Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Haruo Ogawa) is pleased to announce the upcoming release of M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO, scheduled to go on sale in the end of November 2013. This lens is a standard zoom lens that conforms to the Micro Four Thirds System standard and features a constant aperture f2.8. This lens features a dustproof and splashproof construction that can withstand even professional use, and is the first model in the "M.ZUIKO PRO" high-performance lens category.

Along with the release of the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1, the new M.ZUIKO PRO lens category will be established for the lens group that conforms to the Micro Four Thirds System standard. This large-aperture standard zoom is the first in the M.ZUIKO PRO category which covers focal lengths equivalent to 24-80mm on a 35mm camera. In addition to dustproof and splashproof construction, its constant aperture value at all focal lengths was one of the requirements from professional photographers for a high-performance lens. This product maintains the brightness of a constant aperture f2.8 for the perfect response to high-grade image creation.

This product also remains both high-performance, compactness and lightweight form at a constant aperture f2.8 thanks to the Micro Four Thirds System standard compliant. This lens is also equipped with the Olympus exclusive MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism, and achieves the title of the world's fastest AF*1 high-performance standard zoom lens when combined with the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1. Additionally, it is equipped with Manual Focus Clutch mechanism, an evolved version of the Snapshot Focus mechanism, and is possible to shoot using a distance scale.

In addition to the "M.ZUIKO PRO", the new lens category of Micro Four Thirds System standard becomes three in total with the "M.ZUIKO PREMIUM" which includes high-performance and high quality single-focal-length lenses, and "M.ZUIKO". The future products will be created for each of these groups.

Product Summary
Category Product Name MSRP Launch Date
Interchangeable lens M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO (Black) 107,000 yen (112,350yen incl. tax) End of November 2013
*1 Among a digital camera with an interchangeable-lens released before September 10th, 2013. Based on the focal length of 35mm (70mm, 35mm equivalent) when M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO is attached to OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1, and between the time from when the auto focus is started to when exposure is started after fixing the focus at the object in 1m distance (focus point of lens is set to infinity). Under Olympus test conditions.
Main Features
Constant aperture fixed to f2.8, compact, lightweight form and superior depictive performance
Dustproof and splashproof construction that expands shooting possibilities
Equipped with the MSC mechanism for quick and silent auto focusing
The Manual Focus Clutch mechanism, an evolved version of the Snapshot Focus mechanism
Macro shooting performance of a minimum focusing distance of 20cm at all focal lengths, with a maximum magnification of 0.6x (35mm equivalent)
Main Feature Details
1. Constant aperture fixed to f2.8, compact, lightweight form and superior depictive performance
This lens makes use of the Micro Four Thirds System standard, and while maintaining a compact and lightweight form, achieves a constant aperture value of f2.8 at all focal lengths, and also covers a standard zoom range of 24-80mm (35mm equivalent).
In order to make a lens that exceeds the popular Four Thirds standard HIGH GRADE lens in image quality, high-performance, and compact lightweight form, the various types of lenses and the latest fabrication technologies were used. Thin, large-aperture cemented lenses that use HD lenses, aspherical lenses such as DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) lenses and EDA lenses, and lenses with ED/HR materials were used along with ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) lens coating for thoroughly removing ghosts and flaring.
To produce natural defocused effects, 7 blades are used for the circular-shaped aperture.

2. Dustproof and splashproof construction that expands shooting possibilities
Equipped with dustproof and splashproof construction for greater shooting enjoyment when combined with a dustproof and splashproof camera body. Not only the end of the lens and mount that are protected, but sealing has been placed in 6 locations for improved dustproof and splashproof performance. Additionally, materials with waterproof and ventilation quality are used to maintain the air vents within the lens (which is cultivated on the Four Thirds standard HIGH-GRADE lens), and smooth zooming operation is maintained without compromising dustproof and splashproof performance.

3. Equipped with the MSC mechanism by use of a linear motor, for quick and silent auto focusing
The MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) mechanism equipped on this lens is the latest in optical design technology for achieving quick and silent focusing with a lightweight form and minimum number of lenses. The gears, which are the cause of operational noises, have been removed and a sub-micron precision metal axis (shaft) and fast-moving linear motor drive system is used for direct driving of the focusing lens. This lens employs an inner focusing system that uses the MSC mechanism, and focuses using a compact and lightweight focusing unit consisting of two cemented lenses. This results in an agile, silent focus drive for the world's fastest*1 AF when combined with the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1. Smooth autofocus operation makes for comfortable and enjoyable, stress-free still image and movie shooting.

4. The Manual Focus Clutch mechanism, an evolved version of the Snapshot Focus mechanism
This lens is equipped with the Manual Focus Clutch mechanism which makes manual focusing smoother, and which is evolved from the Snapshot Focus mechanism used on wide-angle lenses. When the focus ring is pulled toward the user, distance markers appear, making this feature useful not only for manual focusing, but also for instantly moving to a specific focal distance just as with Snapshot Focus.
Additionally, because with the Manual Focus Clutch mechanism the focus ring is rotated within the distance markers rather than being endlessly rotated, it can be used in the same way as traditional manual focus lenses.

5. Macro shooting performance of a minimum focusing distance of 20cm at all focal lengths, with a maximum magnification of 0.6x (35mm equivalent)
A minimum focusing distance of 20cm at all focal lengths, without switching to macro mode is available, At the telephoto end, close-up shooting is available at 7cm from the front end of the lens, with a maximum magnification of 0.3x (0.6x, 35mm equivalent:). Because users can approach main subjects down to 9cm from the front of the lens at the wide-angle setting, wide-angle macro shooting with an exaggerated sense of perspective is possible, for a truly versatile lens.

Main Specifications
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8
Focal length 12-40mm
35mm equivalent 24-80mm equivalent
Lens construction 14 elements in 9 groups
(2 ED lenses, 1 EDA lens, 2 HR lenses, 1 HD lens, 1 DSA lens, 2 aspherical lenses)
Angle of view 84°-30°
AF system High-speed imager AF (MSC)
Minimum focusing distance (m) 0.2m
Maximum image magnification 0.3x
35mm equivalent 0.6x equivalent
Minimum field size 58 x 44mm
Number of aperture blades 7 (circular aperture)
Maximum aperture ratio f2.8
Minimum aperture ratio f22
Filter size Φ62mm
Dimensions
(Max. diameter x overall length) Φ69.9 x 84.0
Weight 382g
Provided accessories Lens cap (LC-62D), lens rear cap (LR-2), lens hood (LH-66), lens case (LSC-0918), instruction manual, Olympus international Warranty Card
Optional accessories
Product Name MSRP Launch date
Protective Filter PRF-D62 PRO 4,500yen (4,725yen incl. tax) End of October 2013
Lens Hood LH-66 5,500yen (5,775yen incl. tax)
Lens Cap LC-62D 1,000yen (1,050 yen incl. tax)
Protective Filter, PRF-D62 PRO
This ultra lightweight and thin protective filter with a filter diameter of φ62mm is finished with multi-coating. Black coating has been applied on the periphery of the glass to reduce internal surface reflection.

Lens Hood, LH-66
This is a lens hood for exclusive use with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 lens. Metallic materials were used to match the sophisticated design of the lens. The lens hood is newly equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent it from falling off.

Lens Cap, LC-62D
This is a newly-designed thin lens cap. Because a convenient tab is used while maintaining a slim design, it is possible to attach and remove the cap even with the lens hood on.