Canon Telephoto Lenses

New EF 500mm F/4L and EF 600mm F/4L

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2011 — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced two new versions of its popular Image Stabilizer (IS) super-telephoto lenses. The EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM super-telephoto lenses deliver incredible image quality at all apertures for professional photographers and filmmakers. It has been 11 years since Canon initially introduced its Image Stabilized 500mm and 600mm lenses and in that time the Company has listened to feedback from professionals and worked to implement their most desired enhancements.

Replacing the current EF 500mm f/4L and EF 600mm f/4L IS lenses, both the new EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM and new EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM have experienced a drastic weight reduction making them lighter and more durable than their predecessors. Both lenses also achieve a higher level of image quality through the incorporation of two fluorite optical lens elements which help to minimize chromatic aberration and eliminate color blurring around the edges of the subject.   Both new lenses offer improved Image Stabilization, providing the equivalent shutter speed of approximately four steps faster in addition to enhanced durability and operability through thoroughly re-designed optical and mechanical components.

“These lenses were made to be used under the harsh and challenging conditions faced by professionals in the fields of photojournalism, sports and nature photography.  Utilizing valuable customer feedback, we have re-designed these lenses to create a powerful telephoto lens lineup for working professionals,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

Lighter, More Durable and Enhanced

Canon engineers succeeded not only in reducing the overall weight of these lenses but improving on their optical performance as well.  The optical formula of each new lens was re-designed to include two fluorite elements instead of one fluorite and two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass elements. The new lens element configuration weighs less yet performs better.  Other factors contributing to the overall weight reduction include increased use of magnesium alloy, use of titanium and a smaller and lighter Image Stabilizer mechanism.

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