The handsome, snap-focus Olympus ED 12mm f/2.0 lens is now available as standard issue in black.

This all-metal wide-angle prime has an 85 degree angle of view, seven aperture blades, 8 groups/11 lenses, fast 2.0 maximum aperture, and weighs only 4.59 ounces. You can quickly switch from manual focus by pulling back the focusing ring until it "snaps" into place. I love this feature and use it often with my 17mm f/1.8 prime.

By doing so, you can set a precise focusing distance. I've found this quite useful for astrophotography when I have to find the infinity setting in the dark.

Olympus has also created a black version of the LH48 metal lens hood for the 12mm. I don't have pricing or release date yet for the lens hood, but I estimate that it will be in the $75 neighborhood.

The 12mm f/2.0 lens is available for preorder now ($799). It should ship by early September.

Also, you're curious about the new PEN E-PL7 "social photographer" camera ($599), then you should check-out Olympus Debuts the PEN E-PL7 Aimed at Social Media Photographers, published on c't Digital Photography Magazine.

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