Olympus extends professional M.ZUIKO PRO line-up with the world’s most compact, versatile and stable telephoto lens. Professional photographers who prefer the portable spontaneity of a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera will soon enjoy the full range of handheld shooting options, following the spring launch of Olympus’ first professional-grade, MFT-compatible 300mm telephoto lens, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO.

The new lens rounds off Olympus’ PRO line-up with no fewer than three world-first benchmarks: Firstly, it is the world’s most compact and lightweight telephoto lens. Second, it has the world’s most powerful 6-step image stabilisation system (in combination with the matching Olympus camera models). And third, it boasts the shortest focusing distance for telemacro photography in the category: just 1.4m from subject to camera.

This makes it ideal for fast-moving professionals who need powerful, top-notch lenses that match the usability of their small-format, Micro Four Thirds cameras. The new lens unpacks its full potential when attached to Olympus models such as the OM-D E-M1 or E-M5 Mark II. For example, it achieves autofocus speeds of less than 300ms and its state-of-the-art IS syncs with the unique 5-axis OM-D system. The silent shutter action complements quiet OM-D motors at sound-sensitive events while the dust-, freeze- and splashproof build makes this the go-to telephoto for nature and outdoor sports. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO is available in black from early March 2016 for €2799 – a fraction of the price for telephotos with comparable focal lengths.

Super-light means spontaneity

With the launch of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO, Olympus can now offer professional photographers a MFT-compatible lens for every focal length, from 14mm* to 600mm*. The range combines M.ZUIKO’s first-class optical pedigree with the practicality demanded by photographers working on challenging projects that demand minimum clutter and maximum mobility, wherever in the world that might be. A brief comparison with SLR lenses reveals the appeal of the new PRO lens. At 1270g the M.ZUIKO tips the scales at about a quarter the weight of available SLR lenses with equivalent focal lengths. With only 227mm in length, the Olympus is also considerably more compact than any of the comparable lenses. As any pro who has ever tried to board a plane with one of those will confirm, in terms of handheld manoeuvrability and convenience, the SLR models can’t compete.

Stabilisation ensures image quality

Olympus has established itself as the world leader in in-camera image stabilisation for compact system cameras and has expanded this expertise to include in-lens technology. Owners of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO benefit with a world-first Sync IS mechanism that coordinates with the 5-axis system fitted to the OM-D E-M1 and E-M5 Mark II models. The result is enhanced compensation by 6 EV steps. This stabilises handheld stills and the EVF display, and reduces shake noticeably when recording video.

Innovations add versatility

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO is not only attractive in terms of weight, size and stability, it is also equipped with a series of thoughtful features that make this one of the more versatile telephoto lenses on the market, not least because it is one of the easiest to use. The focus clutch allows the photographer to switch between pre-defined focus settings and the len’s own super-fast, high-precision AF. On the top of the lens barrel there are three switches that can likewise be operated without glancing up from the viewfinder, using just one finger. On the left, the L-Fn switch can be customised to trigger one of 27 assignable functions. Next along is the On/Off switch for the in-lens IS, for use with a tripod or stable perch. The other switch toggles the focussing area. The short-shot potential of this lens is likewise exceptional, offering magnification of 0.48x with as little as 1.4 metres between the subject and the camera.

Build quality offers peace of mind

Thanks to the excellent build quality of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO, a passing shower or dust storm won’t get in the way of that one-off telemacro or any other outdoor shot. When it comes to capturing wildlife, sport and other potentially fleeting moments from fashion to the performing arts, the new Olympus telephoto is practically in a world of its own.

Every Olympus lens and camera comes with a free six-month warranty extension when registered via the MyOlympus online platform.

Olympus M.ZUIKO 300mm Pro accessories

• The 1.4x teleconverter lens. Just 15mm slim, for more magnification on the move.
• Duffel-shaped case. For compact, safe storage that’s easy on the eye.
• Protection filter with ZERO coating technology. Olympus’ proprietary coating helps prevent ghosting and flaring.

Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check the Olympus website at http://www.olympus-europa.com for the latest specifications.