Setting New Benchmarks: Canon Launches Three New EF Lenses and Two EX Speedlites

[MJ]

Latest releases from Canon include the lightweight super-telephoto EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM, EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM and the compact EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS II lenses, as well as new outstanding additions to its EX Speedlite range.

Singapore, 04 March 2010 - Canon Singapore today launches a new range of EOS lenses and accessories to open up new photographic dimensions for professional photographers and advanced amateurs. The range introduces three new lenses and two speedlites, which include two new lightweight, super-telephoto EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM lenses, designed to meet the needs of the most demanding sports and wildlife photographers. It also includes the newly improved compact EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS II, a compact and affordable lens which give amateur photographers a wider variety of excellent lenses to choose from. Lastly, two new Speedlite 320EX and Speedlite 270EX II have joined the Speedlite family, equipping photographers with more options in creative lighting techniques.

“We are proud to unveil the latest additions to our EF lenses and EX Speedlite range. The latest products represent a marked improvement from their predecessors in terms of capabilities and performance. In addressing the concerns of our consumers on the portability of our big lenses, our engineers succeeded in not only keeping the new lenses lighter but also in enhancing the optical performance of the lenses,” said Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Division, Canon Singapore. “With our consistent emphasis on research and development, our new products are guaranteed to address the ever-changing conditions and demands that photographers face today.”

New Levels of Performance – EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM
It has been 11 years since Canon introduced its Image Stabilized 500mm and 600mm lenses. Taking into consideration the feedback of professionals, the new EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM lenses have gone through a drastic weight reduction making them lighter and more durable than their predecessors. Built from magnesium alloy constructions with titanium components, the EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM has had a remarkable 27% reduction (1.4kg) in weight compared to its predecessor, while the EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM is now 17% (680g) lighter.

With Canon’s rich heritage in the manufacturing of fluorite lens elements, both lenses feature completely
re-designed optics from their predecessors. They also feature 16 elements in 12 groups and make use of two high performance fluorite elements hence delivering high resolution and high contrast shots which are packed with every intricate detail. In addition to the fluorite lens elements, the new super-telephoto lenses also include a nine-blade circular diaphragm for a smoother appearance in areas outside the depth of field of the main subject.

Both lens’ optical elements also feature Canon’s Super Spectra Coatings and a SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC), optimised to effectively reduce ghosting and flare. A water-repellent fluorine coating is also used on the surface of the front and rear elements, repelling dust and dirt for clearer shots, and keeping the front element free of marks by ensuring water droplets run off the lens quickly.

Capturing more precise images
Both models feature Canon’s latest Image Stabilizer system, offering outstanding image quality during handheld shooting and allowing users to shoot at speeds up to four times slower than normally required. IS Mode 2 features new algorithms to improve performance when panning, and the new IS Mode 3 is also included, assisting users when switching between subjects by activating the IS unit only during exposure.

Both lenses offer a constant f/4 aperture, allowing photographers to achieve excellent image quality in low light and capture clear, sharp shots of fast-moving subjects. The wide aperture also allows users to creatively isolate their subjects from the background, with a nine-blade circular iris creating a beautiful background blur that instantly adds atmosphere to an image.

Rapid, quiet Auto Focus (AF) is provided by a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM). Photographers can also utilise full-time manual focusing functionality, which enables the fine-tuning of focus even when the AF system is activated, providing even greater control over image capture. Power Focus mode also assists users during video shooting, allowing the photographer to smoothly adjust focus during filming by twisting the focus recall ring.

Compact and Lightweight - EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS II
Designed as the successor to the EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS, the EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS II inherits the highly regarded optical design utilised in its predecessors. Featuring a high-precision aspherical lens element, the lenses compensates for chromatic aberrations that can occur while zooming in to deliver high resolution, high contrast imaging performance.

Through optimised lens positioning and coatings, the model greatly minimizes the flare and ghosting commonly associated with digital camera photography. Furthermore, the EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS II includes an optimised control algorithm that has been aligned with the Image Stabilizer structure and characteristics, achieving image stabilisation equivalent to approximately four shutter-speed stops.

Get creative with different lighting techniques – Speedlite 320EX & Speedlite 270EX II
Designed for EOS Digital SLR (DSLR) owners who want to use creative lighting techniques to make their photography more engaging, both the Speedlite 320EX and Speedlite 270EX II are compatible with Canon’s distance-linked E-TTL II system, and can be used on-camera

or as slave units controlled by a separate master unit or the Integrated Speedlite Transmitter of the EOS 600D, EOS 60D and EOS 7D.

A compact portable flash unit, the Speedlite 270EX II is a high-power flash with a guide number of 27 (m/ISO 100) and fast, silent recycling between shots. Flash settings can be manually controlled through the camera menu system, and photographers can experiment with the manual bounce flash head for different effects, as well as the zoom head to ensure efficient light distribution across the scene. Providing the freedom for photographers to light a scene in a range of different ways, the Speedlite 270EX II launches with additional slave capability, allowing for creative, off-camera use. A new Remote Release function also wirelessly triggers the shutter release on a compatible EOS DSLR, allowing users to set up lighting without having to make repeat trips to the camera.

Another new product is the Speedlite 320EX which serves as a reliable secondary flash for photographers. A new feature for this Speedlite is the ability to light a scene when recording movies. Built with a Video Light function, it works in tandem with the EOS Movie function by enabling users to illuminate low light scenes continuously when capturing HD video. Specially created for the new EOS 1100D and EOS 600D, the Speedlite 320EX has an Auto Light mode which ensures that the LED light automatically turns on or off according to the ambient light of the scene when in Movie mode.

An LED flash offers a guide number of 32 (m/ISO 100), as well as the ability to change the flash coverage from 24mm to 50mm by manually extending or retracting the flash head. The flash head can also be rotated for more flexible bounce (flash) shooting, creating a wider variety of lighting effects.

The Speedlite 320EX’s slave utility allows it to be controlled by a master unit via one of four selectable channels. Flash group A, B or C can also be selected, controlling the relative power of the flash
and the resulting lighting effect. In enhancing its versatility during a studio shoot, the Speedlite 320EX also features the Remote Release functionality, allowing users to trigger their camera from the flash.

Pricing and availability
Pricing and availability for the new lenses will be announced at a later date. The EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS II will be bundled with the EOS 600D and EOS1100D kits.

The Speedlite 320 EX and 270 EX II will be available at all authorised Canon dealers at S389.00 and S$269.00 respectively. Date of availability to be confirmed.