Canon has two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for its DSLR cameras – one for pros, another for entry-level users. The company also came out with an all-white version of the EOS Rebel SL1, which includes a matching white EF-S 18-55mm kit lens.
The EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is the first wide-angle zoom lens in the L-series to include optical image stabilization, Canon says, “for shake correction up to four shutter speed steps, making handheld shooting possible in dimly lit scenes where camera shake can occur.” There’s also a processor inside the lens that picks best IS mode by determining if the camera is being handheld or panning. “This technological advancement supports a greater range of creative expression for photographers in otherwise difficult shooting situations, such as dark indoor scenes where flash photography is prohibited, or in places where a tripod cannot be used, or when shooting at low ISO speeds,” according to Canon.
Made for all Canon DSLRs – full-frame models in particular – the lens uses a USM (ultrasonic motor) for quiet autofocusing, which is key if you’re doing any video or need your camera to be silent in your work. It also uses “newly developed, high quality Canon optics that incorporate three glass-molded aspheric lens elements, including a large-diameter aspheric lens, which help improve image quality by correcting aberrations. Two additional UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens elements help reduce chromatic aberration from edge to edge throughout the entire zoom range for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast.” There’s a nine-blade circular aperture for creating nice soft backgrounds. The glass is coated with fluorine on the front and read to prevent dust particles from building up, while minimizing ghosting and keeping color balanced.
At $1,200, this lens is geared toward professionals and enthusiasts, but it’s designed to deliver excellent image quality.
At the other end of the price and performance spectrum is an ultra-wide-angle lens for everybody else. The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is suited toward DSLRs with APS-C sensors; the $300 price point is especially attractive for users of entry-level DSLRs like those in the Rebel series. Like the more expensive lens above, the EF-S 10-18mm has optical image stabilization for shake correction up to four shutter speed steps, yet it’s compact and lightweight due to a different construction. (Compared to the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM currently in the lineup, Canon says this new lens is 20-percent smaller and 38-percent lighter.) There’s a stepping motor (STM) for quiet autofocusing, and one UD lens element to reduce chromatic aberration. This lens has multi-layer coatings, but uses a seven-blade aperture instead.
Both lenses will hit stores in June.
In addition to the two new lenses, Canon also announced that an all-white version of the EOS Rebel SL1 will be available at the end of June, for $800. Billed as the world’s smallest DSLR, there’s nothing new other than the color, but it gives buyers an option other than black. It will come with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens. For more about the SL1 – a Digital Trends Recommended camera – check out our review.
