Canon's new EF800mm and EF200mm IS USM lens.

Canon says that it is developing the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens in response to requests from photographers working in the fields of sports and news photography, who are looking for a fast, light-weight and high-performance lens that offers a longer focal length.

In addition, Canon claims that its EF200mm f/2L IS USM will be suitable for professionals who seek a brighter lens primarily for portraiture and indoor sports photography.

Canon Australia's Product Manager for DSLR, Consumer Imaging Products Group, Chris Macleod said, "The development of these two lenses showcases Canon's commitment to continually addressing the wide-ranging needs of professional photographers. The new additions will see the expansion of photographic possibilities for SLR users, just in time for one of the world's most highly anticipated and photographed sporting events, the Beijing Olympic Games."

The new Canon EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and EF200mm f/2L IS USM are both L (luxury)-series lenses and incorporate Canon's high-performance Image Stabiliser to reduce the effects of hand held shake in low light conditions. The optimised lens element positioning and lens coating also minimise ghosting and flare prone to occur with digital SLR cameras, Canon says.

Canon also says that its new lenses will be highly resistant to dust and water and is produced from light weight magnesium alloy materials for maximum durability. The new lenses also feature optical systems which utilise special optical materials such as fluorite to correct chromatic aberrations and ensure high-resolution, high-contrast shooting performance.

Pricing and Availability

The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM (RRP TBC) and the Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM (RRP TBC) is expected to be available in Australia in the first half of 2008.

See: www.canon.com.au