Adding to the rapidly growing E-System lens line-up, Olympus has announced the release of the Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6, equivalent to 18-36mm.

Enabling an extra-wide field of view, the lens is perfect for anything from sweeping desert landscapes to broad shots, and weighing in at only 280g and featuring a diameter of 79.5mm and a length of 73mm, its much more lightweight and compact that a lot of its competitors.

The model also features the same optical quality as all Zuiko Digital lenses with 13 lens elements in nine groups, including one aspherical ED lens and two aspherical elements.

Also, when coupled with the Zuiko Digital ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 lens (equivalent to 36-360mm), the combination provides you with an incredible 9-180mm range.

A minimum focusing distance of 25cm round out this 2x-zoom model’s list of pretty convenient attributes.

The Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 lens will be available from September 2008 and prices are currently to be confirmed.