SLR Magic launched a new MFT lens. Here is the full press release:

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NEW: SLR Magic Monster Lens II 12-36×50 ED Spotting Scope for mFT Digiscoping

Hong Kong, China (Mar 28, 2013) – SLR Magic introduces the second edition SLR Magic Monstor Lens 12-36×50 ED Spotting Scope lens for Digiscoping and expands their Micro Four Thirds lens lineup.

The SLR Magic 12-36×50 ED Spotting Scope for Digiscoping gives you the highest resolution and brightest view possible by three key elements. It features an over sized eye relief, utilized Extra-low Dispersion optics, as well as fully Multi coated glass to help you with spotting the rare bird species. The SLR Magic 12-36×50 ED Spotting Scope alsooffers stacked, dual-focus controls, so you can make both rapid and fine-tuning adjustments.

The main difference from the first edition include improvements in image quality due to a new mFT adapter objective offering increased sharpness and contrast over the first edition.

The field of view of this spotting scope on the micro four thirds camera corresponds to a a 840-2520mm lens in 35mm format. The user friendly design allows you to attach your camera by mounting it like any other camera lens. Everything you need comes with the package and there is no need to have a compatible lens to use it. This is the perfect solution for amateur digiscopers who want to take photos or video of wildlife.

The 12-36×50 ED Spotting Scope will be available from authorized SLR Magic dealers by June 2013.

Technical Data

SLR Magic 12-36×50 ED (Premium Extra-low Dispersion glass) for mFT
Lens Type: Spotting Scope
Compatible Cameras: All micro four thirds mount cameras
Magnification: 12-36x

35mm equivalent focal length: 840-2520mm
Objective: Φ50
Lens Coating: Multi Coated
Close Focus: 15 ft.
Weight (oz./g): 28.2/800, 45.86/1300 (with mFT adapter objective)
Water Resistant/Fog proof: Yes
Eyepiece: Straight Zoom
Eye relief: 23mm

Accessories: mFT adapter objective with tripod collar

MSRP: $799

Andrew Chan
Product Manager

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These are the other SLRmagic lenses for sale on eBay:

Current SLRmagic lenses for Micro Four Thirds:
SLR magic 11mm f/1.4 lens you can preorder on [shoplink 22154 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Toy Lens 26mm f/1.4 lens on [shoplink 18603 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
SLR Magic 35mm f/1.7 MC lens on [shoplink 14881 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Noktor SLRmagic 50mm on [shoplink 25691 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink]

You can finally download the new firmware for the GH3 and three Panasonic lenses at http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/pressrelease/gh3_lens_firmware/

Let us know your findings if you have the time to test the new improvements! Thanks!

The new improvements list expected with the GH3 firmware update

Let me catch up with two news:

1) Very very very soon Panasonic will announce the new GH3 firmware update. I am curious to see if focus peaking will be one of the new features!

2) ThePhoBlographer reports that “Olympus’s former head, Tsuyoshi Kikukawa, is facing five years in prison due to manipulating account balances and we should expect a final hearing within a couple of weeks. He has already pleaded guilty to the crimes. Kikukawa won’t be alone in prison though–other managers also pleaded guilty but they won’t be getting as harsh a sentence.” P.S.: Woodford is now selling his book about the Olympus scandal on Amazon (Click here).