Olympus, a worldwide leader in lens technology, today announces its new super-telephoto Zuiko Digital™ ED 70-300mm (f4.0-f5.6) lens with a compact, lightweight design that is ideal for travel – a perfect complement to the two new portable D-SLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras, the EVOLT E-410 and E-510.

The lens’ impressive 140-600mm equivalent focal length (in 35mm photography) is excellent for capturing beautiful images in situations where getting close to a subject is not practical, such as photographing distant scenes, wildlife, sports and children at play. Additionally, due to its unique optical design and impressive minimum focusing distance, this telephoto lens enables consumers to get up-close (38 inches / 0.96 meters) to subjects when taking macro shots – essential for capturing the intricate detail of a flower or jewelry. The lens will be compatible with all E-System and Four-Thirds system cameras, and it will be available at an attractive price for consumers.

“Today’s active lifestyles demand compact lenses that can be taken to the action,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Previously, consumers avoided carrying large, cumbersome lenses, ultimately missing photographs. Consumers can now get close to subjects while carrying a smaller lens that won’t weigh them down.”

Affordably Priced Super-Telephoto for Astounding Reach
When shooting wildlife or sports, the ability to zoom in and bring the action close can make or break the picture. Whether photographing a tiger in the wild or a young softball player at third base, the Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm lens puts long-range capabilities in the hands of consumers at an affordable price. The lightweight, portable size makes it an ideal lens for travel, and paired with an image stabilized digital SLR like the EVOLT E-510 the photos are sharp and clear at any focal length, even at times when a tripod may not be available.

100 Percent Designed for Digital Lenses
Looking to the future and technology, Olympus lenses are designed to be 100 percent digital, enabling lenses to be seamlessly matched to the image sensor so that light strikes the sensor directly with even coverage for accurate color and sharp photographs edge to edge. Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses each house their own CPU and offer the user the ability to upgrade the firmware as new technology becomes available. The ability to upgrade firmware also establishes optimal communication between the lens and the camera body, enabling better compensation for common distortions such as “shading” (darkening of the edges of an image that may sometimes occur in photographs) or “barrel distortion” (the bowing of vertical lines).

Durable Construction
Designed to meet the needs of the enthusiast photographer, the Zuiko Digital 70-300mm lens uses advanced optical designs and the highest quality optical glass, including 3 ED glass elements, to provide rich color and crisp, clear photographs. All Zuiko lenses are lead-free, utilizing titanium within the optical design. The lightweight comfort and durability of this lens will give the user years of use no matter where in the world they may travel.

Specifications