Panasonic and Olympus lens markings

Before proceeding to the review, we suggest making a brief digression into the history of the formation of the Micro 4/3 format, which was first presented to the public in 2008.

The 4/3 standard, which has found application in Olympus SLR cameras, was taken as a basis for its development. The physical dimensions of the matrix were borrowed from him — 18x13.5 mm. The key difference from the "parent" format was the working segment reduced by half, which was achieved due to the absence of a mirror lifting mechanism in the design of the cameras of the newly minted Micro 4/3 standard. In fact, this made it possible to reduce the dimensions of cameras and objects compatible with them.

Panasonic objects

Lumix G — the Lumix prefix appears in the name of all cameras and in the expanded name of objects produced by the Japanese brand. It is derived from the union of Panasonic and Leica, concluded between the two companies in 2001. And the Lumix G combination marks objects compatible with Micro 4/3 format cameras.

X (eXtra) — this symbol is found in the name and on the body of pro-class objects with improved optical characteristics and the highest build quality.

Next, the type of the object is indicated in the name of the object:

Vario is the designation of the optics unit with variable focal length (in other words, the so-called zoom objects).

Macro — makes it clear that the object is sharpened for macro shooting.

Fisheye — this marking is found on board ultra-wide-angle objects with a field of view angle close to 180°.

PZ (Power Zoom) — motorized zoom drive for smooth change of focal length.

Motorized zoom drive to ensure smooth change of focal length.

30mm f/2.8 / 45- 175mm f/4.0-5.6 — perhaps the main symbols in the marking of the object, which tell about its focal length and maximum aperture; in the case when the numbers are written with a hyphen, the minimum and then the maximum value for each of the parameters is indicated first. The article will help you find out about the focal length and aperture in more detail"How to choose an object for a camera".

Following the numerical designations, the type of stabilization system used (if any) is usually recorded:

Mega O.I.S. (Mega Optical Image Stabilization) is an optical image stabilization system built into the object, used to compensate for the trembling of the photographer's hands when shooting at critical shutter speeds (close to 1 / the current focal length of the object).

Power O.I.S. (Power Optical Image Stabilizations) is an improved optical stub that helps to win even more exposure steps when shooting with hands (especially in low—light conditions). Also, the stabilizer has a positive effect on the smoothness of the video sequence when using the camera as a camcorder.

Both of the above-mentioned stabs are able to work in tandem with the in-chamber matrix stabilization system used in the latest generations of Panasonic mirrorless mirrors.

When shooting at long and excessively short exposures, it is desirable to turn off the stabilizer on board the object, for which a special switch is provided.

ASPH (Aspherical) — in this abbreviation, the use of aspherical lenses in the optical scheme is encrypted to minimize the effect of chromatic aberrations and the overall reduction in the dimensions and weight of the object as a whole.

HD — tandem of red HD letters is applied to the body of lenses focused on video shooting.

A set of the following letter combinations does not always appear in the name of the object, but can be applied to its body.

XSM (eXtra Silent Motor) — equipping the object with a quiet ultrasonic-type automatic focus drive that provides fast and tenacious focus.

UHR (Ultra High Refractive) — lenses in an optical scheme with a high refractive index of light.

UED (Ultra Extra-low Dispersion) — this designation encodes the presence in the optical circuit of special elements with ultra-low dispersion designed to combat chromatic aberrations.

Special elements in the optical scheme of the object.

Apart from the marking of Panasonic objects is a small detachment of top-level lenses, the production of which was directly involved in the German company Leica:

DG — compatibility of the object with mirrorless Micro 4/3 format.

Vario-Elmar — this is how zoom objects are called, for example, Panasonic 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 DG OIS ASPH Price from 74 037 up to 78 669 ₴.

The long-focus TV set from Leica takes pictures at focal lengths of 200-800 mm (in 35 mm equivalent).

Summilux — this designation is applied to the body of high-power optics.

Nocticron — ultra-luminous objects with a maximum aperture of f/1.2 or less. Such is the portrait lens Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.2 DG OIS ASPH Nocticron Price from 52 999 up to 60 033 ₴.

As can be seen from the examples, the "native" designations of Panasonic are used in the continuation of the name.

Olympus Objects

Olympus optics fleet is divided into three separate subcategories: standard objects, Premium lenses and top-end "glasses" for professional use.

Olympus' native optics fleet is divided into three separate categories.

mZD (M.Zuiko Digital) — the name Zuiko has been a household name for all Olympus objects since 1936 — the moment the firstborn appeared in the optics series. Since then, it has been overgrown with additional symbols on both sides: the letter "M" indicates compatibility with Micro 4/3 format cameras, and the Digital prefix indicates the digital roots of the object.

ED (Extra low Dispersion) — elements with ultra-low dispersion are included in the optical scheme of an object with similar symbols in the marking. They allow you to minimize chromatic aberrations and provide a high level of image sharpness.

8mm 1:1.8 / 40-150mm 1:2.8 — designations of the focal length (or the range of focal lengths for the zoom object) and the maximum aperture.

Pro is a line of dust— and moisture-proof optics for pros. Its representatives are distinguished by improved optical and mechanical characteristics, high build quality and stand out from their peers with a constant light intensity throughout the zoom range.

Pro class optics are designed for true pros.

EZ (Electric Zoom) is a motorized drive for changing the focal length, which allows for smooth zooming.

SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) is an ultrasonic focus motor that provides fast and quiet focus.

IS (Image Stabilizer) is a relatively "fresh" abbreviation that indicates the use of an optical image stabilization system in the design of the object. For example, stub can be found on board the TV truck Olympus 300mm f/4 IS Pro M.Zuiko Digital Price from 96 500 up to 129 646 ₴ and universal zoom Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 IS ED Pro M.Zuiko Digital Price from 39 650 up to 72 995 ₴. In earlier models from the Olympus optics fleet, there is no stabilizer due to the fact that all cameras of the Japanese brand have a matrix image stabilization system in their equipment.

MSC (Movies and Stills Compatible) — adaptation of the object for photo and video shooting, for which a worm motor is used to move a group of lenses when zooming, as well as a supersonic autofocus drive. Together, both of these mechanisms provide a smooth change in focal length and a quiet focus on sharpness.

An example of an object with MSC symbols in the marking and directly on the lens body.

R (Redesigned) is a re—released version of the object of the last generation in a new guise, i.e. without changing the optical scheme.

II, III — if the object is reissued with a new optical scheme, then its generation is indicated in Roman numerals in the name of the updated lens.

Pancake — this is how compact objects are called pancakes.

Fisheye, Macro — versions of the object, sharpened for shooting with the maximum viewing angle and macro shooting, respectively.

Have a good shooting!