Canon Announces Three New EF Lenses & EOS Accessories
Besides the 5D Mark III, Canon has also announced three new EF lenses and a host of new EOS accessories. The EF24-70mm f/2.8 II USM is the upgrade to the staple 24-70mm, while the EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM are wide-angle prime lenses with image stabilization.
Besides the 5D Mark III, Canon has also announced three new EF lenses and a host of new EOS accessories. The EF24-70mm f/2.8 II USM is the upgrade to the staple 24-70mm, while the EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM are wide-angle prime lenses with image stabilization.
The new EOS accessories include the Speedlite 600EX and Speedlite 600EX-RT flash units, the GP-E2 Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, WFT-E7 Wireless File Transfer unit, and ST-E3-RT Speedlite transmitter.
The various press releases follow.
Canon Singapore launches three new EF lenses for fast, accurate shots
EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM are the world’s first* wide-angle, prime lenses equipped with image stabilization while the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM delivers improved performance with easy portability.
*As of February 2012.
Singapore, 2 March, 2012 – Canon Singapore today unveils three new EF-series interchangeable lenses for its EOS range of digital SLR cameras. The new additions to Canon’s strong arsenal of over 60 lenses include the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, successor to the popular EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM large-aperture, standard zoom lens, as well as the EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM prime lenses which come with an image stabilizer function.
“Capturing crucial moments is key to photographers and Canon wants to offer them the best to help them achieve that,” said Andrew Koh, Senior Director & General Manager of Canon Imaging & Information Products Group, Singapore. “The new EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is built to be more compact and lightweight, with increased performance and usability. The two new wide-angle lenses are equipped with stabilization technology, which gives the photographer a piece of mind to concentrate on capturing the moment.”
EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: The new definition of imaging performance
Offering improved quality imaging over its predecessor, the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM comprises of 18 elements in 13 groups, including one super UD lens element, two UD lens elements and three high-resolution aspherical elements. In addition to effectively correcting chromatic aberrations that tend to occur in the periphery of an image, the design makes high-resolution, high-contrast imaging performance possible across the entire zoom range and image frame, while minimizing incidences of ghosting and flare.
Designed to be durable and usable in all weather and environmental conditions, areas likely to be exposed such as the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring, focusing ring, and zoom ring lock lever of the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM are equipped with a dust-proof and drip-proof structure to prevent dust and water from entering the lens, enabling photography in harsh conditions. In addition, a fluorine coating applied to the foremost and rearmost of the lens enhances oil and water resistance.
To achieve high speed autofocus, the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM also includes a ring-type USM (Ultra-Sonic Motor), a high speed CPU as well as an optimized AF algorithm. Photographers can easily fine tune their focus while in AF mode by manually turning the focus ring. Measuring only 113mm in length and weighing 805 grams, the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM weighs approximately 15% lighter than its predecessor, thus making it easier for the photographer to move about.
EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM & EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM: The new definition of stability
The EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM & EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM are two new lightweight standard wide-angle lenses that claim the honor of being the world’s first wide-angle fixed focal length prime lenses (otherwise known as prime lenses) equipped with an image stabilizer. This innovation provides up to four shutter-speed stops** of stabilization, allowing photographers to have more creativity when using a slow shutter speed.
**Based on a shutter speed of 1/100, a four-stop stabilization theoretically allows the photographer to capture a clear image at 1/6 without the use of a tripod.
The EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM offers a minimum focusing distance of 0.23m/0.75ft while the EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM offers 0.2m/0.66ft. Both distances are closer than their respective predecessors, allowing photographers to have a nearer shot of their subject. Both lenses also employ a USM, a high-speed CPU and an optimized AF algorithm. These three features work together to promise fast auto-focus capabilities for capturing fast moving objects, such as a train moving at full speed, with precise clarity. A full-time manual focus function enables photographers to make fine tuning adjustments to the focus after auto focusing. In addition, both lenses incorporate a glass-mold aspherical lens element to correct a variety of aberrations, while lens coatings and optimal lens placement minimize occurrences of ghosting and flare.
Price & Availability
The EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM will be available in end April, while the EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM will be available in end June at authorized Canon dealers. Recommended retail prices are to be confirmed.
Canon enhances the EOS Ecosystem with full range of new EOS accessories
Singapore, 2 March 2012 – Canon today introduced a complete range of accessories to complement the EOS Ecosystem of DLSR cameras and lenses. They include the Speedlite 600EX and Speedlite 600EX-RT flash units, the GP-E2 Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, WFT-E7 Wireless File Transfer unit, and ST-E3-RT Speedlite transmitter.
“Over the last decade, DSLR usage has widened tremendously and, at Canon, we are encouraged to see that this has given birth to more creative photography. As users become more demanding of their equipment, we have studied their needs carefully and this range of EOS accessories will allow our users to push the boundaries of that creativity further,” says Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of Consumer Imaging & Information Group, Canon Singapore. “The combination of the Speedlite 600EX-RT and ST-E3-RT, for example, is perfect for wireless flash photography without the need for line-of-sight.”
Perfect Lighting
The Speedlite 600EX-RT is Canon's new top-of-the-line flash unit designed for professional photographers who frequently use multiple flash lighting setups, whether in or out of the studio. Its high output and wide distribution of light allows it to lend support to all kinds of shooting conditions, from wide-angle to telephoto shots.
The Speedlite 600EX-RT features an improved flash guide number (approx 60) and wider flash coverage range from 20 to 200mm. It is also capable of supporting the field of view of 14mm focal lengths with the extendable wide angle diffuser panel pulled out.
When shooting in low-light situations, the phase detection AF-assist beam in the Speedlite 600EX-RT facilitates autofocusing with the AF frame of all EOS cameras, including full 61-point AF coverage in the EOS-1D X and the new EOS 5D Mark III. The AF-assist beam of the Speedlite 600EX-RT is effective up to 10 meters away. It also makes use of a new dot-matrix LCD that provides detailed information on settings and features with a more intuitive user-interface and thus easier to view. The buttons are also backlit allowing for easier adjustments in studios and low-light environment. Extremely reliable, the new flagship Speedlite is dust-and water-resistant. It is also bundled with a filter holder and two color filters.
With its ability to use radio transmissions to communicate with other Speedlites, the Speedlite 600EX-RT supports both radio and optical communication for maximum versatility. Radio transmissions offer many advantages over traditional optical communication, as it has a much longer range, does not require line-of-sight, and can be used under sunlight. It can be planted inside a soft box, face away from the camera, and be placed up to 30m away. For photographers who do not require the use of radio transmission, the Speedlite 600EX is a non-radio variant of the Speedlite 600EX-RT.
Complementing the Speedlite 600EX-RT is the ST-E3-RT Speedlite transmitter. The ST-E3-RT Speedlite transmitter uses the same radio transmission functions as the Speedlite 600EX-RT, and can control 5 groups and up to 15 Speedlites 600EX-RT slave units. The ST-E3-RT Speedlite transmitter is also similar to the Speedlite 600EX-RT in terms of durability, and the use of the new dot-matrix LCD panel.
Currently, the only cameras to natively support the radio capabilities of the Speedlite 600EX-RT and ST-E3-RT Speedlite transmitter are the new EOS 5D Mark III and the EOS-1D X. For cameras released before the EOS-1D X and EOS 5D MARK III, Canon has released the SR-N3 release cable. With this cable, EOS cameras with the N3 remote control terminal (e.g. EOS-1D series, EOS 7D, EOS 60D) will be able to make use of the new Speedlite 600EX-RT and ST-E3-RT Speedlite transmitter.
Perfect Location
Geotagging, or affixing location data including date and time to an image, was previously only available through a complicated and expensive set up. Canon's answer to this challenge is the GP-E2 GPS receiver – a compact and affordable GPS receiver designed to be used with new EOS cameras from the EOS-1D X and new EOS 5D Mark III onwards.
Under favorable conditions, the GP-E2 GPS receiver is able to acquire GPS satellite signals in 30 to 60 seconds. As the GP-E2 GPS receiver is highly-sensitive, satellite reception is possible even in less favorable areas such as between tall buildings. It can be mounted either on the camera's hot shoe or via a mounting bracket (AB-E1) if the hot shoe is required for a Speedlite.
Perfect Communication
For professional photographers who prefer to transfer images directly into their computers whilst shooting, the new WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter is an advanced accessory designed for midrange EOS cameras, increasing the photographer’s mobility by transferring image files via wired or wireless LAN.
The WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter supports the new IEEE802.11n wireless network standard, which enables high-speed Wi-Fi transfer speeds three times faster than before. By supporting Gigabit Ethernet, wired LAN transfer speeds are also three times faster than before.
The LAN functions provided by the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter include FTP transfer, controlling linked cameras via the EOS Utility, transferring images to compatible media players (such as new model TVs and digital photo frames) and linked shooting.
Bluetooth connectivity also allows the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter to receive and transfer location data from a commercially available GPS receiver. The WFT-E7 can be connected directly onto a camera, or via a mounting bracket should a battery grip be in use.
AB-E1 Accessories bracket
An accessories mounting bracket is required for the GP-E2 GPS receiver to be used together with an external flash, or the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter to be used in conjunction with a battery grip. The AB-E1 accessories bracket is designed for this purpose, and is able to mount the GP-E2 GPS receiver and WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter on a camera when their primary connections are in use.
Pricing & Availability
The new accessories will be available at authorized Canon dealers in end April. Recommended retail prices are to be determined.
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