Olympus today announced a new Micro Four Thirds zoom lens, the M.Zuiko Digital 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3. The lens covers a range of 24-100mm in 35mm full-frame terms, which is 2mm (4mm-eq.) wider and 8mm (16mm-eq.) longer than the current kit lens offering, the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6. On the downside, the initial aperture at the long end is only f/6.3, which is only usable in good light or with a flash.

M.Zuiko Digital 12-50mm f/3.5-5.6

The lens adds the powerzoom feature already known from Panasonic’s new X lens series, which means the zoom is operated via a rocker instead of via twisting the zoom ring. As a bonus, the lens has macro capabilities with a minimum focusing distance of 20 cm / 0.66 ft. It is also completely weather sealed — something which many Micro Four Thirds users have been waiting for, although this would make most sense on an equally weather seales body, which is not available as of yet.

The estimated retail price of the new lens is US-$ 499, with shipping commencing early 2012. The lens will be available in black and silver colours.

Read more at dpreview.com.