Canon Updates Widest Zoom Lenses

2014.05.13

Just today, Canon unveiled its widest rectilinear zoom lenses for both its DSLR platforms. The full-frame EF 16-35mm F/4L IS USM matches its widest lens in a lighter constant-aperture model which adds image-stabilization for the first time on such a wide EF lens.

This ultra-wide-angle lens provides an impressive perspective with the versatility of a zoom. It incorporates a number of high-precision optics, including 3 Glass-Molded aspheric lenses, two UD elements and fluorine coatings. Together with a 9-blade circular aperture, the EF 16-35mm F/4L IS USM promises top-notch image-quality.

Like many other professional lenses, this one is weather-sealed and features quick-shift autofocus. The Canon EF 16-35mm F/4L IS USM is scheduled to be available next month for $1199 USD or $1319 CDN.

For APS-C sensor cameras, Canon also revealed a lens which offers the same angle-of-view. The new EF-S 10-18mm F/4.5-5.6 IS STM offers the widest field-of-view of any Canon lens on cropped-sensor cameras, matching the 10-22mm ones in a much lighter and compact design.

Like its the full-frame one, this ultra-wide-angle is stabilized. Instead of using an ultra-sonic motor which is optimized for fast autofocus, this one uses an STM motor optimized for smooth focus-transitions. This makes it much more suitable for shooting videos, even with continuous autofocus enabled.

The Canon EF-S 10-18mm F/4.5-5.6 IS STM is also scheduled to be available next month for $299 USD or $359 CDN. Only with these lenses, a White Edition of the compact Canon Rebel SL1 DSLR was announced too.

• Digital Camera
• Lens