Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4 Pro wideangle zoom

Alongside the PEN E-P7, OM Digital Solutions has released the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4 Pro wideangle zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras. With a relatively compact retracting design and ability to accept 72mm filters, it looks set to be a more practical alternative for landscape photographers than the firm’s 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro. Its unusually long 16-50mm equivalent range also promises to make it a more versatile optic than other wide zooms, including the Panasonic Leica DG 8-18mm F2.8-4 ASPH.

The lens extends substantially from its collapsed position (left) for shooting

Optically the lens employs 16 elements in 10 groups, with an array of special elements on board to suppress aberrations. It’s built to the same standard as other Olympus PRO-series lenses, with weather-sealed construction to the IPX1 grade, freezeproofing to -10°C and a fluorine coating on the front element for easy cleaning. Other features include a customisable L-Fn button and a push-pull manual focus clutch complete with a focus distance scale, while a hood is supplied in the box. The lens can focus as close as 23cm throughout the zoom range.

Like all Olympus PRO-series zooms, the 8-25mm is extensively sealed against dust and moisture

In terms of size, at 77mm in diameter, 88.5mm in length and 411g, the 8-25mm f/4 is just slightly larger than either Olympus’s 12-40mm f/2.8, or the Panasonic 8-18mm f/2.8-4. However, it’s usefully smaller and lighter than the Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8. The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4 Pro is due to go on sale at the start of July for £899.