Olympus reveals the M.Zuiko 8-25mm f/4 Pro lens
Image courtesy: Olympus

Olympus just revealed its new M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f/4 PRO lens — the newest entry in the company’s PRO lens line. At first glance, the 8-25mm f/4 PRO seems to deliver the same quality, compact build we’ve come to expect from the PRO line. Let’s take a look:

Here are the Olympus 8-25mm f/4 PRO lens‘ optics

The 8-25mm f/4 PRO consists of 16 lens elements in 10 groups. This build consists of one dual super aspherical (DSA) lens, one extra-low dispersion (ED) lens, one super extra-low dispersion lens, two aspherical ED lenses, one super high refractive (HR) lens, an HR lens and one high-definition (HD) lens. Additionally, it features a Micro Four Thirds mount.

Olympus claims the lens delivers high levels of image reproduction across the entire zoom range. High image reproduction is what we typically see in macro lenses meant for up-close photography. With such high reproduction levels, the 8-25mm f/4 PRO should (in theory) be a great lens for objects up close. The lens can also close-focus 9 inches across the entire zoom range — further cementing its place as a lens for close-up photography. If that isn’t convincing enough, it features a maximum magnification of 0.42x — which rivals many half-macro lenses.

Its 16-50mm equivalent zoom range also means it should work great for photographers shooting landscape or standard wide-angle shots.

The Olympus 8-25mm f/4 lens works with 72mm filters

Even though the Olympus 8-25mm f/4 PRO is a wide-angle lens, it works with 72mm filters. This is unique for wide-angle lenses like the 8-25mm f/4 PRO and makes the lens much more versatile. So, you can swap between numerous 72mm filters depending on what effect you want to achieve.

Olympus M.Zuiko 8-25mm f/4 Pro lens
Image courtesy: Olympus

Let’s look at the lens’ design and durability

Olympus included a focus clutch that, according to the company makes it much easier for users to switch between manual and autofocus. Additionally, the lens has a lens function button with one-touch adjustments to a mapped setting.

In terms of durability, the lens delivers IPX1-equivalent performance. It’s splashproof, dustproof, and freezeproof down to 14-degrees Fahrenheit. Also, Olympus coated the front lens element with a fluorine coating — making it easier to clean the element in rainy, snowy or dusty conditions.

Breakdown

  • High magnification wide 3.1x zoom (16-50mm equivalent)
  • 16 lens elements in 10 groups
  • Weather-sealed (IPX1)
  • Retracting mechanism
  • Fluorine coating
  • Can attach/detach filters

Pricing and availability

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f/4 PRO Lens is set to release in July 2021 with a price tag of $1,100.