Olympus has announced a brand new M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f3.5-6.3 lens for its micro-four-thirds system. In 35mm full frame equivalents, this is a 24-400mm lens, the highest magnification zoom available on an interchangeable lens (as of writing) at 16.6x, making this an incredibly versatile lens option for users of the micro-four-thirds system.

As is expected from the M.Zuiko lenses, the 12-200mm features splashproof and dustproof construction for shooting in adverse conditions. The lens is constructed as a compact and lightweight design, with 16 elements in 11 groups. The lens will focus fast and quietly due to the MSC (movie and stills compatible) inner focusing mechanism, ideal for both stills and video shooters. Minimum focussing distance is a mere 22cm at the wide end of the lens.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f3.5-6.3 will be available this spring at a price of $1149.99.