Canon Announces Trio of Pro Lenses Including New 24-70mm F/2.8L II

FEBRUARY 07, 2012

By Dan Havlik

Canon took the wraps off three new lenses tonight including the revamped EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM, which will sell for $2,299, starting in April.

The other just announced lenses include two new wide-angle primes: an EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM ($849) and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM ($799). Both those lenses will go on sale in June.

The 24-70mm focal length in an f/2.8 aperture is one of Canon's most popular professional zoom lenses. Version II of the 24-70mm uses one Super UD lens element and two UD lens elements to help achieve better image quality through the full zoom range.

According to Canon, the Super UD and UD lens elements will reduce chromatic aberration in the outer areas of the frame at wide angles. Other features include:

• Lens coatings have been optimized to improve color while minimizing ghosting and spherical aberration

• Circular, nine-blade diaphragm delivers soft backgrounds and better bokeh

• Highly resistant to dust and water with enhanced durability and weather sealing

• Zoom lock lever secures he zoom position for safe transport

• Fluorine coatings on the front and rear glass surfaces to reduce smears and fingerprints

On the downside, the new 24-70mm F/2.8L II does not have optical image stabilization, as some had hoped.

More details on the Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM and the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and the EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

Canon U.S.A. Continues the Tradition of Incredible Optical Quality with the Introduction of Three New Lenses

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2012 — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced two new versions of its coveted Wide Angle Lenses and a new version of its popular 24-70mm Standard Zoom Lens for professionals and  photo enthusiasts. The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM lenses use a rear focusing system, high-speed CPU, and a powerful ring-type Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) with optimized AF algorithms for faster auto focusing and sharp images. With large apertures these new lenses deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds for superior image quality.

“Our heritage is our optics with over 70 years of expertise, we look to continually further our promise to our users and deliver the ultimate image quality,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “These new lenses are powerful tools for photographic and video enthusiasts to pair with Canon cameras to help enable and enhance their creative vision.”

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens for Harsh and Rigorous Conditions
Canon continues the tradition of ensuring the Company’s highest quality optical performance in its L-series lenses with the launch of the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM zoom lens. This new version of one of Canon’s most popular lenses utilizes one Super UD lens element and two UD lens elements to help achieve outstanding image quality throughout the full zoom range. The result is significantly reduced chromatic aberration in the outer area at wide-angle, high resolution and contrast in images and crisp clear edges around the subject. The lens coatings have been optimized to ensure exceptional color balance while minimizing ghosting, and reduced spherical aberration. With a circular nine-blade diaphragm, the lens delivers soft backgrounds and incredible bokeh.

In demand by architectural, corporate, adventure and professional photographers of nearly every discipline, the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens combines amazing image quality with enhanced durability. Highly resistant to dust and water, the new lens has enhanced durability and weather sealing. The lens also features a zoom lock lever to secure the zoom position for safe transport, and fluorine coatings on the front and rear glass surfaces to reduce smears and fingerprints, making it an ideal lens regardless of the conditions.

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens is expected to be available in April for an approximate retail price of $2,299.00.

Canon Standard Prime Lenses with Optical Image Stabilizer: 
EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM & EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM
Empowering landscape and wide-angle photographers with improved optical performance, Canon has upgraded both its EF 24mm and EF 28mm lenses with Image Stabilization technology and Ultrasonic Motor-powered auto focus. Both lenses feature Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology providing up to four shutter speed stops of correction. With the Optical Image Stabilizer turned on, photographers can capture sharp wide-angle images in low-light settings reducing the need for a flash or a tripod. New aspherical lens elements improve the peripheral image quality and a seven-blade circular diaphragm delivers beautiful, soft backgrounds. The silent and smooth operation of each lens makes them ideal choices for shooting video as well. The EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM lenses each have a minimum focusing distances of 0.20m and 0.23m, respectively.

The EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is expected to be available in June for an approximate retail price of $849.99, while the EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is expected to be available in June for an approximate retail price of $799.99.