Olympus has introduced the Zuiko Digital Ed 8mm 1:3.5 fisheye lens for E-System cameras. The lens features a 180-degree diagonal angle of view and has a macro setting that offers a 2cm working distance for wide-macro shooting. The optional PPO-E04 underwater lens port will allow users to take underwater ultra-wide-angle shots. You'll have to wait until after Christmas -- the lens will ship in January 2006 at an undetermined price.
Click on the headline of this article for the Olympus press release.
Introducing the Olympus E-System ZUIKO DIGITAL Fisheye Lens
London, 30th June - Owners of Olympus E-System cameras will be able to get a completely new view of the world from next year with the introduction of the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye Lens. E-1 and E-300 photographers will soon be able to benefit from a full 180 degree diagonal angle of view enabling unique and eye-catching panoramic pictures to be taken.
The fisheye lens offers attention-grabbing and distinctive perspectives, with the circular aperture diaphragm of the lens providing natural background blurring. The lens will also have an exceptionally large depth of field leading to unparalleled sharpness across the entire frame.
The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye Lens will open up a whole new world of possibilities to users of the Olympus E-System. It is planned for release from January 2006 with the price yet to be confirmed.
As with all Olympus lenses the 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye Lens has a first class optical quality. An ED element is used to ensure chromatic aberration is kept to an absolute minimum, whilst the special multi-coating process that the lens undergoes during the manufacturing process substantially reduces susceptibility to ghosting and flaring.
The new lens also provides plenty of versatility in various shooting situations. For example, stunning close-up panoramic shots from as little as 2cm are possible using Macro shooting. The lens is also resistant to dust and water droplets so remains protected under more challenging conditions such as an unexpected rain shower.
The 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye Lens can tackle even more gruelling environments. The optionally available PPO-E04 underwater lens port will allow the photographer to undertake the challenge of ultra-wide-angle photography under the water’s surface.
Together with the Olympus E-300 in its PT-E01 underwater case, fisheye perspectives of up to 153° can now be accurately captured underwater at depths of up to 40 metres leading to some stunning images. Further E-System accessories, such as underwater cases for flash units, are also available further extending the possibilities of underwater photography.
The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye Lens – main features
Diagonal Fisheye Lens with 180 degree angle of view
Focal length of 8mm (16mm fisheye on a 35mm camera), 1:3.5
Focusing distances (object – sensor) as close as 13cm
Minimum working distance 2cm from the lens front for wide-macro shooting
ED lens element for minimised chromatic aberration
Circular aperture diaphragm for natural background blurring
Multi-coated lens elements to reduce ghosting and flaring
Dust & water droplet resistance for enhanced reliability
Suitable for underwater photography when used with optional PPO-E04 underwater lens port and combined with Olympus E-300 & PT-E01 underwater case
Olympus has introduced the Zuiko Digital Ed 8mm 1:3.5 fisheye lens for E-System cameras. The lens features a 180-degree diagonal angle of view and has a macro setting that offers a 2cm working distance for wide-macro shooting. The optional PPO-E04 underwater lens port will allow users to take underwater ultra-wide-angle shots. You'll have to wait until after Christmas -- the lens will ship in January 2006 at an undetermined price.
