Digital Camera News

February 22, 2007

Canon Announces New 16-35mm Lens, 580 EX II Speedlite, and Wireless Transmitter for 1D Mark III

February 22, 2007 – Along with last night’s breaking news of the EOS -1D Mark III release, Canon announced three new accessories to compliment the new DSLR, including a wide angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8 II USM lens, 580EX II Speedlite Flash, and Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A. Pricing and availability has not yet been announced, although the new 1D Mark III is slated for spring release.

The new Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens is compatible with all EOS-SLRs, according to yesterday’s press release. The new lens has the same focal length as Canon’s older EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM lens, announced with the launch of the EOS-20D. The new 16-35mm, however, adds fully sealed gaskets to lock out dust and moisture. Matched with the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, the lens is geared towards dust reduction and increased durability. The USM lens has three aspherical elements and two Ultra Low Dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations, according to the release. The new EF 16-35mm glass also adds new anti-flare and anti-ghosting coatings.

Canon also launched a new 580EX II Speedlite that will replace the previous Speedlite 580EX model. Sporting a new design, the 580EX II will also offer increased protection against dust and moisture with its new gaskets, like the 16-35mm lens.

"Fully compatible with all EOS SLRs, the new Speedlite 580EX II is gasketed for dust and moisture resistance, making it possible for users of EOS-1 class digital SLRs and many L-series EF lenses to use flash safely when shooting in dusty or wet environments," stated the release.

The newest Canon flash comes with a metal hot shoe and an enhanced lock for increased sustainability with external metering for non-TTL auto flash and a PC port for slave flash.

Geared for photojournalists and sport photographers, the new accessories also include a WFT-E2A Wireless File Transmitter that allows users to instantly transfer files remotely in Live View, according to the release. In addition, users can connect the WFT-E2A transmitter to GPS devices to record coordinates and altitude. For added security, users can opt for the Canon Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 that requires verification for wireless file transmit.

The new Canon 16-35mmm wide lens, 580EX II flash, and image transmitter will be on display at PMA next month.