Olympus has today officially launched their new Four Thirds portrait lens, which has been under development and was announced some time ago. The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds portrait lens, as the name suggests, has been created with portrait photography and high-speed indoor sports in mind, say Olympus.
Key Features and Design
The new lens is also useful when shooting in low light stage setups, and features a full metal body, yet stays light enough not to affect the body when attached, measuring just 2.7 inches in length. This compact design makes it an excellent choice for photographers who need to travel light without compromising on quality.
Other features of the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds portrait lens include a useful manual focus ring similar to the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens. This manual focus ring provides photographers with precise control over their focus, which is particularly beneficial in portrait photography where focus accuracy is crucial. Together with autofocusing, the lens is equipped with an inner focus system to drive this single-focal-length lens for fast and quiet focusing. This makes it ideal for capturing candid moments without disturbing the subject.
“This is due to an advanced optical design that incorporates 10 lens elements in nine groups that make extensive use of special glass materials, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to optimally correct aberrations. Each lens element is polished to an ultra-high level of working precision, only possible with the progressive techniques developed by Olympus master craftsmen, and carefully assembled to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.”
Performance and Versatility
The Olympus 75mm f/1.8 lens is not just about its build quality and design; it also excels in performance. The f/1.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh, making it perfect for portrait photography where background blur is often desired to make the subject stand out. The lens’s ability to perform well in low-light conditions also makes it suitable for indoor sports photography, where lighting can often be less than ideal.
Moreover, the lens’s focal length of 75mm (equivalent to 150mm in 35mm terms) provides a flattering perspective for portrait photography, avoiding the distortion that can occur with wider-angle lenses. This focal length is also useful for capturing distant subjects, making the lens versatile for various types of photography beyond portraits, such as wildlife and event photography.
The lens’s advanced optical design ensures that images are sharp from edge to edge, with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion. This high level of optical performance is achieved through the use of special glass materials and meticulous assembly, ensuring that each lens meets Olympus’s high standards.
The Olympus 75mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds portrait lens will be arriving this summer for around $900. This price point places it in the premium category, but given its features and performance, it offers good value for photographers looking for a high-quality portrait lens.
The Olympus 75mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds portrait lens is a well-rounded lens that combines excellent build quality, advanced optical design, and versatile performance. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast, this lens is sure to enhance your photography experience.
Source: Tech Radar
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