they are offering, F2 in a 70-200 (equiv) lens, and F2.8 in a 180-500 (equiv) lens are unheard of, and may justify the price. Its true that they lack VR (too bad they can't license it from someone and put it into their bodies).

Bob Atkins , September 27, 2005; 07:01 P.M.

Not totally unhead of. The Sigma 120-300/2.8 on a 1.6x DSLR becomes a 192-480/2.8, pretty close to the effective 180-500 of the Olympus.

The Olympus lens costs $6000, is 10.9" long and weighs 7.2lbs. The Sigma costs $2400, is 10.6" long and weighs 5.7lbs (it also covers full frame).

Of course on an Olympus 4/3 system the Sigma would equate to a 240-600/2.8 - if it was made in a 4/3 compatible mount (which as far as I know, it isn't).

I presume the Olympus is a higher optical quality lens (it certainly should be!).

I don't think you can justify a high price for a 300mm lens on the basis that it's effectively the same as a lens twice as long for full frame. A 300mm lens is a 300mm lens is a 300mm lens. It doesn't matter what you put it on. It should cost what a 300mm lens costs, not what a 600mm lens costs. Otherwise you could compare it with the cost of a 1200mm lens for 6x7 medium format!

The Olympus 300/2.8 with 4/3 format coverage is $6500 and weighs 7.2 lbs. The Canon 300/2.8L IS (Image Stabilized) USM with full frame coverage is $4000 and weighs 5.7 lbs, so the Olympus lenses are pretty expensive and pretty heavy. Maybe they're worth it, I don't know.

It does seem that the "smaller" and "lighter" attributes of the 4/3 system isn't found to be the case in reality, at least at the top end. Neither is "cheaper"!

Yaron Kidron , September 28, 2005; 03:38 A.M.

"A 300mm lens is a 300mm lens is a 300mm lens." -- All right and true. And if so, how does Leica dare price a 50/1.4 above $2000??? Isn't it a 50/1.4 lens? You can get one for your Canon for $300 or so!

Bob Atkins , September 28, 2005; 11:42 A.M.

Leica aren't trying to start up a a new camera line with $2000 50/1.4 lenses. They are just mining their existing user base of rich doctors and dentists...

I thought a selling point of smaller format digital systems was that since the lenses can be smaller, they can be lighter, use less materials, and so be cheaper. Otherwise what's the point of using a smaller sensor in a camera system that's no smaller, lighter or cheaper than one using a larger sensor?

I've no doubt that the high end Olympus 4/3 system lenses are excellent quality, but their price wouldn't seem to be an encouragement for users to buy into the system unless they are pretty wealthy.

On the other hand the lower end lenses (such as those in the E-500 "kits") seem to be good value and might well encourage consumers into the system. However I doubt any of those will be spending $6000 for a 300/2.8. I'm just wondering where the market is for the high end stuff.

Wayne Campbell , September 28, 2005; 11:48 A.M.

I can sum up my reaction in three little words, Are they nuts??????????? Evolt will soon be Revolt by consumers!

Eugene Scherba , September 28, 2005; 12:15 P.M.

The hype per pixel ratio of Olympus' new offerings is amazing...

Jón Ragnarsson , October 26, 2005; 06:48 A.M.

Have you seen the photos from this lens? It is sharper at f2.0 than a Canon 70-210 is at f2.8!

John Kim , October 30, 2005; 10:17 P.M.

F-ratios quantify points of equivalent exposures, not points of equivalent physical size. For a 4/3 system lens to be the same size (and yield the same DOF) as a 70-200 f/2.8 on a full-frame system, it would have to be f/1.4. So it's not surprising that it's sharper at f/2.0 than a 70-200 at f/2.8. f/2.0 on this lens is equivalent to f/4.0 on a full-frame 70-200 (50mm entrance pupil for each at max tele). In other words, at 100mm f/2.0 this lens is taking light from an area 50mm in diameter and focusing it. A 200mm f/2.8 lens is taking light from an area 71mm in diameter and focusing it.

So while f/2.0 is impressive in terms of exposure, it is in fact eaiser to design and manufacture than a 70-200 f/2.8 and will not blur backgrounds as well. Personally I'm wondering what they're adding to it to make it as heavy as the 70-200 f/2.8 lenses from Canon and Nikon. The whole point of using a 2x multiplier on the 4/3 system was to do what full-frame does but using smaller lenses. If they're going to make it the same size and price as an equivalent full frame lens, I am losing shallow DOF, picking up sensor noise, and gaining nothing over full-frame (well, maybe a cheaper body).

Bas Scheffers , November 12, 2005; 11:55 A.M.

John, I think what they are "adding" is the f/2.0. I find this a real shame, f/2.8 is fine for a zoom and it would make this thing cheaper and lighter. I really like my small and light 14-54/2.8-3.5 "kit" lens. If I want f/2 for a portrait, I take the prime out of my bag.

I agree that the ability to have shallow DOF is important, but it does work both ways; thanks to the crop factor, you have 1 to 2 stops more DOF compared to 35mm lenses. This means that if you are a snapping away, you get f/8 or even f/11 DOF at just f/5.6, meaning you don't need to switch to higher ISO if you are doing this in low light.

Marc Sobers , January 13, 2006; 05:59 P.M.

Specs definitely have their place. I have an E-300 with the standard 14-45mm lens, and I couldn't be happier with it. To me, the clarity and colors cannot be beat.

I have no doubt that the clarity and color from the 90-250mm will be just as superb AND can be used in even lower light (which, to me, is the selling point).


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