Featuring the Four Thirds advantage

Hamburg, 13 May 2008 – In yet another expansion to the rapidly growing E-System lens line-up, Olympus unveils the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens. This affordable complement to the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* enables stunningly original perspectives with an extra-wide field of view. And at just 280g, it weighs in at significantly less than those of the competition. The Four Thirds-based ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens will go on sale in 2008.

Focus on more with the larger depth of field afforded by the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens. This super-compact and light-weight addition to the E-System family is ideal for anything from sweeping desert landscapes to broad shots: emphasise the green of a cactus against burnt red cliffs, or capture the breadth of a farmer’s market in a single shot. Meanwhile, a remarkably compact design – featuring a diameter of 79.5mm, a length of 73mm and a weight of only 280g – ensures utmost mobility.

Enjoy the impeccable optical quality inherent in all ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses with this bright model: 13 lens elements in nine groups, including one aspherical ED lens and two aspherical elements endow the ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* with a pronounced advantage over the competition. Coupled with the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens, this affordable combination provides you with an incredible 9-180mm range (18-360mm)* for unparalleled versatility. A minimum focusing distance of 25cm round out this 2x-zoom model’s list of convenient attributes.

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens will become available in 2008.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens – main features:
• Extreme wide angle capabilities from 9-18mm (18-36mm)*
• Ultra-compact dimensions (79.5mm in diameter and 73mm in length) and light weight (280g)
• 2x zoom
• Minimum focusing distance of 25cm
• 13 lens elements in 9 groups, including 1 aspherical ED lens and 2 aspherical elements
• Based on the Four Thirds Standard
• Ideal complement to ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens
• Compatible with all Four Thirds Standard cameras including Olympus’ recently introduced E-420 and E-520

* Figure in brackets represents 35mm camera equivalent.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Franziska Jorke
Olympus Europa Holding GmbH
Tel.: +49-40-237 73-4759
Email: franziska.jorke@olympus-europa.com