New EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 II USM, EF 35-80mm f/4-5.6 III and EF 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II Offer Economical Design and Lead-Free Glass for Moderately-Priced Quality Optics Based on advanced design and manufacturing techniques, the newest additions to Canon's line of EF lenses each incorporate the use of lead-free glass for achieving higher environmental safety standards. The new designs have also made it possible to reduce the overall cost of manufacturing the lenses while maintaining the highest optical quality.

The EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 II USM is a 4X zoom lens that provides photographers with a variety of picture-taking opportunities including portraits, nature and landscapes, and close-up action shots when extended to its maximum focal length of 300mm. Enhancements to the rubber pattern on the exterior of the lens barrel is designed for a more secure hold when shooting. A special matte exterior coating has been applied to achieve overall continuity within the entire EF line of lenses.

The EF 35-80mm f/4-5.6 III zoom lens is comprised of 8 elements in 8 groups, with a 3-group zooming system. The first lens group in the zoom system is responsible for focusing and moves to compensate for the zooming action while the second group, which contains the aperture unit, moves to compensate for changes in magnification. The third lens group is fixed and consists of a plastic molded aspherical lens. Collectively, these lens groups allow photographers the luxury of a wide zoom range in a light and compact format. The lens also uses a DC motor as the AF actuator, replacing the micro USM (Ultra-Sonic Motor) traditionally found in Canon EF lenses. To keep the AF operation silent, a rubber belt drive is used for a single step reduction in the focusing gear unit.

The EF 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II, an economical compact zoom lens, is an attractive addition to the accessory line-up for EOS Rebel X and Rebel XS cameras. Like the EF35-80mm f/4-5.6 III, the EF80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II uses a DC belt drive motor to reduce noise as well as manufacturing costs.

The new additions to Canon's line will be available at Authorized Canon Dealers in late February or March and will have the following suggested list prices:

EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 II USM ($ 430)
EF 35-80mm f/4-5.6 III ($ 170)
EF 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II ($ 280)

Specification                     EF35-80 III   EF75-300 USM II EF80-200 II
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Focal Length Range                35-80mm       75-300mm        80-200mm
Maximum Aperture                  f/4.0-5.6     f/4.0-5.6       f/4.5-5.6 
Optical Formula (groups/elements) 8/8           9/13            7/10 
Focusing Motor Type               DC Belt Drive Micro USM       DC Belt Drive
Lens Mount Type                   Molded        Metal           Molded
Distance Scale                    No            No              No 
Inner Focusing Type               No            No              No 
Full-Time Manual Focusing         No            No              No 
Non-rotating filter thread        No            No              No 
Closest Focusing Distance         0.4m/1.3 ft.  1.5m/4.9 ft.    1.5m/4.9 ft. 
Filter size                       52mm          58mm            52mm 
Length                            65mm          122.1mm         78.5mm 
Weight                            6.1 oz.       17.3 oz.        8.8 oz. 
Suggested List Price              $170          $430            $280