PMA 2006: The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is announced today. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM will be available from June 2006, priced at £869.99 / €1259.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new constant aperture EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM zoom lens; a great low-light performer

Canon today strengthens its EF-S lens series with the launch of the Image Stabilised wide angle EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. With image quality and construction approaching that of Canon’s renowned professional lenses, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM becomes the fastest standard focal length zoom for EF–S mount cameras such as the new EOS 30D. Combining constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range with Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabiliser, it delivers outstanding wide angle performance and framing flexibility in low light conditions. Specialist optics such as UD glass and aspherical elements help deliver exceptional clarity, sharpness, contrast and colour accuracy.

EF-S mount
The lens fits exclusively on those EOS cameras with an EF–S lens mount – the new EOS 30D, EOS 350D, and earlier EOS 20D and 300D models. (see appendix ‘Technologies Explained for further information on the EF–S mount). The 1.6x multiplication effect of these cameras’ APS-C size sensor gives the lens an effective focal length of approximately 27-88mm.

Image quality
To improve image clarity over the total image area, two Ultra-Low Dispersion glass (UD) elements are employed to eliminate secondary chromatic aberrations that otherwise reduce sharpness and introduce colour fringing. To ensure crisp, high contrast from one corner of the frame to the other, two aspherical lens elements have been introduced to avoid spherical aberrations that can soften images, especially at wider apertures. In combination with digital EOS CMOS sensor and DIGIC II image processor technologies, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM delivers image quality surpassing that required for many commercial applications.

Fixed f/2.8 from 17 - 55mm
Superb optical quality with no change in aperture over the full focal length range allows photographers to set exposure at the widest aperture and concentrate on framing, without concern for adjusting shutter speed at longer focal lengths. The lens employs an almost perfectly circular barrel aperture, helping create attractive, even background blur.

Image Stabiliser
The lens features Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabiliser (IS) for dramatically reduced image blur caused by camera shake. IS significantly extends scope for shooting in low light conditions without flash, or for gaining depth of field. The 3-stop advantage allows a photographer shooting in low light to use a shutter speed of just 1/15 sec instead of 1/125, with no perceptible increase in image blur.
IS automatically detects when the camera is mounted on a tripod, thus preventing feedback loops between the IS sensor and stabiliser motor vibrations.
(See more information on Image Stabiliser, see appendix ‘Technologies Explained’).

Fast, silent auto-focus
The lens’ USM motor employs ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive auto focus with speed and near-silent operation. The constant torque motor moves the focus group at high speed, stopping with precision, accuracy and without overshoot the instant the lens arrives at the correct focus point. Photographers can switch to manual focus instantly and at any time simply by moving the manual focus ring without first having to switch out of auto focus mode.

Harmful reflections eliminated
By optimising Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping, Canon’s engineers have been effective in suppressing flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.

EOS system integration
When used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units and the internal flash of the EOS 350D, EOS 20D and new EOS 30D, the lens passes distance information to the E-TTL II flash algorithm to improve flash exposure metering.

An optional lens hood, made exclusively for the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, and pouch are available.

In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.

Pricing and availability
The EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM will be available from June 2006, priced at £869.99 RRP inc. VAT/ €1259.99 RRP inc. VAT

Reader enquiries
UK – 08705 143723 / www.canon.co.uk    
Eire – (01) 2052400 / www.canon.ie

Technologies Explained

EF-S lens mount
The compact APS-C size sensor of select EOS cameras such as the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS 350D and EOS 300D has paved the way for a range of relatively compact and lightweight EF-S mount lenses. These lenses project a smaller image circle than would otherwise be necessary to cover a full frame sensor or a frame of 35mm film. The ‘S’ in the EF S nomenclature stands for the term ‘short back focus’. This describes the system that allows for both a smaller image circle and positioning of the rear lens element closer than normal to the camera’s sensor.

Cameras with an EF-S lens mount can accept both EF lenses and EF-S lenses, while EF-S lenses can only fit to cameras with an EF-S lens mount. A white lens mount index differentiates the lens from other EF lenses, which retain their traditional red marking. A rear rubber ring prevents any damage in the event that an inadvertent attempt is made to mount an EF-S lens to a camera with an EF mount.

Image Stabiliser
IS works by using gyro sensors and circuitry to detect and measure unwanted vibrations. Tiny servo motors then create corresponding movement of a correcting lens group perpendicular to the optical axis. This alters the light path, returning the image to its correct position on the sensor or film plane. Unwanted movement is corrected fast enough to suppress effectively the vibrations of moving vehicles and aircraft such as helicopters.

About Canon (UK) Limited
Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for the home and office environments.

Canon has a global philosophy of Kyosei - living and working together for the common good, which clearly demonstrates commitment to customers, staff and the environment shared by all.

Canon (UK) Ltd is the UK marketing and sales operation for the US$33 billion global company based in Tokyo, Japan.  In the UK Canon employs over 2,000 people in various locations including Ireland and has achieved sales of £522m in 2004.

The main business focus for Canon (UK) Ltd, covers two clearly defined market segments: Business Solutions covering both the office and professional printing environments (including: multifunctional printers, IT consultation and peripherals: photocopiers, printers, fax machines, document management hardware & software, multimedia LCD projectors) and Consumer Imaging (input solutions: film and digital cameras, camcorders, binoculars and scanners; and output solutions: Ink Jet printers, fax machines, desktop multifunctionals and multimedia projectors).

Product specifications: EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

Image size APS-C
35mm film equivalent focal length (mm) 27-88
Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) 68º 40’ - 23º 20’,
48º - 15º 40’,
78º 30’ - 27º 50’
Lens construction (elements/groups) 19/12
No. of diaphragm blades 7
Minimum aperture 22
Closest focussing distance (m) 0.35
Maximum magnification (x) 0.17 (at 55mm)
Distance information Yes
Image stabilizer 3-stops
AF actuator Ring USM²
Filter diameter (mm) 77
Max. diameter x length (mm) 83.5 x 110.6
Weight (g) 645
Magnification with Extension Tube EF12 II 0.45-0.231
Magnification with Extension Tube EF25 II 1.71-0.51
Lens hood EW-83J
Soft case LP1219
G.F. Holder III (hood III*) NC
G.F. Holder IV (hood IV*) (0)
Extenders EF1.4x II and EF2x II Not compatible

1 Only compatible at tele.
2 Mechanical full-time manual focussing built-in

* Maximum number of Hood III/IV attachable. In the case of zoom lenses, the maximum number applies to the shortest focal length.

NC: Not Compatible with Gelatine Filter Holder III/IV.

** Product specifications subject to change without notice