Canon announces trio of new lenses

Canon has updated one of the pros favourite lenses, the 24-70mm f/2.8. The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM features completely redesigned optics in a more compact design.

There are now two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and one Super UD aspheric elements to minimize chromatic aberration and colour blurring.

Each element also has a Super Spectra coating to reduce ghosting and flare, while a fluorine coating minimises the amount of dust, dirt and fingerprints that can get on the front of the lens.

The new 24-70 f/2.8 sports an Ultrasonic Motor (USM), though not IS as some rumour sites thought would be the case. Thanks to its L-series designation, expect a very durable build with a water and dustproof construction.

The other two new lenses announced are the EF 24 f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM. These two fast primes are the world's first 24mm and 28mm fixed wide-angle lenses to feature IS technology.

They both offer an advantage of up to 4-stops over lenses without IS, with both also featuring a USM motor.

As with the new 24-70mm, both lenses feature redesigned optics. These include an aspherical glass moulded (GMo) lens element to correct aberration throughout the lens range. Both lenses feature a distance scale and compact design similar to Canon's professional L-series range.

Price and availability to be confirmed.

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM - key features

All-new optical design delivers exceptional sharpness
Ultra-low dispersion (UD) and super UD elements
Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture
Sealed against dust and moisture
Fast, silent ultrasonic autofocus
Manual focus override
Nine-bladed circular aperture

EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM - key features

24mm wide angle lens (38mm equivalent on APS-C sized sensors)
Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture
Up to four-stop Image Stabilizer
Ultrasonic autofocus mechanism
Circular aperture for soft background blur
Super Spectra coatings reduce flare

EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM - key features

28mm wide-angle lens (45mm equivalent on APS-C sized sensors)
Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture
Up to four-stop Image Stabilizer
Ultrasonic autofocus mechanism
Circular aperture for soft background blur
Super Spectra coatings reduce flare