6 November 2012. Canon today introduced two new EF lenses for amateurs and professionals – the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and EF 35mmf/2 IS USM. New lenses with premium optics and a compact body are ideal for a wide range of photography, including reportage, landscape, portrait and travel. Using the latest Canon technology these lenses are the perfect complement to DSLR cameras like the new EOS 6D, and deliver consistently excellent results.
With unmatched performance, both models feature aspherical lenses and Super Spectra coatings optimized for each optical element, as well as industry-leading image stabilization IS technology and ultrasonic motors for faster autofocus. EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM, a state-of-the-art lens with Hybrid IS technology for clear shots at any distance, including macro photography.
EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM – high quality, versatile, Hybrid IS
The EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM, the latest addition to the L-series, complements the standard range of EF zoom lenses for both professional and amateur use. Ideal for reportage and weddings, the lens covers the most popular focal length range and incorporates the high quality construction of the L-series to deliver superb clarity and image quality in a wide range of conditions. The optimized positioning of the lens groups in the macro shots allows the user to achieve a maximum magnification of 0.7x, saving the photographer the trouble of carrying a separate macro lens.
First-class optical system incorporates two aspherical elements and two ultra-low dispersive UD lenses with Super Spectra coating, which minimizes chromatic aberration, color blur, and backlighting.
A constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range gives photographers creative freedom, letting their subjects stand out against beautifully blurred backgrounds at any zoom range. Nine-blade aperture diaphragm design creates dramatic bokeh for moody images.
The EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM boasts an upgraded optical Image Stabilization system for sharper images throughout the zoom range. This newly redesigned system lets you increase shutter speeds by up to four stops without blurring your shots, thanks to Hybrid IS technology, which effectively compensates for angular flicker and lens shift during macro shooting.
Compact Ultrasonic Ring Motor USM delivers ultra-fast autofocus. Achieve accurate, silent, and highly responsive autofocus thanks to USM technology, a high-performance processor and advanced autofocus algorithms. Manual focus available at all times.
The EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM offers both high quality and ease of use. The lens is coated on the outside with a material that resembles leather. The redesigned shape and conveniently located focus and zoom rings provide increased operating comfort.
The body is protected against dirt and moisture, the lens lock function prevents lens damage during transportation, and a fluoride coating prevents dust, dirt and fingerprints from sticking to the front and rear lenses, ensuring outstanding image quality and reducing the need for lens cleaning.
EF 35mm f/2 IS USM – see a bigger world
The new EF 35mm f/2 IS USM offers unsurpassed versatility, providing superb wide-angle shooting in a wide range of scenes. Canon’s first lens with a fixed focal length of 35mm, featuring optical Image Stabilizer.
Lightweight and compact, it’s got great optical performance. The 35mm focal length allows for both close-up portraits and sweeping landscapes, making this lens great for travel or everyday reportage photography.
Superb specifications provide the versatility you need for a diverse range of subjects and scenes. An f/2 aperture offers shallow depth of field, while Optical Image Stabilization lets you increase the shutter speed by four stops without blurring your shots – even when handheld in low light. Automatic wireframe shooting recognition allows photographers to capture images of moving subjects in high resolution.
The EF 35mm f/2 IS USM delivers superb image quality with its pressed glass aspherical lens element at the back of the optical path, correcting aberrations throughout the entire optical system.
Each element also features Super Spectra coatings for anti-spot and low-light performance, delivering superb color balance and reducing the need for post-shot processing. Ultrasonic ring motor and high performance processor for rapid autofocus, with manual focus available at all times.
Key Features of the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM
High-quality 24-70mm lens with f/4 aperture
Low weight
Built-in image stabilization system
Macro function
Dust and moisture protection
Key features of the EF 35mmf/2 IS USM
Wide-angle lens with fixed focal length of 35mm
Image stabilizer that compensates for four exposures
Maximum aperture of f/2
Compact size
Round aperture
These new Canon lenses sound incredibly versatile and seem to cover a wide range of photography needs. I’m curious to know more about their image quality and overall performance. Has anyone had the opportunity to test these lenses in different shooting conditions? How do they compare to other Canon lenses in the same focal range?
Are the new Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and EF 35mm f/2 IS USM lenses truly versatile enough to capture a wide range of scenes such as reportage, landscape, portrait, and travel photography?
Are the new Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and EF 35mm f/2 IS USM lenses versatile enough to handle the wide range of scenes mentioned? I’m particularly interested in using them for reportage, landscape, portrait, and travel photography.