2015 sees the addition of a fifth lens to Olympus’ award-winning M.ZUIKO PRO range, which combines genuine professional performance with the compact and lightweight design of Micro Four Thirds cameras.

The outstandingly bright M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm Fisheye 1:1.8 PRO will sit alongside another PRO lens due to go on sale this year – a wide-angle zoom – and a fixed-focal length super-telephoto lens, which is also under development.

Olympus’ elite PRO series currently offers two lenses. The powerful 12-40mm 1:2.8 model marked the series’ spectacular debut when it was voted Best Compact System Zoom Lens in 2014 by EISA. That success was followed by the launch of the first telephoto zoom lens in the M.ZUIKO PRO series, in autumn 2014.

All M.ZUIKO PRO lenses are developed and built to the very highest standards, to deliver the best image quality ever achieved by Olympus optical equipment. The extremely portable design of PRO lenses makes them ideal for fast-moving, spontaneous shooting. As does rugged weatherproofing and lightning-fast autofocus. A mock-up of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm Fisheye 1:1.8 PRO will be presented to the public at the CP Plus Show in Yokohama mid-February. It is scheduled to go on sale in the summer of 2015.

Ultra-bright Fisheye PRO (8mm)

Although the precise dimensions of this ultra-fast (1:1.8) PRO lens are yet to be made public, we can be sure it will be extremely compact and lightweight, especially compared to equivalent D-SLR rivals, and the build quality will be excellent. Unrivalled in the category, it is expected to rank as the world’s brightest fisheye lens, ensuring top-notch optical performance in any conditions. Whether professional, semi-pro or discerning hobby photographer, owners of the first Fisheye PRO will achieve stand-out, extremely wide-angle shots with a dynamic, abstract feel. Ideal for landscape and sky panoramas, the lens will add a unique look to fast-action sports photography or extreme close-ups. For example, of crowds, interiors or architecture. With an underwater port for this lens also underdevelopment, nature enthusiasts will soon be able to shoot from below sea level to the night sky.

Awarded PRO (12-40mm)

The impact of the first M.ZUIKO PRO lens is best summed up by the appraisal of the jury that voted it ‘Best Compact Zoom Lens of 2014’. Of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm 1:2.8 PRO, the EISA jury said, “This fast and weather-sealed standard zoom has impressive optical qualities, solid mechanical build quality and a superb focus control that combines manual focus with silent, quick AF. It is also a very compact lens, in spite of its fast 1:2.8 maximum aperture.” The 12-40mm has the zoom range for everything from landscapes, architecture and portraits to general photography, delivering across the board in first-class quality.

Powerful telephoto PRO (40-150mm)

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:2.8 PRO zoom lens stands out by not standing out. More compact and lighter than a typical APS-C or full-frame lens with comparable characteristics and scope of performance, its unrivalled DUAL VCM focussing system makes it an unobtrusive world-record holder. The first of its kind, this system powers two high-grade lens elements using dual linear motors, which makes it beautifully quick and quiet when you’re shooting wildlife, people and other camera-shy, potentially fast-moving subjects. It has a very large zoom range, with a maximum aperture of 1:2.8 and minimum focus distance of just 70cm – both at all focal lengths. For easy handling, there’s a dedicated Fn button, manual focus clutch and sliding protective lens hood.

Wide-angle zoom PRO (7-14mm)

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm 1:2.8 PRO, which is also under development, will have a maximum aperture of 1:2.8 at all focal lengths. It checks all the M.ZUIKO PRO boxes – it is dustproof, splashproof, compact and lightweight.

Super-telephoto PRO (300mm)

The super-telephoto M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:4 PRO is currently under development. The weatherproofing, lightweight portability and power of this extremely compact lens are designed for top-level image quality, making it perfect for professional use.