Camera
OM System brings weather-resistance to popular primes, but at a cost
OM System has announced the the M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8 II and the M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 II primes. Both are refreshed versions of existing lenses, maintaining the same optical formulae in both instances.
The 17mm F1.8 II gains a degree of weather sealing, earning the IPX1 ingress protection rating. This is a pretty low rating, indicating that it hasn’t been tested for dust/particle ingress and that vertically falling drops of water shouldn’t have a negative effect. OM System describes this as “splash-proof and dust-resistant” but it comes at the cost of the removal of the manual focus clutch: a retractable ring that switched the focus mode when used on Olympus/OM System cameras.
As with the previous version the 17mm F1.8 II offers a 34mm equiv field of view and is constructed using nine elements in six groups, including two aspherical elements and a high refractive index element.
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Diagram showing the sealed points on the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8 II, hinting at the challenges required to achieve an IPX1 rating with the moving focus switch ring on the older design.
Rendering: OM System |
The Mk II lens also gains OM System’s ‘ZERO’ anti-reflective coating. Removing the focus clutch ring reduces the weight from 120g (4.2oz) to 112g (4.0oz). Other than this, it’s the same as before, with the minimum focus distance and, presumably, the sharpness, unchanged.
There’s less change with the 50mm-equiv M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 II. The Mk I had no focus clutch/switch, so in this instance the updated weather sealing (to IPX1) makes the new lens heavier. The Mark II weighs 156g (5.5oz), rather than the 136g (4.8oz) of the 2014 version.
It too keeps the existing arrangement of nine elements in seven groups, including two aspherical elements.
Both lenses will be available from late February 2025. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F2.8 II will sell for a recommended price of $550, up $50 on the 2012 prive, while the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 II will have a recommended sales price of $500, up $130 over 2014’s Mk 1 launch price.
OM SYSTEM Expands Prime Lens Lineup with the Splash & Dust-Proof M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F1.8 II and 25mm F1.8 II
Versatile Lenses Designed for Landscapes, City Snapshots, and Portraits
BETHLEHEM, PA, February 6, 2025 – OM Digital Solutions proudly announces the launch of two premium prime lenses, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F1.8 II (35mm equivalent: 34mm) and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm F1.8 II (35mm equivalent: 50mm). Developed for the OM SYSTEM lineup and compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, these lenses will be available for purchase beginning in late February 2025.
Designed to combine exceptional imaging performance with robust splash and dust-proof durability, the 17mm F1.8 II and 25mm F1.8 II are compact and lightweight, making them the perfect companions for photographers on the go. With their wide f/1.8 apertures and versatile focal lengths, these lenses are well-suited for capturing stunning landscapes, dynamic cityscapes, and striking portraits.
The combination of cutting-edge optical technology, intuitive handling, and weather-sealed construction makes these lenses invaluable tools for photographers seeking creative flexibility and uncompromising reliability.
Key Features of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL Prime Lens II Series:
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F1.8 II
- Wide-angle lens with a large-diameter f/1.8 aperture for stunning bokeh and
pan-focus capabilities - IPX1-rated splash-proof performance and dust-proof design for reliable
performance in challenging environments
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm F1.8 II
- Standard focal length lens with natural perspectives and exceptional imaging quality
- Compact, IPX1-rated splash-proof performance and dust-resistant design for enhanced portability and
durability
The combination of cutting-edge optical technology, intuitive handling, and weather-sealed construction makes these lenses invaluable tools for photographers seeking creative flexibility and uncompromising reliability.
Pricing & availability for OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL Prime Lens II Series:
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F1.8 II
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F1.8 II Lens will be available beginning in late February 2025, at a suggested retail price of $549.99 (US)/$769.99 (CAD).
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm F1.8 II
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm F1.8 II Lens will be available beginning in late February 2025, at a suggested retail price of $499.99 (US)/$699.99 (CAD)
OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL Prime Lens II Series Features & Technology Detail
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F1.8 II
The 17mm F1.8 II lens delivers superb optical performance in a compact, lightweight body measuring just 37.6 mm in length and weighing 112 g. It features a high-precision configuration of nine elements in six groups, including a DSA (Dual Super Aspheric) lens and HR (High Refractive index) lens. The ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating reduces ghosting and flaring, ensuring crisp, clear images even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Creative Aperture Control: The wide f/1.8 aperture allows for stunning bokeh effects, making subjects stand out, while the deep depth of field typical of wide-angle lenses enables sharp focus across the entire frame, from foreground to background.
- Weather-Resistant Durability: With IPX1-rated splash-proof performance and dust-resistant design, photographers can confidently shoot in adverse weather without worrying about their equipment.
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm F1.8 II
This standard focal-length lens, with a natural 50mm1 equivalent angle of view, replicates the perspective of the human eye. Its optical design includes nine elements in seven groups, featuring two aspherical lenses for optimal performance. The lightweight metal construction measures just 42 mm in length and weighs only 156g.
- Versatile Everyday Lens: Perfect for still life, snapshots, and portraits, its bright f/1.8 aperture ensures sharp low-light performance and beautiful bokeh for creative compositions.
- Reliable in Any Setting: With IPX1-rated splash-proof performance and dust-resistant design, photographers can focus on their craft in any environment, from rainy streets to rugged outdoor adventures.
Designed for Every Photographer
Both lenses offer fast, quiet autofocus (AF) thanks to a MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism. Combined with the high-performance image stabilization of OM SYSTEM camera bodies, these lenses make capturing sharp, professional-quality stills and videos effortless.
These lenses are essential tools for photographers seeking portability, durability, and creative flexibility.
Related Accessories
LH-49B Lens Hood (bundled or sold separately): Reduces unwanted light in backlit scenes and protects the lens.
Suggested retail price: $46.99 (US)/$62.99 (CAD)
LC-46 Lens Cap (bundled or sold separately): Provides protection for the lens element.
Suggested retail price: $7.99 (US)/$10.99 (CAD)
PRF-D46 PRO Protection Filter (sold separately): Offers additional protection for the front lens element.
Suggested retail price: $66.99 (US)/$89.99 (CAD)
LSC-0811 Lens Case (sold separately): Designed for secure storage and transportation.
Suggested retail price: $26.99 (US)/$35.99 (CAD)
MCON-P02 Macro Converter (sold separately): Designed to enhance close-up capabilities of the lens.
Suggested retail price: $9.99 (US)/$9.99 (CAD)
1. 35mm equivalent
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8 II & M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 II specifications
| OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8 II | OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Principal specifications | ||
| Lens type | Prime lens | |
| Max Format size | FourThirds | |
| Focal length | 17 mm | 25 mm |
| Image stabilization | No | |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Aperture | ||
| Maximum aperture | F1.8 | |
| Minimum aperture | F22 | |
| Aperture ring | No | |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 7 | |
| Aperture notes | Circular aperture diaphragm | |
| Optics | ||
| Elements | 9 | |
| Groups | 6 | 7 |
| Special elements / coatings | 2 Aspherical, HR glass element | 2 aspherical elements |
| Focus | ||
| Minimum focus | 0.25 m (9.84″) | 0.24 m (9.45″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.08× | 0.12× |
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Motor type | Micromotor | Stepper motor |
| Full time manual | Yes | Unknown |
| Focus method | Internal | |
| Distance scale | No | |
| DoF scale | No | |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 112 g (0.25 lb) | 156 g (0.34 lb) |
| Diameter | 58 mm (2.28″) | 56 mm (2.2″) |
| Length | 36 mm (1.42″) | 41 mm (1.61″) |
| Materials | Metal | |
| Sealing | Yes | |
| Filter thread | 46 mm | |
| Hood supplied | Yes | |
| Hood product code | LH-49B | |
| Tripod collar | No | |