Announcing Two New Canon EF Lenses and EOS M Kit

Canon has just announced two additions to their expansive EF lens lineup: the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS and the EF 35mm f/2 IS. These lenses fit into the lineup where previous lenses exist, but improve upon these lenses with the addition of image stabilization and more refined optical technology to produce overall sharper, clearer imagery. Also being released is a second EOS M kit featuring the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. This kit offers an alternative for those looking for a zoom lens to use with the EOS M other than the EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM lens kit that was previously announced.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS

The EF 24-70mm f/4L IS is a standard length zoom lens covering wide to portrait focal lengths and offering a moderately large maximum aperture to help control depth of field and improve shooting in lower light situations. While the f/4.0 maximum aperture is not the fastest among 24-70mm zoom lenses offered by Canon, it does offer a lighter weight alternative than the f/2.8 version. This reduction in weight is ideal for photographers working in outdoor conditions who are photographing moving subjects or carrying other gear and looking to save on overall weight and space. The f/4.0 maximum aperture is also constant throughout the entire zoom range, which is ideal for HDSLR shooting, due to the fact that you can maintain the widest aperture while zooming during video recording. Also contributing to improved video performance is the inner focusing mechanism, that maintains a consistent lens length when focusing or zooming, and an Ultrasonic Motor (USM) that provides fast and quiet autofocusing.

Contributing to the low-light performance, fast-paced situations and close subject shooting, built-in image stabilization provides up to four stops equivalent of camera shake reduction, and the Hybrid IS stabilization benefits macro shooting by countering both angular and shift types of camera shake. In regard to macro shooting, this lens has a maximum magnification of 0.7x for near life-size reproduction of subject matter, and macro capabilities are easily accessible through a one-touch system when zoomed to the long end of the focal-length range. When working outside of the macro mode, close focusing is still possible with a minimum focus distance of 15” throughout the entire zoom range.

This lens is also the newest member of Canon’s L-series of lenses, which are known for their optical and overall build quality. Two aspheric and two ultra-low dispersion elements produce high image quality with improved sharpness and clarity throughout the zoom range, while also helping to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortion. The front and rear elements feature a fluorine coating that reduces soiling and fingerprints on the surface of the lens and also aids in cleaning your lens when you're abroad in the elements. The lens housing itself is resistant to dust and water, making this lens an ideal companion for use in inclement weather.

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS

The second lens being introduced by Canon, the EF 35mm f/2 IS, is a wide angle prime lens featuring a fast maximum aperture and built-in image stabilization. The optical image stabilization provides compensation for about four stops, making this lens truly ideal for working in low light. The image stabilization system also works to determine normal shooting and panning techniques, and utilize the best stabilization mode, depending on the manner in which you are shooting. This lens also features one glass-molded aspherical lens to provide high image sharpness and even peripheral illumination, which is further enhanced by optimized lens coatings to minimize flare and ghosting.

The EF 35mm f/2 IS truly excels in HD video applications, due to a rear focusing system and ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast, quiet, and accurate focusing. Also contributing to video usage are full-time manual focus (FTM) capabilities when working in autofocus mode: by turning the focusing ring, the lens will automatically switch over to manual mode to allow for personalized, fine-tuning of focus. Another mechanical consideration that benefits video recording is a micro-stepping drive for switching aperture settings. Like the focus system, this mechanism provides near-silent performance that is necessary for changing settings while recording.

Canon EOS M Mirrorless Digital Camera with EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

The EOS M is Canon’s first mirrorless camera, and features an 18-megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor. The combination of these technologies provides high image quality, expanded sensitivity to ISO 25600, and full HD movie recording. This newly formed kit includes the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, a standard length zoom lens that is equivalent to 28.8-88mm in 35mm format. The lens features three aspheric elements to help reduce flare and ghosting, while providing overall sharp and clear imagery.  The optical image stabilizer provides a four-stop equivalent reduction in camera shake that benefits low-light photography as well as when working at the long end of the zoom range. This lens also incorporates the new STM stepping motor, which works in concert with the Movie Servo AF system of the EOS M to provide extremely quiet, smooth focusing when recording HD video.