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| 01/29/04 |
CANON ADDS TWO NEW, TOP-TIER ZOOM LENSES TO ITS ARSENAL OF OPTICAL EXCELLENCE FOR PHOTO PROS AND ADVANCED AMATEURS Wide-Angle-to-Telephoto EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Lens & Compact EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Zoom Add Faster AF and Enhanced Image Stabilization to the Imaging Mix LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Jan. 29, 2004 — The two newest members of Canon's EF lens line continue the company's tradition of providing professional photographers and amateur enthusiasts with the most innovative, peak performance lenses available. Canon's new 11x zoom seamlessly ranges from a true wide angle 28mm to an ultra-telephoto 300mm with extraordinary ease while the company's newest compact Diffractive Optics (DO) lens packs a premier 70-300mm zoom into a lightweight and compact package. Both lenses provide phenomenal flexibility, remarkable results and are invaluable additions to the camera bags of travel, nature and other "on the go" photographers. "Canon's ever-expanding popularity with professional photographers is due in no small part to the extraordinary optics and technological advances found in our extensive line of EF lenses," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ). "These new telephoto zoom lenses are powerful and significant additions to our already substantial selection of general use and highly specialized autofocus lenses and, thanks to their innovative designs, are actual space-savers in the camera bag." Canon
from Far and Wide The EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens that features three ultra low dispersion (UD) glass elements that reduce chromatic aberration, and three Aspherical elements that reduce linear distortion and correct spherical aberration during zooming (keeping image resolution and contrast high), together with superior lens coatings that minimize reflection, especially when used with digital SLRs. The shorter minimum focal length of the new lens versus the previous 35-350mm model also makes the EF28-300mm L zoom more suitable for digital SLRs with image sensors smaller than 35mm format. Among this lens' most significant enhancements is its highly refined Image Stabilization (IS) system with new shake-detecting gyro sensors. IS is now effective for correction of up to three shutter speed steps for handheld photography, 50% better than the original EF75-300mm IS lens. Additionally, IS remains effective with the new EF28-300mm L lens even when it used on a tripod, improving image quality by helping to eliminate the effects of reflex mirror vibration at slow shutter speeds that are typically required in low light. The lens features an IS mode switch that allows the user to select Mode 1 for general stabilization or Mode 2 for deliberate panning. IS is activated within 0.5 seconds of depressing the shutter halfway. Additionally, the EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens features a new, faster autofocus drive thanks to a new AF CPU and revised in-lens software (that accelerates the transmission of data between lens and camera), a powerful, quick and silent ring-type Ultrasonic Motor and an inner focus system that moves only the lens' lighter elements during AF while keeping the front elements stationary. Because of its extended zoom range, the new EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens features push-pull zooming operation (unlike most other EF lenses that utilize a ring-type zoom) though it does have a zoom adjustment ring that allows a user to loosen, tighten or lock the zoom control. The lens also permits closer minimum focus than previously available — from 2.3 feet at all focal lengths — and is capable of filling the frame with a subject as small as 3.2 x 4.8 inches at the 300mm zoom setting. The lens is compatible with optional EF12/EF12II Extension Tubes at all focal lengths and EF25/EF25II at mid-range and telephoto zoom settings. The EF25 provides a maximum magnification of 0.5x, effectively filling the frame with a subject approximately 2 x 3 inches at the 300mm zoom setting. It is also compatible with the 77mm 500D and 500 Close-up lenses for a maximum magnification of 0.58x. The EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens kit includes a newly designed bayonet mount lens hood, a detachable tripod collar and a soft lens case. Great
things from small packages Like its larger and wider-ranging sibling, (the aforementioned EF28-300mm lens), the EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens provides up to three stops of effective shake reduction capability, equivalent to shooting handheld at 1/30 with the stability found on conventional lenses at 1/250. The lens is also equipped with a switch that offers a choice of general stabilization (Mode 1) and deliberate panning (Mode 2). The IS system remains functional when the lens is used on a solid tripod, although handheld usage is the norm thanks to its compact size. The lens' new image stabilizer unit, new compact, shake detection gyro sensors for smoother control of IS optics, and new compact zoom locking mechanism (that locks the lens at its smallest 70mm setting and prevents lens "creeping" while camera is carried on a neck strap) also contributes to the lens' smaller, more comfortable size. Additionally, Canon has improved the Autofocus speed compared with the previous (conventional) 75-300mm IS design lens by providing a larger, ring type Ultrasonic Motor that provides more power and torque than the smaller Micro USM and by designing a new rear-group AF system that moves much lighter and smaller lens elements at the rear of the lens for focus, keeping the larger, front elements from rotating during AF or zoom operation. Here again, enhanced AF CPU and electronics speed the AF data communication with the camera body. The lens'
minimum focus is 4.6 feet at all zoom settings and it is capable of filling
the frame with a subject as small as 4.8 x 7.2 inches at the 300mm zoom
setting. The lens is also compatible with the optional EF12/EF12II and
EF25/EF25II Extension Tubes, providing a maximum magnification of .46x
(nearly half life-size) at the 70mm setting with the EF25 and filling
the frame with a subject approximately 2 x 3 inches in size. The EF70-300mm
f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens is also compatible with two optional close-up
lenses: the 58mm Canon 250D for magnification to 1.18x and the 58mm 500D
for maximum magnification of 0.65x. Available
through authorized Canon dealers in March, the EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS
USM and the EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens carry estimated selling
prices* of $2,499 and $1,299, respectively. # # # All
referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective
owners. |
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