Product Description

This 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD is a high-performance super-telescopic zoom lens that features the Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) autofocus system, which enables the lens to achieve an AF speed that's faster than the previous models. ED lens elements are used extensively to correct the color blurring that can occur when telescopic lenses are extended to their maximum focal length, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-quality performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. Close-up shooting capability is superb, with a minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range. Designed to meet the needs of the professional photographer, Zuiko Digital lenses were born of an uncompromising commitment to performance. The lens features high resolving power, to get the most out of the imaging element. Zuiko Digital lenses allow light to strike the image sensor at a near-perpendicular angle, minimizing degradation and light loss. This large, award-winning lens is perfectly matched to work exclusively with digital cameras so every pixel is properly exposed.

Product Details

• Brand: Olympus
• Model: 261015
• Released on: 2008-01-15
• Dimensions: 93.60" h x 141.60" w x 92.40" l, 4.00 pounds

Features

• 50-200 millimeter f2.8-3.5 zoom lens for digital cameras (equivalent to 100-400 millimeter in 35 millimeter photography)
• Features Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) technology inside to provide quiet, ultra-fast autofocus speed
• Maximizes the E-3's high-speed autofocus capability
• Digital-dedicated design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge
• Minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range

Manufacturer Description

The Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD lens is a high-performance super-telescopic zoom lens that features, for the first time, the SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) autofocus system and covers a zoom range equivalent to 100 to 200mm of a 35mm camera lens. ED lens elements are used extensively to correct the color blurring that can occur when telescopic lenses are extended to their maximum focal length, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. Close-up shooting capability is also superb, with a minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range.

Autofocus is powered by Olympus’ breakthrough SWD, enabling this lens to achieve an AF speed about up to two times faster than the previous ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 model. The ideal partner for the E-3, this lens maximizes that camera’s high-speed autofocus capability, and with its superior tracking capability, this lens is ideal for sports photography and outdoor shooting applications.

About Supersonic Wave Drive Technology Olympus-proprietary SWD technology has enabled an ultra-fast, whisper-quiet, high-precision AF system. Two compact, high-powered Supersonic Wave Drive devices power autofocus at an ultra-high speed by exciting unique elliptical oscillations, while an ultra-compact 5.3mm x 4.3mm optical encoder detects and controls the lens drive position using direct rotation detection without reduction gear. This enables it to achieve a level of precision that’s accurate to 5 microns (5/1000 mm). When used in combination with the new E-3, which offers improved AF computation and lens-body communication rates, the SWD motors provide the fastest focusing speed of approximately 170 ms (0.17 seconds).

Customer Reviews

Olympus 50-200mm Lens Review
I originally had no desire to buy this lens at all. I had just bought the 7 -14 mm Zuiko super wide-angle lens on my Amazon Visa Card and did not want to take on any more debt. However, I had read that the waterfalls in New York City were about to be taken down in October of 2008. I just had to capture this art exhibit before it was gone. So I decided to scope out the scene one weekend to explore the possibilities. I owned an Olympus E Volt 330 with the 14 to 45mm zoom and I wanted to see if it was up to the task. I could tell right off the bat that the waterfalls were too far away to capture effectively with this lens and that I would need a high powered telephoto lens to capture the beauty of this spectacle and that furthermore I would need to do it at night to capture the drama of the lighting. I had gotten another E Mail from Amazon telling me that lenses were on sale for no interest for up to 12 months using the Amazon Store Card. Since I was very happy with my newly acquired 7 - 14 mm zoom lens, so I was more than willing to take a chance on this lens. Needless to say using the Zuiko 50-200 mm lens to capture the New York City water falls produced results that were spectacular and my breath was taken away yet again. I am 100% sold on the Olympus Digital camera and lens system and I am very glad I stayed with this brand of camera. To see the photos of the waterfalls just type Baruch College photos into Google and you can see that photo set there. Enjoy!

Great and reasonable
This lens is a beauty. It is so sharp that it is like having a macro lens that you can use from 40 ft. away. While it is not inexpensive. when compared to the Canon 70-200 2.8 with image stabilization it is a real bargain. It would be nice if it was a constant 2.8 but I shudder to think what it would weigh. It is the sharpest lens I have ever owned.

Great lens...should be...it's not cheap!
I have been using this lens for a month now with an Olympus E510 and have had a mixed bag of results. Most of the issues are with learning how to use it properly. I love the zoom range and the results at each end. Having the extra light gathering has produced good pics where none may have been possible. When I get it right the picture quality is outstanding. I have even used this lens to get close ups that I couldn't do with my macro because of restricted access.

Overall quality is excellent and I agree with most reviewers that this is a big heavy lens but well worth it.