Canon pleases the pros with two new lenses

Fresh prime lens and popular zoom range update

24 August 2006 15:19 GMT / By Amber Maitland

In addition to the veritable feast of cameras and printers that Canon has provided today, the company has also launched two new lenses in its L-series professional range.

The first is a standard prime lens, the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM, which boasts high-speed auto focus thanks to the latest Ultrasonic Motor.

Super Spectra coating prevents lens flare and ghosting, while environmental seals provide protection from dust and moisture.

The portrait and wedding photographers and photojournalist will be glad to hear that the circular aperture diaphragm promises unobtrusive background bokeh.

The second lens is the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, which provides a lightweight alternative to the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.

The image stabiliser on this model promises a whopping 4 stops latitude, meaning that instead of having to shoot at 1/250sec, a photographer can shoot at 1/15sec and still capture a sharp, clear image.

Specifications include a weight of 760g, a length of 172mm, 1 Fluorite and 2 UD lens elements for superior optical performance, a ring-type USM auto focus, and 2 settings for image stabilisation.

The EF 50mm lens doesn’t come cheap at around £1150; the price for the telephoto is £989.