August 20, 2007 – Canon today announced three new EF lenses, a weatherproof battery grip, and a wireless file transmitter, complementing the introduction of two new digital SLRs, the EOS 1Ds Mark III and the EOS 40D. Read on for details on the following products: the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM lens, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens, BG-E2N Battery Grip, and WFT-E3A Wireless File Transmitter.
EF-14mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
As the upgrade to the current 14mm f/2.8L USM lens, this ultra wide-angle lens is specifically designed for full frame sensor cameras, particularly to be paired with the EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR introduced today. Like the weatherproof 1Ds Mark III, this 14mm lens has weatherproof seals for a full weather-resistant equipment system. The wide aperture lens promises improved optical quality and reduced chromatic aberrations.
“This is a sharper lens than the original [across all] fields, but it is especially sharper at the corners,” said Chuck Westfall, Canon’s director of media and consumer relations, in an interview with DigitalCameraInfo.com.
The Canon EF14mm f/2.8L USM will retail for $2,199, the same price as its predecessor, when it is released in October.
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
This standard zoom range lens adds image stabilization to the older EF-S 18-55mm lens. While the focal range and aperture range remain the same, Canon included the stabilization system to reduce blur caused by hand shake and moving subjects. The EF lens uses a new optical formula that allows users to control camera movement for up to four stops, according to Westfall.
“[The lens offers] really high quality performance, better than what could be had with a body-type stabilizer as far as the amount of control,” Westfall said. “You can actually see the stabilization effect while you are shooting."
The EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS will retail for $199.99 when released in October.
EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens
Canon Global introduced a third lens - the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS. The lens will not be immediately available in the U.S. This telephoto zoom lens is the economy supplement to the new EF-S 18-55mm, described above. The pair is intended to be an updated two-lens kit for Canon DSLR customers. Pricing and availability have yet to be announced.
Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A
With the release of the EOS-1Ds Mark III, Canon also announced the supplementary wireless file transmitter so users can immediately send photos to their laptops while shooting. The screw-on transmitter attaches to the bottom of the camera and uses an auxiliary shutter button and dial. Users can transfer files via Wi-Fi connection or an Ethernet cable.
“You can transmit straight into your computer or you can operate that Live View function from your computer,” Westfall said. “While you are sitting at a computer screen, up to 492 feet away, you can actually see what’s going on directly under the camera’s CMOS sensor and fire the camera.”
The Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A will retail for $799.99 when released next month.
Battery Grip BG-E2N
The BG-E2N battery grip replaces the B-E2. The improved grip is weather-resistant and intended to be matched with the weatherproof EOS-40D, launched today. The grip is also reverse compatible with the 30D and 20D. The battery grip can accept one or two BP-511 batteries to double the shooting capacity. The BG-E2N also accepts six AA batteries with an optional tray.
“The BG-E2N is a very versatile accessory that a lot of photographers will prefer,” Westfall said.
The BG-E2N Battery Grip will retail for $270.
