Canon advances its range of L-Series lenses for professionals
Two new high-performance, super-telephoto lenses with superior optics and reduced weight will impress professional photographers

Canon Australia today unveiled two new L-series professional lenses for Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras, further strengthening Canon’s rich heritage in super telephoto lens technology.

The new EF500mm f/4L IS II USM and the EF600mm f/4L IS II USM are designed for professional photographers and keen enthusiasts seeking a lens offering high-performance, and superior image and build quality – perfect for shooting fast-paced sports, photojournalism, nature and wildlife.

“Canon’s latest L-series professional lenses have set a new standard of excellence against which other large-aperture, super-telephoto lenses will be measured,” said Cathy Hattersley, Brand Manager – EOS Professional, Canon Australia. “Succeeding the widely-acclaimed EF500mm f/4L IS USM and EF600mm f/4L IS USM, the latest EF500mm and EF600mm lenses boast redesigned optics and significant weight reduction, which render them unmatched for image quality and handling in their class.”

“Canon continually invests to advance its optical systems and build quality to give our professional photographers the edge they need to stay ahead of the game,” added Hattersley.

Both the EF500mm and the EF600mm use two high-performance fluorite lenses, which keep chromatic aberration to a minimum and achieve high-resolution, high-contrast images allowing photographers to capture rich, true-to-life detail. Like their predecessors, individual lens-element placement and coatings are optimised to minimise the ghosting and flare that can occur when shooting for digital.

Built with magnesium alloy and titanium components, both lenses are significantly lighter than their predecessors, yet offer superior structural strength, making them easier to keep still and ideal for the toughest shooting conditions over extended periods of time. Canon has reduced the overall weight of the EF500mm lens by 17.5 percent from 3,870 to 3,190g, and the overall weight of the EF600mm lens by a substantial 26.9 percent, from 5,360 to 3,920g. A more streamlined body design has also reduced the length of the EF500mm lens by 4mm, and the EF600mm is 8mm shorter.

In addition, Canon’s highly effective built-in Image Stabilizer (IS) has been redesigned to deliver outstanding results when capturing moving subjects – delivering the equivalent effect of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster.

The new Image Stabilizer (IS) now offers three modes. IS mode 3 enables shooting irregular moving objects blur-free, making the EF500mm and the EF600mm lenses ideal for soccer or football photography. IS mode 2 has been upgraded to deliver sharper motion panning shots, while IS mode 1 remains unchanged.

To further improve effectiveness, especially for nature and wildlife photography, both new lenses offer the shortest focusing distance of their class. The EF500mm delivers a minimum focus distance of 3.7m (previously 4.5m) and the EF600mm achieves 4.5m (previously 5.5m). Both lenses work brilliantly with Canon lens extenders designed for the L-series.

Fluorine Coating has been applied to the front and rear external surfaces of the lenses to reduce clinging dust, dirt build up and smear – a feature wildlife photographers in particular will appreciate. Coupled with improved water-proofing, these lenses are built for even the most demanding conditions. In addition, lead-free glass is used in consideration of the environment.

Canon has also announced the addition of a new telephoto zoom lens to its L-series range with the development of the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM with built-in Extender 1.4x III, expected to ship in July 2011.

Key Features: EF500mm f/4L II USM lens and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM lens

·         Lens construction: 16 elements in 12 groups (previously 17 elements in 13 groups)

Ultimate optical performance:
EF500mm: 2x fluorite and 3x extraordinary dispersion lens
EF600mm: 2x fluorite and 2x extraordinary dispersion lens

Reduced weight:
EF500mm: under 3,190g (predecessor was 3,870g)
EF600mm: under 3,920g (predecessor was 5,360g)

Closer focusing distance:
EF500mm: focusing distance reduced from 4.5 to 3.7m – shortest in its class
EF600mm: focusing distance reduced from 5.5 to 4.5m – shortest in its class
·         Maximum magnification: 0.15x

·         Maximum aperture: 1:4.0

Built-in Image Stabilization function: equivalent effect of a shutter speed approximately four steps faster
Mode selection: Mode 1 corrects vibration normally (all directions); Mode 2 corrects vibration in only one direction, horizontally or vertically, during panning; and Mode 3 corrects vibration only during exposure (new feature)
Improved durability and better dust- and waterproofing in the mount, the switches and on the switch panel, the AF stop buttons, focus recall and focussing ring
AF Stop buttons on the front of the lens to easily stop auto-focusing at any time
Optimised for video capture: a new power focus mode (PF) that enables smooth focus change
Higher-grade exterior design: constructed with magnesium alloy for main components and use of titanium in some parts for strength and reduced weight
Optical system constructed with lead-free glass
Security slot provided in locking knob on tripod mount
Compatible with L-series II or III extenders
 
Pricing and Availability:

The EF500mm f/4L II USM and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM are expected to ship in May and June 2011 respectively, through authorised Canon Professional Dealers nationally (RRP $TBC). For more information customers can contact Canon on 1800 021 167, or visit the website at canon.com.au.