Canon has announced three new lenses. The EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM zoom is an update to the EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM, while the EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM are the world’s first (according to Canon research as of February 2012) wide-angle prime lenses to feature optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology.
EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM: an ultra-high performance standard zoom
The new EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM features completely redesigned optics. It offers a compact design and a range of optical enhancements for improved performance – capturing greater detail across the frame while reducing distortion throughout the entire zoom range, particularly at the maximum 70mm focal length.
With an optical system that includes two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and one Super UD aspheric elements to minimise chromatic aberration and colour blurring, the lens delivers consistently sharp, high-contrast images. Each lens element also features Canon’s optimised Super Spectra coatings to reduce ghosting and flare and ensure excellent colour balance. Additionally, a fluorine coating minimises the amount of dust, dirt and fingerprints that adhere to the front and rear of the lens, helping to maintain superior image quality.
There is a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m at all focal lengths throughout the zoom range. A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) works in combination with a high-performance CPU and advanced AF algorithms to ensure accurate, silent and ultra-responsive autofocus. For those who prefer to maintain full control in every shot, full-time manual focusing allows photographers to precisely tweak or alter the focus of their shot at any time, even when AF is engaged.
The EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM is the latest lens from the elite L-series to offer Canon’s high-grade and user-focused design enhancements. The mechanical structure of the lens has been improved to offer enhanced zoom durability and greater shake and shock resistance within the lens barrel. The size of the lens has also been reduced by 10mm compared to the previous model, providing enhanced portability and greater convenience in everyday use. A new Zoom Lock lever also enables photographers to lock the zoom position at the extreme wide end to prevent damage to the lens in transit, while a water and dustproof construction (waterproof construction around the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring, focusing ring and zoom lock; weatherproof when used with weatherproof EOS bodies) enables users to continue shooting in harsh conditions.
Introducing the world’s first wide-angle primes with IS
Canon has also announced the new EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM lenses – the world’s first 24mm and 28mm fixed wide-angle lenses to feature optical IS technology. Ideal for landscape and reportage, the lenses combine fast apertures with IS to enable sharp results when shooting handheld, even in low light conditions.
Both lenses offer an advantage of up to 4-stops over lenses without IS. Both feature a wide f2.8 aperture, allowing photographers to explore shallow depth-of-field, or to shoot in lower-light conditions. Canon’s advanced IS technology is able to detect intentional panning movement and automatically switch from Normal IS mode to Panning IS mode – helping users to capture movement with greater accuracy.
Silent, high-speed AF performance is provided by the inclusion of a ring-type USM and additional features including optimized AF control. Full-time manual focusing also ensures adjustments can be made even when AF is engaged, while a minimum focusing distance of 0.20m (EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM) and 0.23m (EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM) allows photographers to get even closer to smaller or more detailed subjects.
Both the EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM feature redesigned optics to improve image quality and reduce the need for post-production. An aspherical glass moulded (GMo) lens element is incorporated to correct aberration throughout the optical system, while Canon’s optimised Super Spectra Coatings reduce ghosting and flare for stand-out image quality. Externally, both models also boast a number of design similarities with Canon’s professional L-series lenses, with a similar coating on the barrel and a similar design on the focus ring. A distance scale is also included to assist with landscape photography, while the compact design makes these lenses an unobtrusive addition to any kit bag.
EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM – key features
All-new optical design delivers exceptional sharpness
Ultra-low dispersion (UD) and super UD elements
Fast f2.8 maximum aperture
Sealed against dust and moisture
Fast, silent ultrasonic autofocus
Manual focus override
Nine-bladed circular aperture
EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM – key features
24mm wide angle lens
Fast f2.8 maximum aperture
Up to four-stop Image Stabilizer
Ultrasonic autofocus mechanism
Circular aperture for soft background blur
Super Spectra coatings reduce flare
EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM – key features
28mm wide-angle lens
Fast f2.8 maximum aperture
Up to four-stop Image Stabilizer
Ultrasonic autofocus mechanism
Circular aperture for soft background blur
Super Spectra coatings reduce flare
Availability and prices are not yet confirmed.
EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM: an ultra-high performance standard zoom
The new EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM features completely redesigned optics. It offers a compact design and a range of optical enhancements for improved performance – capturing greater detail across the frame while reducing distortion throughout the entire zoom range, particularly at the maximum 70mm focal length.
With an optical system that includes two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and one Super UD aspheric elements to minimise chromatic aberration and colour blurring, the lens delivers consistently sharp, high-contrast images. Each lens element also features Canon’s optimised Super Spectra coatings to reduce ghosting and flare and ensure excellent colour balance. Additionally, a fluorine coating minimises the amount of dust, dirt and fingerprints that adhere to the front and rear of the lens, helping to maintain superior image quality.
There is a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m at all focal lengths throughout the zoom range. A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) works in combination with a high-performance CPU and advanced AF algorithms to ensure accurate, silent and ultra-responsive autofocus. For those who prefer to maintain full control in every shot, full-time manual focusing allows photographers to precisely tweak or alter the focus of their shot at any time, even when AF is engaged.
The EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM is the latest lens from the elite L-series to offer Canon’s high-grade and user-focused design enhancements. The mechanical structure of the lens has been improved to offer enhanced zoom durability and greater shake and shock resistance within the lens barrel. The size of the lens has also been reduced by 10mm compared to the previous model, providing enhanced portability and greater convenience in everyday use. A new Zoom Lock lever also enables photographers to lock the zoom position at the extreme wide end to prevent damage to the lens in transit, while a water and dustproof construction (waterproof construction around the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring, focusing ring and zoom lock; weatherproof when used with weatherproof EOS bodies) enables users to continue shooting in harsh conditions.
Introducing the world’s first wide-angle primes with IS
Canon has also announced the new EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM lenses – the world’s first 24mm and 28mm fixed wide-angle lenses to feature optical IS technology. Ideal for landscape and reportage, the lenses combine fast apertures with IS to enable sharp results when shooting handheld, even in low light conditions.
Both lenses offer an advantage of up to 4-stops over lenses without IS. Both feature a wide f2.8 aperture, allowing photographers to explore shallow depth-of-field, or to shoot in lower-light conditions. Canon’s advanced IS technology is able to detect intentional panning movement and automatically switch from Normal IS mode to Panning IS mode – helping users to capture movement with greater accuracy.
Silent, high-speed AF performance is provided by the inclusion of a ring-type USM and additional features including optimized AF control. Full-time manual focusing also ensures adjustments can be made even when AF is engaged, while a minimum focusing distance of 0.20m (EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM) and 0.23m (EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM) allows photographers to get even closer to smaller or more detailed subjects.
Both the EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM feature redesigned optics to improve image quality and reduce the need for post-production. An aspherical glass moulded (GMo) lens element is incorporated to correct aberration throughout the optical system, while Canon’s optimised Super Spectra Coatings reduce ghosting and flare for stand-out image quality. Externally, both models also boast a number of design similarities with Canon’s professional L-series lenses, with a similar coating on the barrel and a similar design on the focus ring. A distance scale is also included to assist with landscape photography, while the compact design makes these lenses an unobtrusive addition to any kit bag.
EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM – key features
All-new optical design delivers exceptional sharpness
Ultra-low dispersion (UD) and super UD elements
Fast f2.8 maximum aperture
Sealed against dust and moisture
Fast, silent ultrasonic autofocus
Manual focus override
Nine-bladed circular aperture
EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM – key features
24mm wide angle lens
Fast f2.8 maximum aperture
Up to four-stop Image Stabilizer
Ultrasonic autofocus mechanism
Circular aperture for soft background blur
Super Spectra coatings reduce flare
EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM – key features
28mm wide-angle lens
Fast f2.8 maximum aperture
Up to four-stop Image Stabilizer
Ultrasonic autofocus mechanism
Circular aperture for soft background blur
Super Spectra coatings reduce flare
Availability and prices are not yet confirmed.