The lens size has been dramatically reduced thanks to the short flange back distance of the Micro Four-Thirds format (approx. 50% shorter than that of the Four-Thirds format) as well as the retractable lens mechanism design. When compared to the Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6, its volume is 50% smaller, and mass is 60% smaller. Ultra-compact, this is a lightweight lens you have never seen before.
Image showing size comparison with a normal zoom lens
When collapsed
When activated, turn the zoom ring while pressing down the '1'. Unlock Switch to collapse the lens.
Ultra-compact, lightweight lens deveoped based on many years of experience in lens design, processing, manufacturing, and measurement.
Comes equipped with two DSA lenses, a world first. To provide high image quality while keeping the small size, this lens features an ideal, logical lens design in which 2 DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) lenses located in the front capture the 100° wide angle and a dual aspherical lens located on the back correct aberrations.
OM Digital Solutions corp. was the first company in the world to successfully mass-produce Dual Super Aspherical Lens. This lens features an extremely large thickness ratio between the centre and periphery.
This lens features high refractivity and high spherical aberration correction capability. When combined with ED lenses, it can dramatically reduce chromatic/spherical aberrations.
Advanced lens design requirements demand highly-precise manufacturing technology. Olympus has developed an original manufacturing (thermoforming) technology for large aperture DSA lenses to create aspherical glass mould lenses.
Concave meniscus dual aspherical lens
This technology was also used for the Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6. Olympus is the only company who has highly precise thermoforming technology for over 30mm large aperture lenses.
Dual concave aspherical lens
For the first time, Olympus has created a dual concave aspherical glass mould lens. With a significant aspherical shape, curves at the periphery are tough, making high-level forming technology necessary. Lens surface balancing is strictly controlled, maintaining balancing accuracy on micron-order scale.
High-precision lens fabrication requires high-precision measurement technology. In order to satisfy design requirements, we make use of our shape measurement technology for DSA lenses and surface eccentricity adjustment technology.
Actual measurement data for moulded surfaces
The vertical axis shows the manufacturing error from the aspherical shape design values. We have successfully controlled the shape of the part shaped like the bottom of a pan to ensure the required lens performance. We achieved the shape accuracy of 0.1μm (1/10000mm) or less.
Lens surface eccentricity
The angle difference between the optical axis of the left side surface (red) and that of the right side surface (blue) is called surface eccentricity. We have developed a moulding system that can precisely control the positional relation of the moulds used to form both side of the lens at high temperatures. This guarantees the quality of the lens.
Olympus enhanced the inner-focusing system of interchangeable lenses adopted by conventional SLRs. A screw drive mechanism is used for the drive method for quick, smooth, quiet, high-precision AF (autofocusing). By using the latest optical designs to ensure a minimum number of lens elements for focusing, a lighter lens is achieved. A single lightweight lens is used for focusing in the ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6.
1. Feed screw 2. Metallic shaft
The gears have been removed, eliminating operational noise. A sub-micron precision metal axis (shaft) and feed screw are used for efficient, direct driving of the lightweight focusing lens. Enabling faster and quieter autofocusing.
© 2021 OM Digital Solutions Corporation
