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 world's fastest autofocus speeds and represent a new benchmark for professional versatility and performance.

Product Details

• Brand: Olympus
• Model: 261014
• Released on: 2007-11-05
• Dimensions: 2.86 pounds

Features

• 12-60 millimeter f2.8-4.0 zoom lens for digital cameras (equivalent to 24-120 millimeter in 35 millimeter photography)
• Features Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) technology inside to provide quiet, ultra-fast autofocus speed
• In combination with the Olympus E-3 DLSR, delivers the fastest autofocus speed in the world
• 100-percent digital design ensures high-definition performance
• Features special optical glass elements to correct various types of aberrations

Manufacturer Description

The Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD lens is a high-performance standard zoom lens that covers a zoom range equivalent to 24 to 120mm on a 35mm camera lens. Special optical glass elements are used to correct various types of aberrations, while the 100 percent digital design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. This lens also boasts impressive close-up shooting capability, allowing users to shoot from as close as 25cm throughout the zoom range.

The lens’ autofocus is powered by Olympus’ breakthrough SWD. Designed to be the world’s fastest AF system, this extraordinary autofocus drive provides both high speed and high precision while operating with lower noise than ever. Optimized for use with the new E-3, this lens enables the camera to demonstrate the full power of its high-speed capability, providing the fastest autofocus available in the world using a standard zoom lens.

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

If I could only have one lens, this would be it.
This is an impressive lens, fast, wide, fairly long, and close focus abilities. I also own the 14-54mm F2.8-3.5, which had been my walk around lens until this one arrived. The 12-60mm is even sharper than then 14-54mm, which is not slouch.
The 2mm (4mm equivalent) difference on the wide end is VERY noticeable, especially if you are photographing indoors. The 6mm (12mm equivalent) is also noticeable and useful but not as extreme.
If you are used to the 14-54mm you find the 12-60mm very easy to get used to. It is a little bit larger, and slightly heavier but not noticeable after 30 minutes. Personally I rarely had my lens hood on when using the 14-54mm, with the 12-60mm it is on most of the time. This is due to the larger wide end which makes it easier to catch reflections and light flares.
The focus rings on the 12-60mm SWD and any new SWD lenses will feel strange compared to non SWD lenses. This is due to the other lenses being focus by wire, the SWD's have a mechanical connection. This means two things.
1. The focus ring is stiffer than the electronic versions.
2. Also with SWD lenses there is full time focus override. This IMHO makes it easier. If you happen to have the camera on the wrong setting with non SWD lenses at a critical moment, you can miss the shot.
The extra width, length, maximum magnification (.56X 35mm equivalent), weather sealing and VERY fast focusing speed make this an outstanding lens. I find myself changing lenses much less often due to this lenses versatility. I am being able to leave two other lenses (11-22mm & 50mm Macro) at home while hiking, which more than makes up for the slight weight and size increase from the 14-54mm. Also for those who don't have those lenses yet, it is cheaper as well.

Amazing lens... and it *does* work with a E-300
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2MHJCCDD3SJB Hi, I hope you enjoy my video of my new 12-60 SWD lens I just purchased from Amazon. I've taken dozens of photos with it on my E-300 and the lens has performed admirably. The photos are crisp. I love the wide angle shots. This lens range is very convenient, replacing my 14-45. I'm so glad I didn't buy the 14-54! Can't wait to use this with my E-3 Body, which is due to arrive at my doorstep *any day now!* :)

The perfect lens to leave on your camera
I bought this lens based on reviews seen here and my overall satisfaction with the Olympus brand. Out of the box revealed a high quality made in Japan (not China)lens. The zoom ring is a little tighter than I prefer but still perfectly acceptable.
My heart sank when my E300 wouldn't start after attaching the lens. After some frantic phone calls I learned that I had to update the camera's firmware. The Olympus website is very clear on the procedure and the whole process took less than 15 minutes. The first thing I noticed that this lens is one heavy hunk of glass. At 21.2 ounces compared to 10.9 ounces for the 14-45 kit lens, the extra weight does tend to unbalance the camera. The second thing I noticed was it focused noticably faster than the 14-45. Even in dim light I was surprised how quickly the lens popped into focus. The 12-60 zoom range is the ideal range for me and I truly appreciate the 12mm setting for those cramped quarters situations. Performance is exemplary. No noticeable linear or color distortion nor dark corners at any setting. This is the perfect lens to leave on your camera. One final bit of nitpicking; the velvet "sock" supplied as a lens case provides minimal, if any, protection. A soft leather pouch would be more appropriate for a $900 lens.