Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ on sale at Olympus authorised dealers

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Just weeks before their highly anticipated 8th February unveiling, Olympus goes ahead and releases a brand new Micro Four Thirds zoom lens that boasts a motorized zoom — something that might make video buffs do a double-take on this lens.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED lens promises stable zooming at a constant rate, at three selectable speeds, letting you shoot dolly shots to your heart's content. Though not as stable as a steadicam or an actual dolly grip — it's just about right for the typical E-mount camera on the market.

The lens is widest at 24mm f/3.5, and zooms up to 100mm f/6.3. The lens is built with an inner zooming system, which means that the physical length of the lens does not change as the focal length of the lens changes, making shooting a little more stable and is a sort of weather sealing by itself.

More on its specs after the jump.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm is now going for S$698 (w GST, RRP) at Olympus authorised retailers.

Sample Pictures from Olympus:

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Main Specifications
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ

Mount type	Micro Four Thirds System standard
Focal length	12mm – 50mm
35mm equivalent	24mm – 100mm equivalent
Lens construction	10 elements in 9 groups (DSA element x 1, aspherical element x 2, HR element x 1, ED element x 1, etc.)
Angle of view	84° - 24°
AF system	High Speed Imager AF (MSC: Linear motor drive)
Closest focusing distance	0.2 m*
Maximum image magnification	0.36X*
35mm equivalent	0.72X equivalent
Maximum field size	36 × 48 mm²*
Number of blades	5 blades (Circular diaphragm)
Maximum aperture	f3.5 (12mm) – f 6.3 (50mm)
Minimum aperture	f22
Filter size	Φ52 mm
Dimensions (Max. diameter x Overall length)	Diameter 57 x 83mm
Weight	211g
Provided accessories	Lens cap (LC-52C), lens rear cap (LR-2), Instruction manual, Olympus International Warranty Card

* in the macro mode.