It has been a while since we’ve heard any news from Canon on the EOS M/mirrorless interchangeable lens front. While it was a highly anticipated camera, the first-generation garnered mixed reviews. But recent news out of Europe suggests that improvements might be on their way: a new lens option and faster autofocusing.
The new lens, an EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM (18-35mm equivalent) lens – the first ultra wide-angle zoom with optical image stabilization – gives users a third option in addition to the current EF-M 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM zoom and EF-M 22mm f/2 STM fixed lens. The glass has 12 lens elements in nine groups, and seven aperture blades. It weighs 0.5 pounds, and the collapsible barrel design gives it the size of the 18-55mm lens. According to DPReview, the lens “will allow shooting at shutter speeds three stops slower than usual without the image being degraded by blurring from camera shake. It also includes Canon’s ‘Dynamic IS,’ which offers a wider range of correction during movie shooting. Focusing – both auto and manual – is handled by a linear stepper motor, which promises silent operation during movie recording.” DPReview also says Canon has made some bold claims about the optical quality, suggesting that it “will offer significantly better image quality that the EF-S 10-22mm.”
As of now, the lens has only been announced for the European market, where it will list for £379.99/€399 at the end of June. There is no word of a U.S. release or pricing, but we will update this space if Canon U.S.A. decides to sell it in the market.
The second bit of news should excite current and potential owners even more. Canon is promising a new firmware for the EOS M to coincide with the new lens – in fact, Canon recommends upgrading to the new firmware before using the lens. The firmware is also said to improve autofocus speed with all lenses – slow autofocusing is an issue with the EOS M. The firmware will come out later this month.
Even if the lens never makes it stateside, we are hoping current EOS M owners in the U.S. will get the firmware update, as that could improve performance greatly.
