Canon today announced the achievement of a new lens-manufacturing milestone with the production of the company’s 110-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens. Over the past 28 years, since the launch of the company’s proprietary EF lenses and EOS SLR cameras in March 1987, Canon has developed a wide range of innovative technologies and world’s firsts, such as the lens-based Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabiliser (IS) technology, and a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element. Recent innovations have seen the EF range extend into new fields, with the launch of the company’s EF Cinema lenses for digital cinematography in January 2012, and EF-M lenses for its compact system camera, the EOS M, in September 2012. More recently, Canon’s EF 11-24mm f/4L USM (pictured) became the world’s widest rectilinear zoom lens for 35mm full-frame cameras.

Canon Press Release

Canon celebrates production of 110 million interchangeable EF lenses

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 8 July 2015 – Canon today announces the achievement of a new lens-manufacturing milestone with the production of the company’s 110-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens[1] - an EF 11-24mm f/4L USM ultra-wide-angle zoom lens.

Production of Canon’s signature interchangeable EF lens series began in 1987 at the Utsunomiya Plant, when the series was first introduced together with the EOS SLR camera system. Since then, the global demand for Canon’s EOS products and lenses has continued to gather pace and garner support from a wide range of users. In order to meet demand, production has since expanded to a total of four manufacturing bases, including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in southern Japan.

Throughout its history, Canon has continued to drive the imaging industry forward, introducing many world firsts[2]  such as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for use in lenses, Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology.

Launched in February 2015, Canon’s 110-millionth EF lens, an EF 11-24mm f/4L USM, boasts a minimum focal length of 11 mm to achieve the world’s widest angle of view[3].  Boasting a newly designed optical structure, the lens features three aspherical lenses which maximize image quality and deliver minimal levels of distortion.

The Company’s extensive EF lens-series line-up currently comprises a total of 71 models - including EF Cinema Lenses for digital cinematography. Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core expertise, striving to produce exceptional and reliable lenses and cameras, whilst expanding the photographic and video imaging culture. Canon’s range caters to the varying needs of photographers – from first-time users, to advanced amateurs and professionals.

[1] On June 22nd 2015

[2] Among interchangeable lenses for SLR and compact system camera

[3] As of July 8, 2015, based on a Canon survey. Excludes fisheye lenses.

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