Olympus has announced two zoom lenses for its Micro Four Thirds system. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300 MM F4.8-6.7 and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150MM F4.0-5.6 are high-speed designs that focus during still and movie capture.

Olympus has taken full advantage of the weight and space efficiencies possible with the smaller sensor (by comparison to APS-C or full-frame alternatives) in designing the 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 (35mm eq. is 150-600mm) to be "the world's smallest and lightest 600mm super telephoto lens." It tips the scales at 430g and measures 70mm by 116mm. Olympus notes that this lens is smaller and lighter than the comparable ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm f4.8-6.7.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 is also extremely light, weighing only 190g. Olympus intends it as a natural complement to the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42 f3.5-5.6 kit lens supplied with the PEN Micro Four Thirds cameras.

A single-element at the rear achieves the focusing in the 75-300mm optic, which makes it quick to focus without causing much sound (which would otherwise be audible during movie recording). The 40-150mm zoom employs two lens elements in the rear focusing mechanism.

Both new lenses are made with ED (extra-low dispersion) glass to maximize the performance of the Micro Four Thirds System, and ensure that light rays strike the imaging element "nearly head-on" for optimum edge-to-edge image reproduction.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 will be available in December 2010, at an estimated Canadian street price of $999.99, while the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 will be available in November 2010 for $329.99. Both lenses will be available in black and silver.

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