OM System Updates 14-42mm Kit Lens with Weather Sealing
OM System has announced an updated version of its 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 III kit zoom lens, adding IPX1 weather resistance and a closer minimum focusing
OM System has unveiled an upgraded version of its standard Micro Four Thirds zoom lens. The new M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 III brings weather sealing and closer focusing capabilities to the popular kit option.
The lens was announced alongside a new PEN camera. While it serves as a kit lens for that model, the update is available as a standalone product.
Key Improvements
Two main upgrades define this iteration. OM System says the lens now features improved weather resistance. It carries an IPX1 rating when mounted on a compatible dust and splash-proof camera body. This rating means it is protected against vertically falling water drops for ten minutes. The company suggests using the optional lens hood for additional protection in wet conditions.
Focusing distance has also been reduced. At the wide-angle 14mm setting, the lens can now focus as close as 0.13 meters (5.1 inches). The previous model required a minimum distance of 0.25 meters. This allows for tighter framing and increased maximum reproduction ratios.
Optical Specifications and Performance
The fundamental optical formula remains unchanged from the Mark II version. It uses eight elements arranged in seven groups, including three aspherical lenses. Despite the same design, performance metrics have shifted due to the closer focusing ability.
The maximum reproduction ratio is now 0.26x at the wide end, an improvement from 0.19x. The close-focusing distance increases when zooming in, reaching 0.3 meters at the 42mm telephoto position for a 0.19x reproduction ratio.
OM System also claims the autofocus is faster. The updated lens supports computational in-body focus stacking features available on many of the company's cameras.
Physical Dimensions and Availability
The new features come with a slight increase in size and weight. A comparison with the previous model is shown below.
| Specification | Mark II Version | Mark III Version |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 112g (4oz) | 125g (4.4oz) |
| Length | Not specified | 51mm |
| Diameter | Not specified | 60mm |
| Filter Thread | 37mm | 46mm |
| Minimum Focus (Wide) | 0.25m (9.8") | 0.13m (5.1") |
| Max Reproduction (Wide) | 0.19x | 0.26x |
The lens maintains a retracting design for compact storage. It will be available for purchase in late October.
The standalone retail price is set at $350. DPReview notes it will likely be more popular as part of a camera kit, where it adds approximately $100 to the price of a body-only PEN camera. Sample images taken with the lens are available in the publication's gallery for the new OM System PEN.
