Olympus System M.Zuiko 12-40mm F/2.8 PRO II Lens Black
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Olympus System M.Zuiko 12-40mm F/2.8 PRO II Lens Black

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£1,995.00
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Introduction

In the world of micro four-thirds (MFT) photography, the OM System M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens stands as a testament to the evolution of mirrorless camera technology. As a successor to its highly acclaimed predecessor, this lens promises to be a game-changer for photographers seeking versatility, portability, and exceptional optical performance. In this article, we'll dive into the key features and advantages of the OM System M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens, highlighting why it has garnered such positive attention from photographers around the world.

Compact, Portable Design
One of the most remarkable attributes of the M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens is its compact and lightweight construction. Designed for MFT cameras, this lens is considerably smaller and more portable than its full-frame counterparts. It's a perfect choice for photographers who prefer to travel light, making it an ideal companion for street photography, travel, and everyday shooting. The rugged build quality, paired with weather-sealing, ensures that this lens can withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting,  even in challenging conditions.

Exceptional Optical Quality
The lens's optical performance is where it truly shines. With a versatile 12-40mm focal length range, this lens is capable of capturing everything from wide-angle landscapes to tight portraits. The constant f/2.8 aperture across this zoom range ensures that you can achieve beautiful background bokeh, low-light performance, and fast shutter speeds for capturing moving subjects.

The M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens incorporates multiple advanced optical elements, including aspherical lenses, Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, and High Refractive Index (HR) elements. These elements effectively combat chromatic aberrations and distortion while delivering high-resolution, edge-to-edge sharpness. The lens minimizes optical flaws to provide images with stunning clarity and color accuracy.

Versatility for All Occasions
The 12-40mm focal length range is a versatile choice for various photography genres. At 12mm, you can capture sweeping landscapes or wide indoor shots, while at 40mm, you're equipped for flattering portraits or tightly framed compositions. This flexibility means that you can often leave your other lenses at home, simplifying your kit and allowing you to focus on your photography without cumbersome gear changes.

Advanced Autofocus and Manual Focus Options
The M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens features an MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) autofocus system, which ensures fast and virtually silent focusing. This is particularly useful for video work, ensuring that focusing noise won't interfere with your audio recordings. Additionally, photographers will appreciate the full-time manual focus override, enabling precise control when required.

Enhanced Lens Coatings
The lens comes with Z Coating Nano, an advanced anti-reflective coating that significantly reduces ghosting and flaring. This feature is particularly valuable when shooting in backlit or high-contrast situations, as it helps maintain image contrast and quality.

Edge-to-Edge Sharpness
The M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens delivers consistent sharpness from the center to the edges of the frame. This ensures that your subjects, whether placed at the center or near the edges of the frame, will be captured with excellent detail.

Stunning Bokeh
Thanks to its fast f/2.8 aperture, the lens is capable of producing a beautiful, creamy bokeh. This quality is especially appealing for portrait photography, as it helps separate the subject from the background, giving your images a professional and artistic look.

 

Lens type                         Zoom lens
Max Forma size             FourThirds
Focal length                   12–40 mm
Image stabilization         No
Lens mount Micro          Four Thirds
Maximum aperture          F2.8
Minimum aperture           F22
Number of diaphragm blades           7
Aperture notes                Circular diaphragm
Minimum focus            0.20 m (7.87″)
Maximum magnification          0.3× 
Autofocus Y               es
Motor type                 Stepper motor
Full time manual              Yes
Focus                  method Internal
Focus notes Manual          Focus Clutch mechanism
Distance scale           Yes
DoF scale            No
Weight                382 g (0.84 lb) 
Diameter              70 mm (2.75″)
Length                 84 mm (3.31″)
Sealing                Yes
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Filter thread 62 mm
Filter notes Does not rotate on focusing
Hood supplied Yes
Hood product code LH66


 

Introduction

In the world of micro four-thirds (MFT) photography, the OM System M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens stands as a testament to the evolution of mirrorless camera technology. As a successor to its highly acclaimed predecessor, this lens promises to be a game-changer for photographers seeking versatility, portability, and exceptional optical performance. In this article, we'll dive into the key features and advantages of the OM System M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens, highlighting why it has garnered such positive attention from photographers around the world.

Compact, Portable Design
One of the most remarkable attributes of the M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens is its compact and lightweight construction. Designed for MFT cameras, this lens is considerably smaller and more portable than its full-frame counterparts. It's a perfect choice for photographers who prefer to travel light, making it an ideal companion for street photography, travel, and everyday shooting. The rugged build quality, paired with weather-sealing, ensures that this lens can withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting,  even in challenging conditions.

Exceptional Optical Quality
The lens's optical performance is where it truly shines. With a versatile 12-40mm focal length range, this lens is capable of capturing everything from wide-angle landscapes to tight portraits. The constant f/2.8 aperture across this zoom range ensures that you can achieve beautiful background bokeh, low-light performance, and fast shutter speeds for capturing moving subjects.

The M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens incorporates multiple advanced optical elements, including aspherical lenses, Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, and High Refractive Index (HR) elements. These elements effectively combat chromatic aberrations and distortion while delivering high-resolution, edge-to-edge sharpness. The lens minimizes optical flaws to provide images with stunning clarity and color accuracy.

Versatility for All Occasions
The 12-40mm focal length range is a versatile choice for various photography genres. At 12mm, you can capture sweeping landscapes or wide indoor shots, while at 40mm, you're equipped for flattering portraits or tightly framed compositions. This flexibility means that you can often leave your other lenses at home, simplifying your kit and allowing you to focus on your photography without cumbersome gear changes.

Advanced Autofocus and Manual Focus Options
The M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens features an MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) autofocus system, which ensures fast and virtually silent focusing. This is particularly useful for video work, ensuring that focusing noise won't interfere with your audio recordings. Additionally, photographers will appreciate the full-time manual focus override, enabling precise control when required.

Enhanced Lens Coatings
The lens comes with Z Coating Nano, an advanced anti-reflective coating that significantly reduces ghosting and flaring. This feature is particularly valuable when shooting in backlit or high-contrast situations, as it helps maintain image contrast and quality.

Edge-to-Edge Sharpness
The M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens delivers consistent sharpness from the center to the edges of the frame. This ensures that your subjects, whether placed at the center or near the edges of the frame, will be captured with excellent detail.

Stunning Bokeh
Thanks to its fast f/2.8 aperture, the lens is capable of producing a beautiful, creamy bokeh. This quality is especially appealing for portrait photography, as it helps separate the subject from the background, giving your images a professional and artistic look.

 

Lens type                         Zoom lens
Max Forma size             FourThirds
Focal length                   12–40 mm
Image stabilization         No
Lens mount Micro          Four Thirds
Maximum aperture          F2.8
Minimum aperture           F22
Number of diaphragm blades           7
Aperture notes                Circular diaphragm
Minimum focus            0.20 m (7.87″)
Maximum magnification          0.3× 
Autofocus Y               es
Motor type                 Stepper motor
Full time manual              Yes
Focus                  method Internal
Focus notes Manual          Focus Clutch mechanism
Distance scale           Yes
DoF scale            No
Weight                382 g (0.84 lb) 
Diameter              70 mm (2.75″)
Length                 84 mm (3.31″)
Sealing                Yes
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Filter thread 62 mm
Filter notes Does not rotate on focusing
Hood supplied Yes
Hood product code LH66