Twenty-five years after the first Electro Focus (EF) lens launched, Canon announced that it had reached a milestone by producing the 80 millionth lens in the series. The manufacture of Canon’s EF lenses first began in March 1987 alongside the introduction of Canon’s first EOS SLR camera system at the company’s Utsunomiya plant. The range now comprises over 76 different models including two EF lens extenders and models available outside of Japan. In addition to a range of EF and EF-S lenses designed for DSLRs, the line-up now includes an expanding selection of 4K-resolution EF Cinema Lenses. In July 2012, Canon also announced a new line of EF-M lenses developed specifically for the company’s EOS M compact system camera.

Canon Press Release

Canon celebrates production of 80 million EF lenses

London, UK, 21 August 2012 – Canon today announces the achievement of a new lens manufacturing milestone, following the production of the company’s 80-millionth EF lens. This new milestone comes just nine months after announcing the production of the 70-millionth lens in October 2011 and coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Canon EOS System.

“Since the first ever EF lens was produced in 1987, we’ve been dedicated to providing the best possible performance to users of all levels.” said Steven Marshall, Product Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging, Canon Europe. “Using decades of expertise and the latest optical technologies, our EF lens range offers both outstanding image quality and creative flexibility – whether you shoot stills or video. This is an incredible milestone, and speaks volumes about the quality and popularity of our EF lens line-up.”

EF lenses – consistent precision, complete versatility
Production of Canon’s world-renowned EF lens series first began in March 1987 alongside the introduction of Canon’s first EOS SLR camera system at the company’s Utsunomiya plant. Over the past 25 years the range has continued to pioneer technical advancement in the industry through the introduction of a series of innovative technologies, including the world’s first¹ Ultrasonic Motor-powered lens (USM) and Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, as well as a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element, and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology.

Designed to offer both photographers and videographers exceptional creative flexibility, the EF lens series now comprises over 76 different models².  In addition to a range of EF and EF-S lenses designed for DSLRs, the range now includes an expanding selection of 4K-resolution EF Cinema Lenses that provide class-leading professional video performance. In July 2012, Canon also announced a new line of EF-M lenses developed specifically for the company’s EOS M compact system camera, which combine Canon’s signature image quality with compact, lightweight designs.

EF lens production milestones:
Since production began in 1987, development has expanded to a total of four production facilities.

1995: Production of EF lenses surpasses 10-million units

2001: Production of EF lenses surpasses 20-million units

2006: 30-million EF lenses produced

2008: 40-million-unit milestone reached in April

2009: 50-million units produced

2011: 60-million units reached in January

2011: Production of EF lenses rises by ten million in just nine months to reach the 70-million mark in October

¹Among interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras
²Including two EF lens extenders and models available outside of Japan

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