The lens has built-in LEDs which illuminate small objects while minimising the shadows it casts with a tapered edge design. It offers life-size (1:1) magnification, capturing subjects as close as 30mm from the front of the lens. This close working distance and magnification level means it is ideal for revealing the tiny and intricate details of subjects such as jewellery, food and crafts.
The built-in Optical Image Stabilizer with Hybrid IS compensates for angular and linear movement. This is especially useful for handheld macro shooting as this is prone to exaggerate camera shake, often causing unwanted blur.
The built-in Macro Lite offers flexible lighting options by allowing photographers to alternate between two lights located on each side of the lens, or use both at the same time. At the press of a button the strength of the lighting can be adjusted. Furthermore, to allow for versatile shooting with natural and off-camera light, the design of the attachable lens hood minimises shadows cast onto the subject by the lens, as well as reflections of the lens cast by the subject.
The f2.8, 7-blade circular aperture creates beautiful bokeh by rendering out-of-focus areas of a photo smoothly and separating the subject from its surroundings. Super Spectra Coating reduces flare and ghosting to maintain contrast and colour.
For movie-makers, the quiet focusing of the STM focus motor captures movies without distracting noise, while its smooth shifts in focus create cinematic effects.
The EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM will be available from May 2017 with an RRP of £399.99 / €479.99.