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Canon EF 28-300/3.5-5.6L IS USM and Canon EF 70-300/4.5-5.6 DO IS USMCanon have announced two new lenses which are fully compatible with all Canon EOS camera bodies and which will also offer full support of Canon's new EOS ETTL II flash system, currently found on the Canon EOS Elan 7N/7NE and the Canon EOS 1D mark II. The following information is from the Canon Press Release: EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM The new EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM is an entirely new L-series design lens (and a significantly enhanced successor to Canon's EF35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM zoom introduced 11 years ago). Though it offers 11x zoom capabilities (compared with the 10x capability of its predecessor), this newly designed, 22-element L-series lens combines Canon's newest optical glass advances, faster autofocus and a groundbreaking Image Stabilization system that makes capturing incredible images a snap, even when the zoom is at max, the shutter speed is slow and the camera is handheld. The EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens that features three ultra low dispersion (UD) glass elements that reduce chromatic aberration, and three Aspherical elements that reduce linear distortion and correct spherical aberration during zooming (keeping image resolution and contrast high), together with superior lens coatings that minimize reflection, especially when used with digital SLRs. The shorter minimum focal length of the new lens versus the previous 35-350mm model also makes the EF28-300mm L zoom more suitable for digital SLRs with image sensors smaller than 35mm format. Among this lens' most significant enhancements is its highly refined Image Stabilization (IS) system with new shake-detecting gyro sensors. IS is now effective for correction of up to three shutter speed steps for handheld photography, 50% better than the original EF75-300mm IS lens. Additionally, IS remains effective with the new EF28-300mm L lens even when it used on a tripod, improving image quality by helping to eliminate the effects of reflex mirror vibration at slow shutter speeds that are typically required in low light. The lens features an IS mode switch that allows the user to select Mode 1 for general stabilization or Mode 2 for deliberate panning. IS is activated within 0.5 seconds of depressing the shutter halfway. Additionally, the EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens features a new, faster autofocus drive thanks to a new AF CPU and revised in-lens software (that accelerates the transmission of data between lens and camera), a powerful, quick and silent ring-type Ultrasonic Motor and an inner focus system that moves only the lens' lighter elements during AF while keeping the front elements stationary. Because of its extended zoom range, the new EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens features push-pull zooming operation (unlike most other EF lenses that utilize a ring-type zoom) though it does have a zoom adjustment ring that allows a user to loosen, tighten or lock the zoom control. The lens also permits closer minimum focus than previously available — from 2.3 feet at all focal lengths — and is capable of filling the frame with a subject as small as 3.2 x 4.8 inches at the 300mm zoom setting. The lens is compatible with optional EF12/EF12II Extension Tubes at all focal lengths and EF25/EF25II at mid-range and telephoto zoom settings. The EF25 provides a maximum magnification of 0.5x, effectively filling the frame with a subject approximately 2 x 3 inches at the 300mm zoom setting. It is also compatible with the 77mm 500D and 500 Close-up lenses for a maximum magnification of 0.58x. The EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens kit includes a newly designed bayonet mount lens hood, a detachable tripod collar and a soft lens case.
Compact, without compromising an iota of image quality, the EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens is the second Canon EF lens to employ Diffractive Optics (DO) technology. Indeed, this lens' new three-layer diffractive element is far better suited to zoom lenses and actually improves on the two-layer DO element used in the EF400mm f/4 DO IS USM lens that inaugurated the technology. Significantly smaller and lighter than conventional 70-300mm lenses, this new Canon zoom is approximately the length and diameter of the Canon 28-135mm IS lens. It also provides substantially superior image quality and chromatic aberration correction compared to previous conventional 75-300mm designs. Like its larger and wider-ranging sibling, (the aforementioned EF28-300mm lens), the EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens provides up to three stops of effective shake reduction capability, equivalent to shooting handheld at 1/30 with the stability found on conventional lenses at 1/250. The lens is also equipped with a switch that offers a choice of general stabilization (Mode 1) and deliberate panning (Mode 2). The IS system remains functional when the lens is used on a solid tripod, although handheld usage is the norm thanks to its compact size. The lens' new image stabilizer unit, new compact, shake detection gyro sensors for smoother control of IS optics, and new compact zoom locking mechanism (that locks the lens at its smallest 70mm setting and prevents lens "creeping" while camera is carried on a neck strap) also contributes to the lens' smaller, more comfortable size. Additionally, Canon has improved the Autofocus speed compared with the previous (conventional) 75-300mm IS design lens by providing a larger, ring type Ultrasonic Motor that provides more power and torque than the smaller Micro USM and by designing a new rear-group AF system that moves much lighter and smaller lens elements at the rear of the lens for focus, keeping the larger, front elements from rotating during AF or zoom operation. Here again, enhanced AF CPU and electronics speed the AF data communication with the camera body. The lens' minimum focus is 4.6 feet at all zoom settings and it is capable of filling the frame with a subject as small as 4.8 x 7.2 inches at the 300mm zoom setting. The lens is also compatible with the optional EF12/EF12II and EF25/EF25II Extension Tubes, providing a maximum magnification of .46x (nearly half life-size) at the 70mm setting with the EF25 and filling the frame with a subject approximately 2 x 3 inches in size. The EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens is also compatible with two optional close-up lenses: the 58mm Canon 250D for magnification to 1.18x and the 58mm 500D for maximum magnification of 0.65x. The EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens kit includes a dedicated Canon lens hood and a soft lens case. See new review of this lens HERE
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