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: 4.25 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

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.

A great lens!
The Olympus Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital ED SWD is very fast and renders beautiful image quality, sharp throughout the entire image and with minimum distortion and vignetting. Together with E3 this telezoom is very versatile, the fast f-stop and the image stabilizer reduces dramatically the need for carrying a tripod. The focus mechanism is nice, lightning fast and quiet. Build quality seems excellent (although I have not yet tested its splash proofing) Highly recommended!

Zuiko 50-200mm Lens
You will not find a long lens with this combination of quality,compact size, and price. The Olympus four thirds system allows you to tote around a far less bulky lens than its large 35mm camera equivalent. The speed of the lens at full extension is fast enough to operate in conditions that many lenses would balk at. Well worth the price.