NewsFebruary 2011

Previous news story    Next news story

Canon celebrates 60 millionth EF lens production

CP+ 2011: Canon is celebrating the production of its 60 millionth EF lens. The Electro Focus (EF) mount series was introduced in 1987 with the launch of the EOS system of 35mm autofocus SLRs. A press release from the company stresses milestones in its history.

Press Release:

Canon achieves another EOS landmark with the production of its 60 millionth EF lens

London, UK, 7th February 2011 – Canon today announces another EOS milestone with the production of its 60 millionth EF lens, 24 years after the first EF lens launched.  

This significant landmark was achieved on 11th January 2011 during the production of an EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM, just thirteen months after the production of the company’s 50 millionth EF lens.

Canon’s current Electro Focus (EF) mount lens line-up is comprised of over 60 models, with focal lengths ranging from 8mm to 800mm, and a wide range of specialist macro, tilt and shift and fisheye models aimed at all levels of photography, from amateur to professional.

The story began in 1987 with the birth of the first camera in the EOS system, the EOS 650, and has since seen many ground-breaking advances in technology, including:

• In  1987, the first lens with an Ultrasonic Motor – the EF 300mm f/2.8L USM – was introduced for professional sports and wildlife photographers
• In 1995 Canon launched the world’s first interchangeable lens with Image Stabilizer – the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM for sports and wildlife enthusiasts
• In 2001 the first lens to incorporate Canon’s multi-layered diffractive optics elements launched – the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM for professional sports and wildlife photographers on the move
• 2008 saw the first lens to use Canon’s SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) – the EF 24 mm F/1.4L II USM for professional landscape photographers
• The world’s first lens with Hybrid IS was launched in 2009 – the EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM for close-up macro photography

Most recently, in 2010, Canon unveiled the world’s first fisheye zoom lens, the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, offering both circular and full frame images.

Kieran Magee, Professional Imaging Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe: “Canon has been at the forefront of ground-breaking imaging technology for over 70 years and the EOS system now offers the photographer a very comprehensive range of lenses.”

“The announcement of the production of our 60 millionth lens confirms our commitment to continue to support so many photographers and further promote technical innovation, from optical design to electronics and production engineering.”