It's been a while since we heard from the Canon EOS-M...sure it had some mixed reviews, but it was Canon's first entry into the mirrorless market so it was a shame to see them not support the system after the initial two lenses that were announced. Today they've addressed the lack of selection with a new wide angle zoom. The Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is not only a mouthful, it's the latest in their compact lenses for the EOS-M that features an equivalent 18-35mm focal range, retractable lens design, and Optical Image Stabilizer optimized for smooth video recording. Although there is no word on pricing and availability in the US, the 11-22 should be available overseas by July for around £379.99 / €449.99.
A firmware update has also been announced in conjunction with this lens which boasts improved performance, mainly a 2.3x speed boost with it's One Shot AF. This update should be available by the end of June.
The firmware upgrade will boost the AF shutter speed, making One Shot AF up to 2.3x faster. It delivers improved performance as a result of a reworked AF Drive Control System and will become available at the end of June 2013. Further improvements are: - When using FlexiZone Multi AF and the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens. Speed improvement is dependent upon shooting conditions and lens. - The firmware upgrade also corrects a rare phenomenon that causes the EOS M controls to become unresponsive when the new EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is used.
Press Release for EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM:
Widen your horizons – Canon unveils the compact, ultra-wide EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 6 June 2013 – Canon today expands its range of EF-M lenses with the introduction of the new EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. Designed for Canon’s Compact System Camera, the EOS M, this is Canon’s first ultra wide-angle EF lens to feature an Optical Image Stabilizer. Offering a versatile wide-angle zoom range, first-class optical performance, and a new retractable design, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is the perfect addition for EOS M users who wish to capture their passion for landscapes and architecture. Shoot the city, shoot the world Designed to expand the range of creative possibilities and shooting subjects, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has an 11-22mm focal range which provides an incredibly wide field of view. This allows users to capture the environment around them whilst remaining close to the subject – ideal for adding drama and atmosphere to each shot. Class-leading optics deliver incredible results Engineered using the latest optical technologies, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM enables users to capture images with incredible levels of detail and quality. Manufactured using Canon’s professional quality standards, the lens uses Super Spectra Coatings designed to minimise ghosting and flare, providing beautiful results with every shot. Images are crisp and clear thanks to Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer, which works to keep image blur to a minimum by correcting camera shake. A 3-stop shutter speed advantage ensures high quality stills, even when light levels start to fade. Shooting smooth Full HD movies is easy using the advanced Dynamic IS mode which combats more exaggerated forms of camera shake that occur when shooting video on the move. Canon’s near-silent STM technology also ensures focus noise is supressed during movie capture, so the audience can enjoy crystal clear sound to match the visual quality of the footage captured. Designed for performance and style Incredibly compact and lightweight, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has been designed to fit easily into the smallest of spaces so it can be carried everywhere. A new retractable lens design – a first for the EF lens range – locked in place by a switch, allows users to retract the lens back into the barrel when not in use. This keeps the body slim and compact, reducing the lens length by 13mm. An integrated full time manual focus ring also provides the freedom to make precise adjustments to focus as needed. Designed to complement the EOS M’s chic styling, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM features a graphite silver, metal exterior, while the knurled focus and zoom rings are comfortable in the hand and provide easy operation. EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM – key features: · Ultra-wide 11-22mm EF-M zoom lens · Compact, retractable lens design · Smooth, quiet STM focusing in movies · Dynamic IS for steady movies · 3-stop optical Image Stabilizer · High image quality · 0.15m minimum focusing distance · Manual focus ring Pricing and availability: The EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM will be available from July with an RRP price of £379.99 / €449.99.