OM System, with the release of the OM-1 Mark II, also released two related lenses. The OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lenses were simultaneously announced to accompany this new M4/3 camera. This article will go over both of the lenses in detail.
OM System M. M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II
The OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II (35mm (equivalent to 18-36mm) will be released on February 23, 2024. Suggested retail price is $699
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II is the smallest and lightest of M.ZUIKO DIGITAL’s three ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses. The lens takes advantage of its wide angle of view to capture vast natural landscapes. In addition, users can easily expand the variety of photographic expressions in the outdoor field, such as flowers and trees that include the sky in the composition from a low angle, or wide macro photography that emphasizes the perspective by getting close to the subject.
Main features
Ultra wide-angle zoom lens
The focal length is 9-18mm (equivalent to 18-36mm in 35mm format), the shortest shooting distance is 25cm over the entire area, and the maximum magnification is 0.11x at wide end / telephoto in 35mm format. This lens, which has a magnification of 0.2x, is useful for easily expanding photographic expression in nature scenes. For example, users can take pictures of vast natural scenery that takes advantage of the wide angle of view that only ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses can offer, flowers and trees that take advantage of the wide field of view taken from a low angle, or photos that give a sense of perspective or images that include information about the surroundings by getting close to the subject. It is said that there will be a wide range of variations such as wide macro.
The wide angle of view is also suitable for shooting videos of natural scenery.
Compact and lightweight design (Φ56.2×49.3mm, 154g) with high image quality and easy to carry.
The frontmost DSA (double-sided aspherical) lens captures a 100° angle of view, and the rearmost double-sided aspherical lens captures a 100° angle of view. High image quality, small size and light weight are achieved through a lens configuration that uses a spherical lens to eliminate aberrations at once. Even when combined with the body of the OM SYSTEM OM-5 mirrorless single-lens camera, it can be used as a lightweight system weighing only 568g. In addition, a collapsible mechanism has been adopted to reduce the size of ultra-wide-angle lenses, which generally tend to be large, to a size that can be easily used. When stored, the lens has a total length of 49.3 mm, making it even smaller and portable.
The color and knurling design have been redesigned. It provides a sense of unity with other M.ZUIKO lenses, achieving a high-quality design and ease of use.
Includes a newly adopted flower-shaped lens hood (LH-55D) that can be inverted for storage when carried.
OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS super telephoto zoom lens (equivalent to 300-1200mm in 35mm format) covering the focal length of 1 will be released in March 2024. Suggested retail price is 550,000 yen including tax. When used in combination with the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II, it supports 5-axis synchronized image stabilization with up to 7 stops, and with the lens alone it provides up to 6 stops for comfortable hand-held bird photography.
Main features
Super telephoto shooting up to 1200mm, up to 2400mm when used with a 2x teleconverter
The lens alone is equivalent to 300-1200mm, and is also compatible with the separately sold teleconverters “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14” and “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 2x Teleconverter MC-20”.
When the teleconverter “MC-20” is installed, it becomes equivalent to 600-2400mm
This enables overwhelming super-telephoto shooting, which greatly contributes to shooting in nature fields where users can target wild birds, animals, insects, etc. that are difficult to get close to.
Being able to take a close-up shot of a subject without having to crop it is effective for creating high-quality works.
In addition, the wide 4x zoom range provides clear and high-resolution images across the entire range, making it extremely useful for creating compositions on the shooting site by adjusting the angle of view.
Image stabilization and dust-proof/splash-proof performance make shooting easier.
Equipped with an image stabilization mechanism inside the lens, enabling “5-axis synchronized image stabilization” that cooperates with the image stabilization inside the camera body provides up to 7 steps of image stabilization, and up to 6 steps with the lens alone.
This makes it possible to perform stable hand-held shooting, even during super-telephoto shooting where camera shake is likely to occur, or long exposure shooting in low-light conditions, allowing users to focus on shooting in nature fields with light footwork without the need for a tripod.
In addition, the design takes into account drip-proof and dust-proof performance equivalent to IPX1, so users can use it with confidence even in the rain or in situations where it is splashed with water.
The front lens has a fluorine coating, so even if it gets dirty with raindrops, dirt, dust, etc., it can be removed with a light wipe, allowing users to resume shooting immediately.
Operability and close-up shooting performance support comfortable shooting
The zoom ring torque can be set to two levels, S (Smooth) and T (Tight), using the “Zoom Torque/Lock Switch” and can be adjusted to suit the shooting scene. To lock, select the L switch. In addition to zoom ring operation, it also supports straight zoom operation for quick zooming. In addition, it is equipped with a “focus limit switch,” “focus selection switch,” “IS switch,” and “L-Fn (lens function) button” to support comfortable shooting.
