Canon Unveils New Lenses

February 7, 2011: Coinciding with the announcements of its new EOS DSLR cameras, Canon has also released details of five new lenses.
The L-Series range of lenses for professional photographers has been extended with two new models, the EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and the EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM. Built with magnesium alloy and titanium components, both lenses are significantly lighter than their

predecessors, yet offer superior structural strength. Canon has reduced the overall weight of the EF 500mm lens by 17.5% from 3,870 to 3,190g, and the overall weight of the EF 600mm lens by a substantial 26.9%, from 5,360 to 3,920g. The length of the EF 500mm lens is reduced by 4mm, while the EF 600mm is 8mm shorter than previous models.

Canon’s new EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM super-telephoto lens. (Source: Canon.)
Both lenses include two high-performance fluorite elements to minimise chromatic aberration and increase contrast. Like their predecessors, individual lens-element placement and coatings are optimised to minimise ghosting and flare. The new Image Stabiliser (IS) now offers three modes: the standard IS mode 1, an improved IS mode 2 for panning and a new IS mode 3 for shooting irregularly moving objects. Minimum focusing distance has been reduced from 4.5 m to 3.7 m for the EF 500mm lens and from 5.5 m to 4.5 m for the EF 600mm lens.

The new EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens. (Source: Canon.)
Both lenses include a new Fluorine Coating that prevents dust and grime from attaching to the front and rear external surfaces of the lenses. Water-proofing has also been improved. In addition, lead-free glass is used in consideration of the environment. The EF500mm f/4L II USM and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM are expected to ship in May and June respectively.
Canon has also announced the addition of a new telephoto zoom lens to its L-series range: the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM with built-in Extender 1.4x III. It is expected to ship in July 2011. In addition two new standard zoom lenses, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III, have been added to the EOS EF-S line-up.

The new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III lens. (Source: Canon.)
The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III is a standard zoom lens that is light and compact and will replace the standard kit lens with future EOS kits. It includes aspherical lenses and coatings plus a redesign that positions elements to minimise ghosting and flare. Consisting of 11 elements in 9 groups it has a circular aperture and optimised AF control.

The new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens. (Source: Canon.)
The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II is a second-generation standard zoom lens with built-in image stabilisation that provides a shutter speed advantage of approximately four f-stops. Light and compact, is has a similar optical design to the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III and weighs only 200 grams.
For more information, phone Canon on 1800 021 167, or visit www.canon.com.au.