Olympus Takes Micro Four Thirds Lens to the Next Level

Judging by the incredibly shocking price tag of $2,499, this is not an ordinary lens.  At least, in the world for Micro Four Thirds format lenses where a typical lens rarely exceeds $1,000.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 300MM F4.0 IS Pro has been officially announced by Olympus and is now available for pre-order.

With the pre-order route, you won't be getting any discount off of the MSRP, but I'm guessing it will take at least a several months before you see any sales on this professional grade lens.

Initial reports and hand-on test results are very positive.

There are some sample images available now for your viewing:

PC Magazine - Hands On: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f4.0 IS PRO Lens
The Next Web - Olympus’ 300mm F4 lens has ridiculously good stabilization

The Olympus 300MM F4.0 is compatible with Olympus MC-14 1.4X Teleconverter for the M40-150mm PRO Lens which which can extend the reach even further by a factor of 140%.

Full Specification:

• Focal Length 300mm
• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length 600mm
• Lens Construction 17 Elements in 10 Groups (3 Super ED lenses, 3 HR lenses,1 E-HR lens)
• Dust & Splashproof Yes
• Focusing System High-speed Imager AF (MSC) 
• Angle of View 4.1 Degree
• Closest Focusing Distance 1.4m
• Maximum Image Magnification 0.24x (With the MC-14: 0.34x)
• 35mm Equivalent Max. Image Magnification     0.48x(With the MC-14: 0.67x)
• Minimum Field Size  72.1 × 54.2 mm (With the MC-14:  50.9 × 38.2 mm )
• Number of Blades 9 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
• Maximum Aperture f4
• Minimum Aperture f22
• Filter Size Diameter 77mm
• Dimensions With hood extended: 280mm; 
• With hood retracted: 227mm
• Weight 1270g without the tripod collar; 1475g with the tripod collar
• Box Contents Lens Cap (LC-77B), Lens Rear Cap (LR-2), Decoration Ring (DR-79) Instruction Manual, Olympus Local Warranty Card, LensCase (LSC-1127)
• Optional Accessories (Option) PRF-ZD77 PRO
• 1.4x TELECONVERTER(M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 1.4x TELECONVERTER MC-14)