The birth of OM system was a phenomenon during the seventies. In fact, there was a stage both OM flagship models, OM-1(n) and OM-2(n) have catapulted Olympus as easily one of the most influential player in 35mm SLR photography. They have constantly making waves in introducing trend setting camera design 30 years ago and many revolutionary technological breakthroughs they pioneered are still regarded as a standard in the industry today. They are the first in introducing compact body design, TTL flash, spot/multi-spots metering, highlight/shadow exposure control and FP sync etc. Looking back to how the OM system has evolved to present state, the period between 1979 and early '80 was rather a difficult period for Olympus as competitions were keen and technological advantage of the OM system has been slowly eroding and caught up by others. Olympus, was strangely been very quiet during this stage, and has only a entry level OM-10 SLR to bridge between the professional models.
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At the time, there were quite a number of events of significant interest occurred during this period of time, the Nikon launched their third professional flagship model, Nikon F3; Canon replied with a counter-effort with a Canon New F-1, the Minolta debuted an immensely popular MPS X-700 SLR model, the relatively quiet Contax also announced their second professional model, Contax RTS II and even the conservative Asahi Pentax has introduced a series of exciting bodies, spearheaded by their first attempt into the professional users market with a seemingly OM-2n-concept replica, Pentax LX and so on. The early '80 was easily regarded as one of the most eventful period in 35mm SLR photography. Amidst all these happenings, I think actually all eyes were on Olympus as almost you can smell the little oriental giant will have something in their sleeves to answer with another big bang - the photo community was not entirely disappointed, after a decade of waiting, Olympus eventually announced the availability of the next generation SLR models, OM-3 and OM-4 in 1983. Although we are confined to discuss on topics relates to Zuiko lenses, the introduction of OM3/OM4, which followed by another update, OM-2SP in 1984 have significant relationship with development of Zuiko lenses.
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The changing market place during this period has actually lead Olympus to update the Zuiko lense system to supplement all these new OM bodies to take on competitions as well. The fruitful Zuiko lense updating program saw a series of new exciting Zuiko lenses being introduced to fulfill demanding needs of photographers or as to ensure the system is complete enough to lure in more users switching to OM system. |
The OM lense update program may have involved a carefully selection of lenses to be introduced with viability and functionality for chosen focal length, lense types and performance to serve serious OM users in mind. With an array of new Zuiko optics, the most eyes-catching inclusions was three ultra-fast speed tele-lenses fittingly patched one of the weakest link found in Zuiko lense system, the Zuiko AUTO-T 180mm f/2.0 ED-IF, Zuiko AUTO-T 250mm f/2.0 ED-IF and Zuiko AUTO-T 350mm f/2.8 ED-IF. All three lenses are easily rank brightest in their class and have extended the OM system capabilities for photographers to consider to be used for traditional strongholds of others such as the likes of Canon and Nikon, in particular for sports, nature and wildlife photography.
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Zuiko AUTO-T 250mm f/2.0 ED-IF |
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Credit: Image(s) courtesy of some nice folks from DigifanCN®. The group also operates their own active, popular EBAY STORE, trading for many major camera brands and collectibles. Image Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer. |
First of all, as I have pointed out Olympus was indeed very smart in determine the right focal length for this lense update. Instead of choosing a popular focal length 300mm as with others, they have adopted an all "new" focal length of 250mm and gave it a speed boost at a large aperture of f/2.0. This has made the OM the only 35mm SLR photographic system that offers such an "odd" focal length for super telephoto lenses. Come to think of it, it was a smart move, first - unless there are followers, Olympus can still can as a pioneer, next, if there isn't, OM system still owns the fastest in this class; thirdly, I think it was also a commercial decision because Olympus doesn't want OM users to compare prices with rivaling brands as there are none of such equivalent available on the market thus far. With a retail price at USD4,300-00* a unit, so if you are using a super fast tele-lense such as the awesome MF Nikkor 300mm f/2.0s ED-IF super-telephoto lense which has a ridiculous list price of USD13,000-00* to compare the Zuiko with 50mm shorter in focal length, you may find it is very cheap ! On the other hand, if you are using prices that range between USD3,000.00 - USD3,500.00* a unit of either a Nikkor 300mm f/2.8s ED-IF or Canon's discontinued FDn 300mm f/2.8L to compare this Zuiko, the Xtra stop in lense speed makes the additional cost very justify for such investment (not to mention how much a Leica's 300mm f/2.8 Tele-Apotessar AE will cost you - it comes with a mind boggling list price of USD18,250-00* a unit !) *Source: MacBroom's Camera Blue Book.
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Well, that was just a personal assumption. But I do think the 50mm-shorter for an extra-f-stop-speed-gain formula is very appealing to me. The focal length fits mid between two of the most popular focal length in long telephoto lenses, it enables photographers to open up plenty of photographic opportunities, handheld or tripod mount where optically, Olympus ensures the lense packs some of the best in optical technologies to deliver the best in resolution to match your creativity. The generous use of 4x extra-low dispersion glass elements, for an instance, has ensure chromatic aberrations be kept to minimal level while delivering sharp resolution and extremely high contrast across its entire range of focusing. |
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The early version of this Zuiko lense was supplied in black- a good stealth colour for wildlife and news photography. Probably Canon's logical explanation on heat-affects-fluorite theory sold well to OM photographers and all subsequent ones have been all finished in a distinctively striking/eye-catching grayish-white colour instead - very similar to the Canon FDn and /or EF lense outfit. Note: ED has a better heat resistance properties than artificial fluorite optical glass. |
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Credit: Image(s) courtesy of some nice folks from DigifanCN®. The group also operates their own active, popular EBAY STORE, trading for many major camera brands and collectibles. Image Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer. |
I think Olympus has put up a serious effort in the design of these few hallmark lenses of theirs. Other than a great deal of effort was put in the optical design; mechanically this lense was equally first class with its supreme built quality. Lense handling is excellent, benefits greatly from adoption of an IF design for smooth focusing action, an extra large focusing grip with slip-free hard rubberized grip design to ensure photographers to have a firm and positive focusing operation. All relevant data essential for picture taking can be easily check with a glance. For photography that may need minimal disturbance of movement, the lense is equipped with a rotable tripod collar to facilitate quick change of shooting format horizontal or vertically. The tripod collar is essential to serve hosting the heavy lense with a good weight distribution instead of using the fragile tripod socket on the camera base to host such a lense. A retractable lens hood also provided to cut light that may strike the front element to avoid internal reflection that may cause flares. Lastly, a slight drawback in the design was, there is no optical filter be used to protect the large, expensive front ED glass. The filter system is a rear slip-in type which uses an nonstandard 46mm size. Overall, this is a great lense, comparable to the best in its class, if not better. Lastly, with a compatible Tele-converter(s): 1.4X-A this lens may be transformed into a 350mm f/2.8 super -telephoto lense !
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<<< --- Credit: ALL images of this lense were specially taken by Mr. Jone Quinn <laozi00000@hotmail.com> for this OM project. Jone Quinn runs a popular Ebay Store and he specializes in selling OM photo gears. Image copyright © 2003 All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer. |
NOTE: In many ways, spot meter of an OM cameras such as OM2SP, OM3(Ti), OM4(Ti) etc. reads through the lense, covering roughly the area enclosed by the microprism of the standard focusing screen Naturally, when the lens angle changes, the angle read by the Multi Spot meter also changes. You can take advantage of this when you use a zoom or telephoto lens to get precise coverage of the area you want. |
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Specifications:
Current version: Zuiko AUTO-T
250mm f/2.0 ED-IF
Optical Construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
Diaphragm: Automatic
Angles of view: Diagonal: 10°
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Distance scales: 2.2m (7' 2") to infinity (OO) |
Maximum Diameter: 142mm
Length without lens hood extension: 246mm
Weight: 3,900g (137.6 oz)
Usable Tele-converter(s): 1.4X-A
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Filter attachment size/Filters: 46mm REAR slip-in type |
Recommended Focusing Screens: 1-1, 1-4, 1-6. 1-7. 1-10, 1-13 and 1-14. The 1-6 or 1-7 (microprism-clear field type) offers a brighter image. but the meter built into the OM-1 and OM-2 (on MANUAL) does not give correct light readings. With the OM-2 on AUTO, correct exposures are made on the film, but the meter needle does not give correct light readings. ## More info on "Picture Angle" or make use of the Glossary section in PIM site..Note: Olympus warns this lense is NOT designed to operate in Program AE mode with OM-2SP or OM-PC
| previous | NEXT | 1/2 You cannot feature this lense without relating it to another Zuiko classic super telephoto lense, Zuiko AUTO-T 350mm f/2.8 ED-IF
ZUIKO Telephoto
lenses | 85mm | 100mm | 135mm | 180mm | 200mm | 250mm | 300mm | 350mm | 400mm | 500mm REFLEX | 600mm | 1000mm
A
Brief overview on Zuiko Optics
Zuiko Fisheye Lenses 8mm f/2.8 Circular Fisheye | 16mm
f/3.5
Full Frame Fisheye
Zuiko Ultra-Wideangle Lenses 18mm f/3.5 | 21mm f/2.0 | 21mm f/3.5 | 24mm f/2.0 | 24mm f/2.8
Zuiko Wideangle Lenses 28mm f/2.0 | 28mm f/2.8 | 28mm f/3.5 | 35mm f/2 | 35mm f/2.8 |
Zuiko Standard Lenses 40mm f/2.0 | 55mm f/1.2 | 50mm f/1.2 | 50mm f/1.4 | 50mm f/1.8 | Zuiko 50mm f/2.0 PF
Zuiko Medium-Telephoto Lenses 85mm f/2.0 | 100mm f/2.0 | 100mm f/2.8 | 135mm f/2.8 | 135mm f/3.5
Zuiko Telephoto Lenses 180mm f/2.0 EDIF | 180mm f/2.8 | 200mm f/4.0 | 200mm f/5.0 Auto-T (brief)
Zuiko Super-Telephoto Lenses 250mm f/2.0 EDIF | 300mm f/4.5 | 350mm f/2.8 EDIF | 400mm f/6.3 | 500mm | 600mm f/6.5 |1000mm f/11.0
Special application Zuiko optics: 24mm f/3.5 Shift | 35mm f/2.8 Shift | 500mm f/8 Reflex | AF Zoom 35-70mm
f/4.0
| Zuiko
50mm f/2.0 PF
Tele-Converters: 1.4X-A / 2X-A
Zuiko
Macro/Close focus lenses: Zuiko
AUTO MACRO 20mm f/3.5
| Zuiko
AUTO MACRO 20mm f/2.0
| Zuiko
AUTO MACRO 38mm f/3.5
| Zuiko
AUTO MACRO 38mm f/2.8
| Zuiko
AUTO MACRO 50mm f/3.5
| Zuiko
AUTO MACRO 50mm f/2.0
| Zuiko
AUTO MACRO 1:1 80mm f/4.0
| Zuiko
AUTO MACRO 90mm f/2.0
| Zuiko
AUTO MACRO 135mm f/4.5
Zuiko AUTO-Zoom Lenses
- Main
Index page
| S-Zuiko
AUTO Zoom 28-48mm f/4.0
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Zuiko AUTO Zoom 35-70mm f/3.6
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S-Zuiko AUTO Zoom 35-70mm f/4.0
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Zuiko AF AUTO Zoom 35-70mm f/4.0
| S-Zuiko
AUTO Zoom 35-70mm f/3.5 ~ f/4.5
| S-Zuiko
AUTO Zoom 35-70mm f/3.5 ~ f/4.8
| Zuiko
AUTO Zoom 35-80mm f/2.8 ED
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Zuiko AUTO Zoom 35-105mm f/3.5 ~ f/4.5
| Zuiko
AUTO zoom 50-250mm f/5.0
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Zuiko AUTO zoom 65-200mm f/4.0
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S-Zuiko AUTO zoom 70-210mm f/4.5 ~ f/5.6 | Zuiko AUTO Zoom 75-150mm f/4.0 | Zuiko AUTO Zoom
85-200mm
f/4.0
| Zuiko
AUTO Zoom 85-250mm f/5.0
| S-Zuiko
AUTO Zoom 100-200mm f/5.0
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| Back | Index Page of OM Zuiko lenses
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Series SLRs
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Zuiko Optics in a shared environment
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About this photographic site.
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Copyright
© 2000.
leofoo ®. MIR Web Development Team.
Maintainers
for OM Zuiko Site & Message Board:
Rick
Oleson (Email: rick_oleson@yahoo.com Website:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com), Bruce Hamm
(bhamm@magma.ca), John Orrell
(john@orrellj.freeserve.co.uk), Simon Evans,
(http://www.mawddwy.freeserve.co.uk); Shaun
(shaun@noemail.com), Andy Radcliffe
(AndyJRadcliffe@manx.net)
Special
thanks to:
Gregory
P. Logiodice, Bob Gries, Erwin Voogt, Joel Wilcox, Rick
Oleson, Simon Evan and many others for granting permissions to use their images
of either lenses, cameras and own pictures appeared in this Zuiko website.
Credit: My old time buddy,
Ahmad
Ikram,
Dr of Rubber Research Institute (RRI), Malaysia
who shares the same passion with me and also lending his OM-1n, OM-4 and the Motor
Drive 1 to me for preparing some images in this site; Mark Dapoz <md@dementia.org>for reminding
some broken links; Mr Poon of Foto Poon, Ipoh, Mr Richard, Ampang Park,
Mr Lim and Miss Jenny of Foto Edar for their generosity for
their OM1(n), OM2n camera and some Zuiko lenses. Mr Hans van Veluwen for
mistakenly using some content earlier from his OM website; J Sorensen
for providing some useful images to rectify some technical "flaws"; Mr
Gen Holst for helping during the early stages of development of this OM site;
Mr KKLow for some of his earlier images on the OM-1appeared in this website;
Miss Wati and Mirza for helping me
to convert this Operation Manual into a HTML format. Mr MCLau for rectifying
some mistakes made on the earlier preview sites. A personal tribute to the creator
of the OM system and also a site dedicated to all the fans of Olympuses and Zuiko
Optics worldwide. Some of the content and images appeared in this site were scanned
from OM official marketing leaflets, brochures and instruction manual(s) for educational
purposes. Olympus is a registered trade name of Olympus Optical Inc., Japan. Site
created 'unfortunately again with an IMac.