In conjunction with the new DSLRs EOS 40D, Canon has announced improved versions of two of its lenses, a low-cost digital-only wide zoom and a pricey full-frame wide-angle prime.

The new f/3.5-5.6, 18-55mm EF-S zoom improves upon Canon’s existing lens with the same specs by offering built-in image stabilization. Canon claims the IS provides up to four stops of additional shooting latitude. Like other EF-S lenses, this wide zoom is designed for use with cameras that employ APS-C-size sensors such as the EOS Digital Rebel XTi and just-announced Canon EOS 40D. The competitively priced lens will hit the market at $199.99 in October 2007.

Canon has improved the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM prime in its premium L line. Designed primarily for discerning landscape and architectural photographers, the Canon EF14mm f/2.8L II USM lens is ideally suited to the EOS-1Ds Mark III’s full-frame capability. Measuring 3.7 inches in length and weighing in at under 23 ounces, this ultra-wide angle L-series prime lens is well corrected for rectilinear distortion, provides a 114-degree diagonal angle of view, and delivers high-speed autofocus with higher image quality overall including superior peripheral image quality, compared to its predecessor. The 14mm lens will be available in October 2007 for $2199.

The models tested were the Canon EF 400mm DO (diffractive optics) IS f/4; the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 (non-IS); and the Canon EF 100-400mm IS f/4.5-5.6. This comparison was done specifically because one’s always looking for portable, lightweight 400 lenses that will also function with a 1.4x telextender. Here’s the conclusion of the comparison:

“The Canon EF 400 f/5.6 is one sharp little lens, and the cheapest (about $1000) of the bunch. I wish it had image stabilization because I tend to do a lot of hand-held or monopod photography, but despite that, I don’t think anyone out there could ever seriously complain about the quality of images this lens is capable of producing.

The Canon EF 400 DO IS is a bit of a disappointment to me. Considering this lens sells for in excess of $5000 USD, I believe it should yield better results. The diffractive optics was designed to reduce the size and weight of a 400mm f/4 lens — and it has. But image quality was also reduced, and considering I needed to shoot this lens at f/5.6 or f/6.3 to get results comparable to the other two lenses, spending nearly $4000 more for an f-stop of f/4 that I can’t use seems more than just silly. The less-than-stellar optical performance of this lens becomes even more apparent when using a telextender. Without the extender, and at f/5.6, this lens produces OK results. But I personally consider it virtually unusable with an extender. Your gas mileage, as they say, may vary, and I’m sure there are photographers out there who will swear by this lens.” 

Website :  Canon Zoom Lens 100-400mm or the Prime 400mm?

Japanese lens maker Sigma Corp. announced its all-in-one zoom lens for DSLR with an APS-C size sensor will be available with a Canon mount today in the domestic Japanese market, reports JPEA International PEN News Weekly. Sigma and Nikon versions will follow though dates of launch are yet to be announced.

The list price will be ¥79,000 (US$660) with tulip-shaped hood. The 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC OS, equivalent roughly to 29-300mm in 35mm format, is characterized by its built-in optical stabilization system in which a pair of sensors detects movement of camera in four directions and corrects it by shifting part of optics.
The lens adopts an SLD (Super Low Dispersion) elements and a pair of aspherical elements in the 13-in-18 construction to minimize aberrations and performs well in the all zooming range. The all-in-one zoom lens focuses down to a minimum range of 0.35m to achieve magnification of 1:3.9.

Website :  Sigma launches in Japan an all-in-one zoom lens for DSLRs

Tamron’s lens rebate starting from May 1 to August 31, 2007. Here’re the lens that’s in this summer promotion for rebate:

• SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di 1:1 Macro lens $ 90
• SP AF11-18 F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LDAspherical (IF) $ 50
• SP AF17-50 F/2.8 Di-II LDAspherical (IF) $ 10
• SP AF17-35 F/2.8-4 Di LDAspherical (IF) $ 10
• SP AF24-135 F/3.5-5.6 ADAspherical (IF) Macro $100
• SP AF28-75 F/2.8 Di LDAspherical (IF) Macro $ 10
• SP AF200-500 F/5-6.3 Di LD (IF) $ 30
• SP AF14 F/2.8 Aspherical (IF) $100
• SP AF90 F/2.8 Di 1:1 Macro $ 90
• SP AF180 F/3.5 Di LD (IF) 1:1 Macro $ 50

Download : Tamron Summer Rebate Form

Canon has sponsored a new 13-part television miniseries hosted by photographer Art Wolfe. The series will air on PBS stations beginning in May 2007, and be supplemented by a companion Web site. “Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe” will follow Wolfe as he journeys to remote locations around the world.

The first episode will take place in “Bolivia: The Altiplano.” Locations for future episodes include:

• Alaska: Glacier Bay
• Patagonia: Torres del Paine
• Alaska: Katmai Coast
• Africa: Madagascar
• Alaska: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
• Peru: Manu
• Kenya: Masai Mara and El Karama
• Patagonia: Mt. Fitz Roy
• The Southwest: Zion and Canyon de Chelly
• India: Allahabad and Varanasi
• The Southern Ocean: South Georgia Island
• Ethiopia: The Omo ValleyBol

Website : Canon sponsored 13-part TV miniseries hosted by Art Wolfe

This is a 28-388mm equivalent lens, adding 50mm to the tele end and does so at no cost of weight, dimension, or optical performance over the older Tamron’s 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens. Only the price is higher: at $499 (street), vs. $390 for the shorter lens. Here’s a quick summary:
“Compact and light, it’s about the same size as the 18-200mm. Attractively finished in a satiny matte black, with ribbed and rubberized zoom and focusing rings (the former large, the latter on the small side), the lens sports the bright gold Di II band that distinguishes all Tamron digital-only lenses.

We found its zoom action slightly uneven, somewhat stiff and overdamped, which rendered the zoom lock unnecessary. AF action was fast and quiet. On the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, with the lens barrel fully extended, it cast no shadow when used with built-in flash.”

Website :  Lens Test: Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II Macro

Canon Marketing (Taiwan), the Taiwan subsidiary of Japan-based Canon, has set the goal of achieving a share of more than 50% of the Taiwan DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera market in 2007, according to company chairman and CEO Satoshi Yahata at a press conference on March 19.

Canon Marketing is proud of its operating performance in 2006, with total sales revenues of over NT$2 billion (US$60.3 million) growing by 16% from 2005, Yahata indicated. Digital cameras, business-use MFPs (multi-function peripherals) and single-function printers are the three Canon product lines which the Taiwan subsidiary currently markets, accounting for 70%, 20% and 10%, respectively, of the 2006 total sales revenues, Yahata noted. Canon Marketing expects the total sales revenues for 2007 to reach NT$2.5 billion, Yahata added.

For digital cameras in particular, Canon Marketing hit historically high sales performance in 2006, with sales revenues growing by about 30% from 2005 and sales volumes of DSLR and conventional digital cameras increasing by 75% and 44% respectively, Yahata pointed out. In 2007, Canan’s market occupation for conventional digital cameras is expected to exceed 20% making the company the second largest or even the largest brand, Yahata said.

Website :  Canon to top 50% DSLR market share in 2007 in Taiwan

To celebrate for the 20th Year Anniversary for Canon EOS Digital camera launch, Canon is launching a cashback for Spring 2007 in Japan. From March 1st to June 30th, with the purchase of EOS 30D, there is a cashback of 20,000 Yen. 10,000 Yen cashback with the purchase of EOS Kiss Digital X.

From March 1st May 6th, with the purchase of the interchangeable lens, there is cashback of 5,000 Yen or 3,000 Yen. Lenses includes:

• EF 17-40mm F4 L USM
• EF 24-70mm F2.8 L USM
• EF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM
• EF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM
• EF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM

The above are with 5,000 Yen cashback

• EF-S 10-22mm F3.5-4.5 USM
• EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM
• EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS USM
• EF 100mm F2.8 Macro USM
• EF-S 60mm F2.8 Macro USM

The above are with 3,000 Yen cashback.Website : Canon Cashback campaign of EOS DIGITAL in Japan Spring 2007