April 28, 2008
The 40 millionth Canon EF lens
United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 25 April 2008: Canon today celebrates a new milestone in the history of D-SLR photography, as production of the company’s EF lenses – which began in 1987 with the birth of Canon’s EOS system – reaches 40 million. Incredibly, a quarter of these were produced within the last two-and-a-half years. With 67 models, the EF series is the world’s most extensive range of D-SLR lenses.
“The production of the 40 millionth EF lens is testament to the soaring popularity of D-SLR photography,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “With the increasing number of consumer-orientated D-SLR models on the market – including Canon’s market-leading EOS 400D and the new EOS 450D – D-SLR has moved from the professional domain to become a truly mass interest”. “We are delighted that photographers of all levels continue to rely upon Canon EF lenses, and we remain committed to producing the industry’s most extensive, cutting-edge line-up,” he added.
Canon’s comprehensive range of EF lenses benefits from a long lineage of forward-thinking design. In 1987, the first EF lenses rewrote the SLR rulebook with their large-diameter, fully electronic lens mount, and the incorporation of a drive motor within the lens. Since then, innovations have included the first lens with an Ultrasonic Motor, the EF 300mm f/2.8L USM (1987), the world’s fastest aperture interchangeable lens, the EF 50mm f/1.0L USM (1989), and the world’s first lens with Image Stabilizer to compensate camera shake, the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (1995).
2008 will see the addition of two new models to the EF range: the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM, the world’s longest image- stabilised telephoto lens, and the EF 200mm f/2L IS USM, another large-diameter telephoto lens. They join a total of 67 different lenses – ranging from super wide-angle to super telephoto models - which includes standard zoom and telephoto zoom lenses, fast aperture lenses, macro lenses, and "the TS-E lens", equipped with tilt and shift function.
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January 24, 2008
Canon expands professional EF lens range with two new telephoto ‘L’ models
United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 24 January 2008: Canon today unveils two new professional EF lenses: the EF200mm f/2L IS USM and EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM. Equipped with Canon’s latest 4-stop Image Stabilizer, both models incorporate L-series lens optics and construction to deliver class-leading performance and operability.
With its large f/2 aperture, the EF200mm f/2L IS USM will appeal to photographers who require a brighter lens for indoor sports and portraiture photography. Improvements over the EF200mm f/1.8L USM include a fluorite lens element for better elimination of chromatic aberrations, a circular aperture diaphragm and a significantly lighter, more compact design.
The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM enhances Canon’s super telephoto range with the longest focal distance of any EF lens on the market. Light enough to allow for handheld shooting, it is expected to be popular with sports, news and wildlife photographers.
Benefiting from UD and fluorite lens elements along with a raft of new optical technologies, both lenses offer professional photographers an exceptional degree of image quality – as standalone lenses and when combined with the Canon EF 1.4x extender.
Key features:
EF200mm f/2L IS USM:
4-stop Image Stabilizer with 2 modes
1 x fluorite and 2 x UD lens elements
Ring type USM auto focus with fulltime manual override
Circular aperture diaphragm for pleasing background blur
Supra Spectra coatings to reduce ghosting and flare
Magnesium alloy body – 2.52kg
EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM:
4-stop Image Stabilizer with 2 modes
2 x fluorite, 1 x UD and 1 x super UD lens elements
Ring type USM auto focus with fulltime manual override
Circular aperture diaphragm for pleasing background blur
Supra Spectra coatings to reduce ghosting and flare
Magnesium alloy body – 4.5kg
Both lenses feature environmental seals to protect against dust, rain and humidity.
Pricing & Availability
The EF200mm f/2L IS USM will be available from April 2008 priced at £4499.99 RRP inc. VAT / €6659.99 RRP inc. VAT
The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM will be available from June 2008 priced at £8999.99 RRP inc. VAT / €13299.99 inc. VAT
Image Stabilizer
The 4 stop Image Stabilizer (IS) significantly extends the low light performance of both lenses. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/1000 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/60 second. For shooting immobile subjects, Mode 1 corrects for movement in the image along both the horizontal and vertical axes. For shooting while panning horizontally to follow a moving subject, Mode 2 turns off vertical correction and prevents the effect of dragging the subject back through the frame.
IS switches off automatically when the camera is mounted on a tripod, thus preventing feedback loops between the IS sensor and internal motor vibrations.
L-series optics
Both lenses incorporate a newly designed optical system that limits lens size while improving image clarity over the total image area. A combination of fluorite, UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) and Super UD glass elements are used to eliminate the secondary chromatic aberrations that otherwise reduce sharpness and introduce colour fringing. Canon’s patented Super Spectra lens element coatings reduce reflections off lens surfaces, ensuring undistorted images with natural colour balance and minimal ghosting or flare.
Lightweight design
The lenses employ magnesium alloy components to significantly reduce weight and size. The EF200mm f/2L IS USM has the lightest body in its class, weighing only 2.52 kg. Despite its longer focal length, the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM is a similar length to the EF600mm f/4L IS USM at 461mm, but weighs 860g lighter. In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lenses feature only lead-free glass.
Superb operability
Several features are incorporated to assist photographers in the field. The AF stop button at the front of each lens allows photographers to temporarily turn off auto focus. The button can be configured to control AF mode, IS, and AE lock with the EOS 40D, EOS 5D, EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III The EF200mm f/2L IS USM and EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM also feature a focus preset function that electronically memorised a user-selected focus position – particularly helpful for sports or wildlife photographers.
Hi-res versions of these and other images can be downloaded from http://www.canon-europe.com/press_centre/image_library/index.asp
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October 22, 2007
Canon unveils prototypes of two new telephoto EF lenses
United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 16 October, 2007: Canon Inc. today announces the development of two new telephoto lenses for use with its EOS SLR cameras: the EF200mm f/2L IS USM and the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM.
Classed as professional L lenses, both the new Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM and EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM incorporate a high-performance Image Stabilizer, along with special optical materials such as fluorite to correct chromatic aberrations and offer the highest levels of resolution and contrast when using these lenses.
With its large f/2 aperture, the EF200mm f/2L IS USM targets photographers who seek a brighter lens for portraiture and indoor sports photography. The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM, which will deliver telephoto performance surpassing the current EF 600mm f/4L IS USM lens, is being developed in response to requests from professional sports and news photographers for a high-performance lens that offers a longer focal distance.
Additional information on these lenses will be available in the early part of 2008.
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August 21, 2007
Canon expands EF-S range with two new lenses
Date of announcement: United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 20 August, 2007.
Canon today strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS. With equivalent focal lengths of 29-88mm and 88-400mm respectively, the lenses are the first in the EF-S series to incorporate a 4-stop Image Stabilizer, dramatically extending low-light performance. Both lenses incorporate specialist optics to achieve exceptional image clarity - the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS employing an aspherical lens element with the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS benefiting from an Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) lens element.
The lenses are built to fit exclusively on those EOS cameras with an EF–S lens mount – including the new EOS 40D, EOS 30D, EOS 400D and earlier models.
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a lightweight general-purpose zoom lens that is ideal for handheld photography in a wide range of lighting conditions. Offering high optical quality, the lens has an 11 element, 9 group construction, including one aspherical element for crisp corner-to-corner detail. The lens maintains a closest focusing distance of just 25cm throughout the zoom range, giving photographs the flexibility to frame up close when needed.
EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Compact and lightweight, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers the longest zoom range in the EF-S series to date. The 88-400mm equivalent focal length opens up new framing possibilities for owners of EF-S mount cameras shooting wildlife, sports and travel photography. Optical quality is assured through a UD element, which minimises chromatic aberrations that could otherwise cause reduced contrast and colour fringing.
Availability and pricing
The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS will be available from September 2007 and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS will be available from October 2007, priced at £159.99 / €239.99 and £239.99 / €359.99 RRP inc VAT respectively.
4-stop Image Stabilizer
Canon’s latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second. The inclusion of automatic panning detection makes it easier for photographers to track wildlife and other moving subjects. To ensure consistently accurate results at all zoom positions, the IS system within each lens has been optimised for that lens’ specific focal length range. Since the IS system is based within the lens, the results are visible through the viewfinder when framing the image.
Appealing background blur
Both lenses also incorporate a circular aperture. This helps create an even background blur when depth of field is minimised, giving photographers more creative options for portraiture and similar types of photography.
Super Spectra coatings
Both models employ Canon’s patented Super Spectra coatings to suppress flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.
E-TTL II flash integration
The lenses transmit distance information to the E-TTL II flash system of all current model digital EOS cameras, improving flash exposure metering when used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units.
In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.
Read More >>>
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Canon announces ultra-wide angle EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM
Date of announcement: United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland 20 August, 2007.
Canon today releases its ultra-wide EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM lens. With the shortest focal length in Canon’s renowned professional L-series range, the lens boasts a 114 degree angle of view; exceeded only by Canon’s EF15mm f/2.8 Fisheye. The newly designed lens incorporates aspherical and UD elements to achieve the very highest standards of image fidelity. With the latest Ultrasonic Motor for fast and accurate auto focus and the addition of dust and moisture sealing, it replaces the enormously popular EF14mm f/2.8L USM.
Availability and pricing
The EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM lens will be available from October 2007, priced at £1799.99 / €2599.99 RRP inc VAT.
The EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM lens features:
Extreme resolving power, superb contrast and sharpness across the frame through the use of aspheric and UD lens elements
Large f/2.8 aperture for low-light shooting
Latest Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast and near silent auto focus with excellent holding torque
Full-time manual focus override via a large rubber ring that does not rotate during auto focus
Super Spectra coatings and optimised lens element shaping to suppress flare and ghosting
Large circular aperture diaphragm for good background bokeh and ‘removal’ of distracting backgrounds at wide apertures
Lens hood and pouch included in the box
L-series construction
The L-series is Canon’s flagship professional lens range, designed and built to meet the needs of the most demanding professional photographers. The optics of the EF 14mm and other L-series lenses represent the pinnacle of optical performance, enabling focal length/speed/quality combinations not readily attainable using traditional optical technologies.
New perspectives
The lens’ ultra-wide 114 degree angle of view can be used by photographers to dramatic effect. Effective for photographing buildings and other large subjects where the photographer cannot get enough distance to include everything in the frame, the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM is also ideal for small interiors. The lens’ closest focusing distance of just 20cm allows photographers to get remarkably close to subjects for creative wide-angle shots.
Aspherical and UD elements
The EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM incorporates two aspherical lens elements to ensure high corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the focus range and at wide apertures. Pristine image quality is further assured through the incorporation of an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) element, used to suppress chromatic aberration and associated colour fringing.
Super Spectra coatings
In addition to optimised lens shaping to reduce reflections and the use of anti-reflective material inside the lens barrel, the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM employs Canon’s patented Super Spectra lens element coatings. These suppress flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.
The EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM includes an integrated petal hood and redesigned lens cap. In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.
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August 27, 2006
New Canon 70-200 f4 IS and 50mm f1.2 Lens
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug 24, 2006 – Canon continues its tradition of optical excellence with two new EF lenses - the powerful EF50mm f/1.2L USM and the versatile EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lenses. Both lenses are valuable additions to the EOS arsenal for professional wedding and portrait photographers as well as advanced amateurs - expanding the range of current Canon EF lenses to more than 60 selections.
"The EF50mm f/1.2L USM lens is now the fastest autofocus lens in its class*, which makes it an essential tool for many professional and advanced amateur photographers," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens delivers the legendary sharpness and clarity of the Canon 'L' series lenses in a compact and lightweight design that is easy to use for hand held photography, making it a versatile lens for any photographer."
"Wedding moments unfold at the speed of life and my mission is to artfully document in real time as a lasting history of the newlyweds," said Canon Explorer of Light photographer Denis Reggie, who is known worldwide for captivating wedding and portrait photography. "Many favorite images are made under the challenges of very low light levels, but using superb, fast lenses, the reward is an unmistakable, documentary look. I love the shallow depth of Canon's remarkable "L" series lenses to bring sharp focus and full attention to the bride's eyes... that gives me and my clients compelling images that stand out from the crowd. For my celebrity and society wedding assignments, these new Canon lenses will be prized additions to my gear bag."
The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens - Serious Glass for Serious Photographers
Canon is the only camera manufacturer to provide professionals and advanced amateurs with Digital SLRs that feature full frame sensors, such as the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and EOS 5D digital SLRs. The new EF50mm f/1.2L USM lens complements full-frame cameras, while delivering beautiful results on APS-C/H sized sensor models as well.
The EF50mm f/1.2L USM lens is a strong testament to Canon's heritage of optical excellence. Every aspect of this lens exudes professional quality from its wide 72mm filter diameter to its dust and moisture sealed construction. A high refraction glass molded aspherical lens element helps to minimize spherical aberration, which is crucial in order to provide fine detail and maximum image quality from corner to corner, even when the lens is used wide open. Full frame digital camera users will especially appreciate the benefits of the 50mm focal length, when shooting waist-up portraits while maintaining appropriate subject distance at a wedding.
The large maximum aperture of f/1.2 allows this lens to produce shallow depth of field that softens the background and makes subjects "pop" out of a portrait. Photographers can also take advantage of higher shutter speeds to shoot in lower light and help prevent blurring caused by subject movement or camera shake. In addition to a large aperture, the new lens also has blazingly fast autofocus speed and response time, thanks in part to Canon's ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), which quietly drives the lens. A full-time manual focus feature allows photographers to fine-tune the sharpness of their images, even when the lens is set for autofocus.
Canon designed the EF50mm f/1.2L USM to deliver the best possible optical quality while being tough enough to meet the needs of demanding photographers. Eight lens elements in six groups provide high resolution, while advanced coating suppresses flare and ghosting. A glass molded (GMO) aspherical element ensures maximum image quality by reducing spherical aberration and linear distortion. Dust and moisture resistant components in the lens mount, switches, and focus ring help to protect the lens in a wide variety of shooting conditions.
The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens - Versatile and Compact New EF Lens
Canon is also the only manufacturer to provide a full range of professional zoom lenses in both the high-speed f/2.8 category as well as the compact and lightweight f/4 category. Rounding out Canon's f/4L lens lineup is the new EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens. This "L" series lens is designed for professional or advanced amateur photographers seeking maximum performance and versatility. This is a lens that can handle almost any assignment, ranging from distant subjects to the demanding requirements of up-close and personal portraits as well as nature photography.
The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens stands up to the rigors of professional use The lens is sealed from dust and moisture, and is equipped with the latest generation of Canon's Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, making it an optimal everyday shooter. The image stabilization achieves three shutter speed steps of camera shake correction within 0.5 seconds after the shutter button is depressed halfway and yields correction for up to four full shutter speeds while handheld, providing a new level of performance. Users can also select two IS modes, one for stationary subjects and another for intentional panning.
The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens is the same size as the EF70-200mm f/4L USM lens that remains in the EF lens line, but the new lens adds several valuable features. In addition to enhanced weather sealing and image stabilization, the EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens incorporates a circular diaphragm to create more natural looking background blur, and distance information to aid autofocusing and automatic flash exposure. The lens also suppresses flare and ghosting with advanced coatings and optimal placement of its 20 lens elements in 15 groups. One Fluorite element and two UD (ultra low dispersion) elements thoroughly suppress chromatic aberrations for crisp photos throughout the entire focal range. A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) provides fast and silent autofocusing, while the full-time manual focus function provides maximum control even when the lens is set for AF.
The powerful and fast EF50mm f/1.2L USM lens will be available in November for an estimated selling price of $1,599**. The compact and universal EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM will also be available in November for an estimated selling price of $1,249.**
*As of August 24, 2006
**Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
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February 22, 2006
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM lens
Canon is pleased to announce the launch of its latest professional L-series prime lens: the exceptionally fast EF 85 mm f/1.2 L II USM. With the widest aperture of any lens in the current EF range, the new model becomes Canon’s definitive portraiture lens, offering extremely fine control over depth of field and consummate low light performance. With vastly improved auto focus speed, the lens replaces the popular EF 85mm f/1.2 L USM. As with all L-series lenses, the EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM incorporates the very finest standards of precision optics.
The EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM features:
Canon’s finest standards of image quality
Latest Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast and near silent auto focus
Full-time electronic manual focus override
Super Spectra coatings and optimised lens element shaping to suppress flare and ghosting
Large circular aperture diaphragm for good background bokeh and ‘removal’ of distracting backgrounds
Distance information passed back to the new E-TTL II flash algorithm of all current model digital EOS cameras
Lens hood and pouch included in the box.
L-series construction
The L-series is Canon’s flagship professional lens range, designed and built to meet the needs of the most demanding professional photographers. The superb optics of the EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM and other L-series lenses represent the pinnacle of optical performance, enabling focal length/speed/quality combinations not readily attainable using traditional optical technologies.
Portrait photography
The combination of an almost circular aperture diaphragm for attractive bokeh (evenly graduated blurring of out-of-focus areas) and the extremely narrow depth of field at its widest aperture combine to make this an ideal portraiture and studio lens. With the lens’ aperture at f/1.2, photographers can create dramatic effects such as keeping a model’s eye sharp while blurring the eye lash ends.
Low light shooting
The maximum f/1.2 aperture is the widest in Canon’s current range and provides for shooting in low light conditions without the need for flash or slow shutter speeds. With improved auto-focus speed from Canon’s latest Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), the lens is expected to be popular with professional photographers shooting indoor sports. The USM holds the lens with precision and accuracy, the instant it arrives at the correct focus and without overshoot, and features full-time electronic manual focus override . Super-fine control over depth of field afforded by the lens’ large aperture allows sports photographers to deliberately ‘blur out’ crowds, hoardings and other distracting backgrounds.
Aspheric element
Wide aperture lenses using traditionally manufactured elements suffer from spherical aberration which causes an overall softening and optical ‘smearing’ of the image. To ensure high corner-to-corner sharpness and contrast of in-focus subjects throughout the focus range and at wide apertures, the EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM incorporates a large aspherical lens element with precise variable curvature and a floating group construction.
Super Spectra coatings
In addition to optimised lens shapings to reduce reflections and the use of anti-reflective material inside the lens barrel, the EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM employs Canon’s patented Super Spectra lens element coatings. These suppress flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.
E-TTL II flash integration
The EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM transmits distance information to the E-TTL II flash system of all current model digital EOS cameras, improving flash exposure metering when used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units.
The EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM comes with a cylindrical lens hood and lens pouch.
In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.
Pricing and availability
The EF 85mm f/1.2 II USM will be available from April 2006, priced at £1629.99 RRP inc. VAT/ €2359.99 RRP inc. VAT
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Canon EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM zoom lens
Canon today strengthens its EF-S lens series with the launch of the Image Stabilised wide angle EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. With image quality and construction approaching that of Canon’s renowned professional lenses, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM becomes the fastest standard focal length zoom for EF–S mount cameras such as the new EOS 30D. Combining constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range with Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabiliser, it delivers outstanding wide angle performance and framing flexibility in low light conditions. Specialist optics such as UD glass and aspherical elements help deliver exceptional clarity, sharpness, contrast and colour accuracy.
EF-S mount
The lens fits exclusively on those EOS cameras with an EF–S lens mount – the new EOS 30D, EOS 350D, and earlier EOS 20D and 300D models. (see appendix ‘Technologies Explained for further information on the EF–S mount). The 1.6x multiplication effect of these cameras’ APS-C size sensor gives the lens an effective focal length of approximately 27-88mm.
Image quality
To improve image clarity over the total image area, two Ultra-Low Dispersion glass (UD) elements are employed to eliminate secondary chromatic aberrations that otherwise reduce sharpness and introduce colour fringing. To ensure crisp, high contrast from one corner of the frame to the other, two aspherical lens elements have been introduced to avoid spherical aberrations that can soften images, especially at wider apertures. In combination with digital EOS CMOS sensor and DIGIC II image processor technologies, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM delivers image quality surpassing that required for many commercial applications.
Fixed f/2.8 from 17 - 55mm
Superb optical quality with no change in aperture over the full focal length range allows photographers to set exposure at the widest aperture and concentrate on framing, without concern for adjusting shutter speed at longer focal lengths. The lens employs an almost perfectly circular barrel aperture, helping create attractive, even background blur.
Image Stabiliser
The lens features Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabiliser (IS) for dramatically reduced image blur caused by camera shake. IS significantly extends scope for shooting in low light conditions without flash, or for gaining depth of field. The 3-stop advantage allows a photographer shooting in low light to use a shutter speed of just 1/15 sec instead of 1/125, with no perceptible increase in image blur.
IS automatically detects when the camera is mounted on a tripod, thus preventing feedback loops between the IS sensor and stabiliser motor vibrations.
(See more information on Image Stabiliser, see appendix ‘Technologies Explained’).
Fast, silent auto-focus
The lens’ USM motor employs ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive auto focus with speed and near-silent operation. The constant torque motor moves the focus group at high speed, stopping with precision, accuracy and without overshoot the instant the lens arrives at the correct focus point. Photographers can switch to manual focus instantly and at any time simply by moving the manual focus ring without first having to switch out of auto focus mode.
Harmful reflections eliminated
By optimising Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping, Canon’s engineers have been effective in suppressing flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.
EOS system integration
When used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units and the internal flash of the EOS 350D, EOS 20D and new EOS 30D, the lens passes distance information to the E-TTL II flash algorithm to improve flash exposure metering.
An optional lens hood, made exclusively for the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, and pouch are available.
In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.
Pricing and availability
The EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM will be available from June 2006, priced at £869.99 RRP inc. VAT/ €1259.99 RRP inc. VAT
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August 22, 2005
New Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest professional L-series lens: the lightweight EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM with Image Stabiliser. Dust and moisture resistant and incorporating Canon’s very finest standards of precision optics, the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is designed for reportage, event, travel and celebrity photographers looking for a lightweight and manoeuvrable lens with minimal image quality compromise.
Complementing the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM and EF 70-200mm f/4L USM, the lens completes Canon’s f/4L-series zoom lens range. These lenses are designed for professional photographers requiring a light zoom lens with a fixed aperture throughout the zoom range. For outstanding camera shake reduction, Image Stabiliser allows shutter speeds of 3 stops slower than would otherwise be possible, with no perceptible increase in image blur.
Image Stabiliser (IS) dramatically reduces image blur caused by camera shake. Gyro sensors detect unwanted vibrations, triggering the corresponding movement of a correcting lens group perpendicular to the optical axis. This alters the light path, returning the image to its correct position on the sensor or film plane. The 3 stop advantage means that photographers normally shooting a 105mm lens handheld at 1/125 sec can obtain a shake free result with a shutter speed as low as 1/15 sec, for vastly extended options in low light conditions.
The ring-type USM motor found in the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM employs ultra-sonic frequency vibrations to drive auto focus with unrivalled speed and near-silent operation. A powerful CPU and improved AF algorithm contribute to speed performance. Good holding torque stops the lens with precision and accuracy, the instant it arrives at the correct focus point and without overshoot. Photographers can choose manual focus instantly and at any time simply by moving the manual focus ring without first having to switch out of auto focus mode.
The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM offers the highest possible optical quality with no change in aperture over the full focal range of the lens. This allows photographers to set exposure at the widest aperture and zoom all the way through to 105mm without having to vary the shutter speed. It is the perfect lens for professional photographers looking for a lightweight and extended zoom alternative to its EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM counterpart. The lens employs an almost perfectly circular barrel aperture, helping create attractive, defocused backgrounds.
Posted by Webmaster at 09:33 AM | Comments (0)
New Canon EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM zoom lens. Featuring the latest 3-stop Image Stabiliser (IS) for outstanding camera shake reduction, the lens is also equipped with super responsive auto focus. Replacing the popular EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the world’s first interchangeable lens with IS, the lens is expected to appeal to serious amateur nature and sports photographers looking to achieve outstanding results while shooting hand held.
IS dramatically reduces image blur caused by camera shake. The
EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM features Canon’s latest 3-stop IS, a one-stop improvement over its predecessor. This allows shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible, with no perceptible increase in image blur. Photographers normally shooting a 300mm frame handheld at 1/500s can obtain the equivalent result with a shutter speed of just 1/60s, vastly extending options in low light conditions.
Gyro sensors detect unwanted vibrations, triggering the corresponding movement of a correcting lens group perpendicular to the optical axis. This alters the light path, returning the image to its correct position on the sensor or film plane.
The EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM provides 2-mode IS for shooting immobile subjects. Mode 1 stabilises the image along both the horizontal and vertical axes. For shooting while panning to follow a moving subject, Mode 2 turns off correction in the panned direction and prevents the effect of dragging the subject back through the frame. IS switches off automatically when the camera is mounted on a tripod, thus preventing feedback loops between the IS sensor and stabiliser motor vibrations.
The micro USM motor found in the EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM employs ultra-sonic frequency vibrations to drive auto focus with unrivalled speed and near-silent operation. Good holding torque stops the lens with precision and accuracy, the instant it arrives at the correct focus point and without overshoot. A high speed CPU and optimised AF algorithm result in a significant increase of AF speed compared to that of its predecessor.
A zoom ring locking mechanism is provided that locks the zoom at the wide-angle setting. This ensures that the lens is carried or stored in its most compact position, preventing possible damage caused by the lens extending and hitting obstacles when being carried mounted on a camera with a strap.
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