Canon Australia - Canon Celebrates Production of 40-millionth EF Lens

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Canon Celebrates Production of 40-millionth EF Lens

Sydney, 28 April 2008 - Canon Australia is celebrating a new milestone in lens production with news that Canon's EF lenses has exceeded 40-million units.

Production of the proprietary EF (electro-focus) lens started in 1987, coinciding with the launch of Canon's EOS SLR camera system. Canon commemorated the production of its 10-millionth EF lens in August 1995; its 20-millionth in February 2001; its 30-millionth in January 2006 and a mere two years and three months later, has now surpassed the 40-million-unit mark.

"We are extremely proud of this achievement, as it reflects our users' high level of satisfaction with the innovative technology and quality offered by EF lenses," said Chris Macleod, Product Manager Digital SLR, Canon Australia.

"The EF lens line-up includes more than 60 lenses, making it the largest range of interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras in the world."

Canon's current EF lens line-up comprises 64[1] models including standard and super-telephoto zoom lenses, Image Stabiliser-equipped lenses, large-aperture lenses, macro lenses, and TS-E lenses. In September 2003, Canon expanded its EF lens line-up with the introduction of the EF-S series of lenses, in conjunction with the launch of the highly acclaimed EOS 300D Digital SLR camera. The EF-S line-up, optimised for use with digital SLR cameras, incorporates APS-C size image sensors.

"Our comprehensive product line-up effectively caters to the wide-ranging needs of a broad user base, from novice photo enthusiasts to advanced amateur and professional photographers. As the industry leader in Australian photography, we believe high image quality starts with the right lens, a philosophy that will see regular additions and updates of models throughout the EF range," concluded Macleod.

This spring, Canon will be adding two new high-performance L-series telephoto lenses to its line-up: the large-aperture EF 200mm f/2L IS USM (available from April 30, 2008) and the super-telephoto model EF800 f/5.6L IS USM, the world's longest focal length lens[2] to feature an Image Stabiliser system (available from late May 2008).

World firsts for the EF lens range

The history of Canon lens development is described by a string of world-first technologies. These include:

First commercialisation in 1987 of the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for use in interchangeable SLR camera lenses. Now employed in most EF lenses, USM provides high-speed, near-silent auto focus.

First use of an aspherical lens element in an interchangeable SLR lens to eliminate the spherical aberrations that soften the image quality of conventional lenses.

First introduction of fluorite, UD (Ultra-dispersion) and Super UD lens elements in interchangeable SLR lenses in order to correct chromatic aberrations.

First interchangeable lens to incorporate an Image Stabilizer (IS). Converted into shutter speed, the effect of Canon's latest IS allows for handheld photography at about three stops less, with no perceptible increase in image blur. IS is now incorporated into twelve current model EF lenses.

First and still the only company in the world to incorporate a diffractive optical (DO) element into an interchangeable SLR lens. Using diffraction rather than refraction as the primary means of focusing light, Canon's EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM and EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lenses produce outstanding image quality, yet are significantly lighter and smaller than similarly specified conventional lenses.

First 10x zoom (EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM).

Longest focal length at largest aperture (EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM).

For more information on Canon's range of EF and EF-S lenses, customers can contact Canon on ph: 1800 021 167 or visit the website at canon.com.au.

NB:
[1] Including EF-S lenses, two EF lens extenders, and two telephoto lens models (on sale in spring 2008)
[2] As of April 16, 2008