Product Description

To accompany the release of the E-3 professional D-SLR, Olympus is expanding its range of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, which are compatible with all Four Thirds System-based camera bodies. Among the new lenses are the astounding ZUIKO DIGITAL SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) models which boast the worlds fastest autofocus speeds and represent a new benchmark for professional versatility and performance.istance of 90cm throughout the zoom range.

Product Details

• Brand: Olympus
• Model: 261015
• Released on: 2008-01-15
• Dimensions: 5.35 pounds

Features

• 50-200 millimeter f2.8-3.5 zoom lens for digital cameras (equivalent to 100-400 millimeter in 35 millimeter photography)
• Features Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) technology inside to provide quiet, ultra-fast autofocus speed
• Maximizes the E-3's high-speed autofocus capability
• Digital-dedicated design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge
• Minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range

Manufacturer Description

The Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD lens is a high-performance super-telescopic zoom lens that features, for the first time, the SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) autofocus system and covers a zoom range equivalent to 100 to 200mm of a 35mm camera lens. ED lens elements are used extensively to correct the color blurring that can occur when telescopic lenses are extended to their maximum focal length, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. Close-up shooting capability is also superb, with a minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range.

Autofocus is powered by Olympus’ breakthrough SWD, enabling this lens to achieve an AF speed about up to two times faster than the previous ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 model. The ideal partner for the E-3, this lens maximizes that camera’s high-speed autofocus capability, and with its superior tracking capability, this lens is ideal for sports photography and outdoor shooting applications.

About Supersonic Wave Drive Technology Olympus-proprietary SWD technology has enabled an ultra-fast, whisper-quiet, high-precision AF system. Two compact, high-powered Supersonic Wave Drive devices power autofocus at an ultra-high speed by exciting unique elliptical oscillations, while an ultra-compact 5.3mm x 4.3mm optical encoder detects and controls the lens drive position using direct rotation detection without reduction gear. This enables it to achieve a level of precision that’s accurate to 5 microns (5/1000 mm). When used in combination with the new E-3, which offers improved AF computation and lens-body communication rates, the SWD motors provide the fastest focusing speed of approximately 170 ms (0.17 seconds).

Customer Reviews

Superb...
Absolutely fantastic glass and fast fast fast focus. I also have a Nikon D200 setup and the Olympus E3 with this lens is just as good if not better for image quality and far exceeds the Nikon for performance. Be aware that this lens on the E3 makes a little heavier combo that the Nikon but it doesn't bother me.

A great lens!
The Olympus Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital ED SWD is very fast and renders beautiful image quality, sharp throughout the entire image and with minimum distortion and vignetting. Together with E3 this telezoom is very versatile, the fast f-stop and the image stabilizer reduces dramatically the need for carrying a tripod. The focus mechanism is nice, lightning fast and quiet. Build quality seems excellent (although I have not yet tested its splash proofing) Highly recommended!

Zuiko 50-200mm Lens
You will not find a long lens with this combination of quality,compact size, and price. The Olympus four thirds system allows you to tote around a far less bulky lens than its large 35mm camera equivalent. The speed of the lens at full extension is fast enough to operate in conditions that many lenses would balk at. Well worth the price.