Canon announce two new EF wide angle lenses

May 13^th, 20142

Canon announce two new EF wide angle lenses

by Tim FokMay 13^th, 2014

Canon has announced two new instalments to add to their vast EF lens line up; the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM and Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM. The latter more excitingly bringing us the widest full frame lens from Canon supporting Image Stabilization.

The 16-35mm f/4L IS USM broadens Canons flagship L series lens line, matching the focal length of the already popular 16-35mm f/2.8 II L; the new wide angle comes in a stop slower at f/4 and with the addition of a 4-stop effective IS system.

To say it’s a replacement of the 16-35mm f/2.8 II would not be true, both lenses will serve different purposes and Canon has been known to release similar lenses in the same range, offering small spec differences to aid different scenarios. For an example just look at the standard zoom range; Canon offer a 24-70mm f/2.8 II L, 24-70mm f/4 IS L and 24-105mm f/4 IS; all of which are still currently in production.

The 16-35mm f/4 IS shares the same appearance to other new Canon L lenses; it’s fairly evident that this will be the new look of the handhold-able L series zooms. The focus barrel is broad with tight rubber ribs for grip, having used the similar looking 24-70mm F/2.8 L II a fair bit I can vouch for the predicted feel of this lens; well built and weighted.

In terms of weight, it does come in slightly lighter than the 16-35mm f/2.8 II, which at first maybe a surprise due to the added Image Stabilization feature. However it is perhaps more understandable under close inspection as the 16-35mm f/4 IS has a smaller front diameter of 77mm (compared to 82mm of the 16-35mm f/2.8 II), resulting in less glass (no doubt to compensate for the smaller aperture).

The Image Stabilization features a new “intelligent CPU in the lens automatically selects the optimal IS mode by recognizing differences between normal handheld shots and panning”. This is a nice addition, previous IS lenses such as the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II L had a manual switch on the side to enable the desired type of Image Stabilization; this new feature removes a thought process for the user.

The 16-35mm f/4 IS has 16 elements in 12 groups, with a 9 rounded blade aperture. MFT charts can be found below, I expect this lens to perform very well optically.

I can see this lens being great for stabilizing devices; the wide angle view and Image Stabilization will be great assets to Glidecam and Movi systems.

The 16-35mm f/4 IS L is available for pre-order now, here are the specifications of the lens.

Focal Length 16 – 35mm
Aperture Maximum: f/4
Camera Mount Type Canon EF
Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Angle of View 108° 10′ – 63°
Minimum Focus Distance 11.02″ (28 cm)
Elements/Groups 16/12
Diaphragm Blades 9, Rounded
Filter Thread Front:77 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.25 x 4.44″ (82.6 x 112.8 mm)
Weight 1.35 lb (615 g)

Furthermore to Canons EF line up is the addition of the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM. It sports a white collar (rather than red), meaning it resides in Canons entry level lens line. Being an EF-S lens it means that this is a cropped sensor lens only; it will not have full (if any) support on a full frame camera. This lens is reserved for all of Canons APS-C DSLR bodies, and the likes of the Canon C100, C300 and C500.

Like the new 16-35mm f/4, the Canon 10-18mm also features IS. And like many new Canon white collar lenses utilizes Canons STM system, enabling quiet and efficient auto focus for photo and video.

The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is also available for pre-order and naturally comes in at a much lower price range. Below are the lens specifications.