OM System Unveils the 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II and 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS Lenses
OM System has introduced two new lenses that sit at opposite ends of the lens portfolio, with the former being an 18-36mm wide-angle full frame equivalent and the latter being a stunning 300-1200mm super-telephoto zoom on the other end of the spectrum. The two join an amazing list of first-party OM System optics.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4–5.6 II
This second iteration of OM System’s ultra-wide-angle zoom lens has been updated to provide superior overall performance while remaining the lightest and most compact. This new version is small and lightweight, measuring 56.2 by 49.3mm and weighing just 154 grams. That length of 49.3mm is made feasible by a retracting mechanism that reduces the size of the lens even further than would ordinarily be expected.
The 9-18mm f/4.5-5.6 II is made up of 12 elements organized into 8 groups, including two Dual Super Aspherical (DSA) lenses at the front and two aspherical elements at the back to correct for optical aberrations, which work together to achieve what OM System describes as “remarkable image quality within its compact form.” It has a seven-bladed diaphragm that allows it to adjust its aperture from f/4 to f22 and a 52mm front filter.
According to OM System, the camera has a tight focusing distance of 25 cm across its zoom range and a maximum image magnification of 0.11x at the broad end and 0.2x at the telephoto end.
This revised lens includes what OM System refers to as an innovative petal-shaped lens hood that can be reversed when not in use. The 9-18mm f/4.5-5.6 II also features a redesigned color scheme and knurling design to match other M.Zuiko lenses.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5–6.3 IS
With a massive telephoto zoom range, a monstrous 264.4mm length, and a hefty 2,065 gram weight, OM System’s newest is huge in every way. While the size and weight are likely considerably above what Micro Four Thirds photographers are accustomed to, the zoom range similar to a full-frame 300-1200mm may be deemed worthwhile. Furthermore, when combined with a five-axis in-body OM System camera stabilizer, the lens provides up to seven stops of stabilization, and it is compatible with the company’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, allowing for a maximum 600-2400mm equivalent range — that’s a lot of throw in a lens that’s less than one foot long.
Even without a camera’s built-in stabilization, OM System claims it can accomplish six stops of stabilization on its own.
According to OM System, the lens is splash and dust proof to IPX1 standards, and the front element is fluorine-coated for ease of cleaning. It has adjustable zoom ring torque settings, a lock mode to prevent accidental extension when carrying, and a straight zoom for quick zooming operation. It also has a focus limiter switch, a focus mode switch, an image stabilization switch, and an L-Fn button.
It boasts an image magnification of up to 0.7x, which OM System refers to as “tele macro” photography.
The 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS has 25 elements divided into 15 groups, including four Super Extra Low Dispersion (ED) elements, two ED lenses, six High Refractive Index (HR) lenses, and one HD optic. It has a nine-bladed diaphragm that allows it to open up to f/5 and close down to f/22.
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II will be available in late February for $700. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5.6-6.3 IS will be available in late February for $2,700.
