New Canon Lenses, Image Stabilization for Wide-Angle Lenses

Canon has expanded its EF lens range with the addition of three new lenses – the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM L-series standard zoom and the EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM lenses, which are the first ever wide-angle prime lenses to incorporate Canon’s Image Stabilization (IS) technology.

The EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM replaces the EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM zoom (which was launched in 2002) in Canon’s L-series lens range and features a completely redesigned optical system to provide improved image quality, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m across the zoom range.

The lens’ optical design includes three aspherical lens elements; two of which are Glass Mold (GMo), and the other is ground glass. These combine with two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) elements and a single Super-UD element to provide the highest possible image quality in a lens of this focal length. The new 9-bladed diaphragm (compared to 8-blades in the previous model) produces a circular aperture for pleasing out of focus highlights and attractive bokeh.

To ensure sharp, in-focus images, the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens is fitted with a ring-type USM autofocus motor for fast, silent focusing at all times. The addition of full-time manual focusing allows you to adjust focus manually without first having to switch to MF.

As well as improvements in optical performance the Mark II version of the zoom lens features a new design that is shorter by 10mm and almost 150g lighter, at 805g, than its predecessor. The lens has been made even more durable and is weather-sealed to cope with everyday use in harsh environments in the hands of professional photographers.

Image Stabilizer for prime wide-angle lenses

Both the EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM prime lenses feature a 4-stop Canon Image Stabilizer that will automatically detect panning and compensate accordingly. Combined with the fast maximum f/2.8 aperture, it allows the lenses to be used in low light without needing to raise the ISO setting on the camera. The IS system also aids focusing in low light by presenting a static image to the focusing sensors within EOS camera bodies.

The wide f/2.8 apertures of the lenses allow users to creatively isolate subjects from backgrounds, with the EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM and the EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM having seven-blade circular apertures to help photographers to create dramatic background blur.

The EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is very versatile: it can be used to capture a wide-angle view or you can get in close to the action with a close focusing distance of just 0.20m. Weighing only 280g, the lens is lightweight and ideal for travelling photographers. The lens’ optical design features an aspheric, Glass Mold (GMo) lens element to ensure sharp, high contrast images.

The EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM has a close focusing distance of just 0.23m to let photographers get in close to subjects and, at only 260g, is lightweight and easy to carry. The lens’ optical design ensures sharp, high contrast images thanks to an aspheric, Glass Mold (GMo) lens element.

To ensure sharp, in-focus images, both the prime lenses are both fitted with high-speed ring-type USM autofocus motors for fast, silent focusing at all times. The addition of full-time manual focusing allows you to adjust focus manually without first having to switch to MF.

Source: Canon USA

February 2012