Photokina 2002: Canon has introduced a new wider replacement for the popular EF 28 - 70 F2.8 L USM lens. The new lens provides wide angle coverage from 24 mm up to a standard-zoom 70 mm, all at a constant maximum aperture of F2.8. Other improvements include a closer minimum focus distance, rubber environment seal around the mount and near circular aperture diaphragm between F2.8 and F5.6.

Canon EF 24 - 70 mm F2.8 L USM Lens Specifications

Canon EOS-1Ds with EF 24 - 70 mm F2.8 L	• Aspherical elements, • UD Lens, • Fluorite elements
MTF chart at 24 mm	MTF chart at 70 mm

Press Release:

CANON WIDENS ITS RANGE OF EF-SERIES LENSES WITH THE ADDITION OF THE 24-70MM F/2.8L USM MODEL

24mm Wide-Angle Coverage, Constant f/2.8 Maximum Aperture Throughout Zoom Range, Superior Optics and Weather-Resistant Design Make it the Perfect All-Purpose Short Zoom Lens

LAKE SUCCESS, NY, September 24, 2002 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) continues to provide professional photographers and enthusiasts with the widest selection of autofocus lenses found in any SLR camera system with the introduction of the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens. The EF 24-70mm f2.8L: USM replaced the current EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM lens and incorporates many advanced and exclusive Canon lens technologies to provide improved performance including the use of two different types of aspherical lens elements and a UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element for obtaining sharper image quality. Its weather-resistant construction makes it extremely durable and reliable even in harsh weather conditions, such as rain or snow, and matches the weather-resistant construction of the EOS-1v 35mm film camera, EOS-1D and newly introduced EOS-1Ds digital models.

"Canon continues to provide photographers with the widest selection of high-quality lenses of any SLR camera system in the industry - analog or digital," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A. "Our customers now have several choices in the wide angle zoom lens range, which allows them to select a lens or series of lenses that is ideal to their style of photography," added Mr. Hashimoto.

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens provides weather-resistant construction in the mount area, switch panel, zoom ring and focusing ring to prevent water and dust from reaching the inside of the lens. This design philosophy matches the performance of the EOS-1v 35mm, EOS-1D and EOS-1Ds digital professional cameras. Revised multi-layer optical coatings were added to minimize ghosting, especially when used with a digital SLR. When used in conjunction with any of these camera models, the system is virtually impervious to moisture, giving photographers the confidence to use it anywhere under almost any condition.

Similar to the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM, the new lens uses an electromagnetically controlled automatic diaphragm designed to maintain nearly circular apertures between f/2.8 and f/5.6. A circular aperture makes blurred points of light appear round and makes the background blur more pleasing for greater effect.

Autofocusing is fast, accurate and silent, thanks to Canon's original ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor). Minimum focusing distance has been reduced to just 15 inches/0.38m. This was achieved through a strengthened optical formula, featuring internal focusing which also enhances focusing speed, durability and handling. Moreover, the lens provides fast and smooth manual focusing in the AF mode through its built-in, full-time mechanical manual focus override.

The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM measures 4.9 inches in length and weighs 33.5 ounces. The new lens, equipped with a lens hood, will be available at authorized Canon dealers in November and have a suggested retail price of $2,100.