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| The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS consists of 11 elements in 9 groups and uses an Aspherical lens element to correct aberration. Like other EF-S lenses, this wide zoom is designed for use with cameras that employ APS-C-size sensors such as the EOS Digital Rebel XTi and just-announced Canon EOS 40D. The competitively priced lens will hit the market at $199.99 in October 2007. |
Canon has released improved versions of two of its SLR lenses, a low-cost digital-only wide zoom and a pricey full-frame wide-angle prime.
The new f/3.5-5.6, 18-55mm EF-S zoom improves upon Canon's existing lens with the same specs by offering built-in image stabilization. Canon claims the IS provides up to four stops of additional shooting latitude. Like other EF-S lenses, this wide zoom is designed for use with cameras that employ APS-C-size sensors such as the EOS Digital Rebel XTi and just-announced Canon EOS 40D. The competitively priced lens will hit the market at $199.99 in October 2007.
At the other end of the spectrum, Canon has improved the f/2.8 14mm prime in its premium L line. According to the company, the optical enhancements include reduced chromatic aberration and better edge-to-edge sharpness with digital SLRs that use APS-C, APS-H, or 36mm x 24mm (full-frame) sensors. The 14mm lens will be available in October 2007 for $2199.
PRESS RELEASE:
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Developed in response to consumer demand for a high-quality yet affordable optically image stabilized lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS standard zoom lens adds a phenomenally flexible lens to the EOS 40D SLR shooter's imaging arsenal. While it features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor, this new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens offers the significant advantage of a true lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction.
The higher performance provided by Canon's lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low-light, long-zoom or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What's more, the shooter can see the image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady, more accurate framing and composition is possible, the AF point can be placed more precisely, and the photographer can concentrate on the optimal shot more comfortably.
Compact and lightweight, the optional EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS 40D SLR and any other EOS SLR that takes EF-S lenses including the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, EOS Digital Rebel XTi, EOS Digital Rebel XT and the original EOS Digital Rebel camera. An ideal complement to the EOS 40D SLR, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores in October at an estimated selling price of $199.99.
The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is scheduled for early September delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,299.00. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,499.00.
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
Designed primarily for discerning landscape and architectural photographers, the Canon EF14mm f/2.8L II USM lens is ideally suited to the EOS-1Ds Mark III's full-frame capability. Measuring 3.7 inches in length and weighing in at under 23 ounces, this ultra-wide angle L-series prime lens is well corrected for rectilinear distortion, provides a 114-degree diagonal angle of view, and delivers high-speed autofocus with higher image quality overall including superior peripheral image quality, compared to its predecessor, the stalwart EF 14mm f/2.8L USM lens.
While its large diameter, high-precision aspherical and UD elements, optimized lens element positioning, and flare and ghost-reducing lens coating ensure that this lens delivers the top optical performance in its professional class, Canon has added other features photographers have been asking for – improved dust and water resistance incorporated around the mount, switch panel and focusing ring, and a round aperture that creates a nice background blur and makes it easier to recognize an out-of-focus scene in less than brightly lit conditions. Furthermore, Canon has created a new lens cap specifically for the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM that is held to the lens by a stopper. The Canon EF14mm f/2.8L II USM lens is scheduled to begin shipping to stores in October at an estimated selling price of $2,199.
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