Image: Six time British Champion and Olympic skier – Chemmy Alcott photographed with the OM-D fitted with the M Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f1:8 lens. 1/160 sec at f/1:8, ISO 400)

The company claims this high-speed lens has low reflection and next to no chromatic aberrations, thanks to its Zuiko Extra low Reflection Optical (ZERO) coating. Olympus says this is twice as effective as conventional coatings and will minimise or virtually eliminate internal ghosting or flaring.

We had a brief hands-on session with the lens fitted to the new Olympus OM-D fourth thirds camera. It put in an impressive performance, autofocus was almost instant and colours are neutral. Shooting at the full aperture of f/1.8 produced a very shallow depth of field, so focus had to be spot on – and it was. If you are into portrait or low-light sports photography then this lens may be a great choice for you.

The M Zuiko Digital ED 75mm Prime Portrait lens will be available from July 2012 for £799. There is an optional LH-61F lens hood which will retail at £69.90, while LC-61 lens cap will cost £34.90.