Canon announces four new lenses: three tilt-shift optics & an 85mm f/1.4L IS, alongside macro flash
posted Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 12:00 AM EDT
It's lenses galore for Canon today. The company has announced three new tilt-shift lenses and a new fast portrait prime. Let's first take a look at the tilt-shift lenses.
Canon introduces trio of new TS-E macro lenses ranging from 50mm to 135mm
The new tilt-shift macro lenses, the Canon TS-E 50mm f/2.8L Macro, Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro and Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L Macro, all have enhanced optical construction and in the case of the 50mm and 135mm, new focal lengths too. The 50mm is replacing the T-E 45mm f/2.8 and the 135mm is similar in intended use to the 90mm but offers more working distance. As for closest focusing distance, the 50mm, 90mm and 135mm lenses produce half-size macro images at 0.27, 0.39 and 0.49 meters, respectively.
The TS-E lenses have two anti-reflective coatings, SubWaveLength Structure Coating (SWC) in the 50mm and 135mm lenses and Air-Sphere Coating in the 50mm and 90mm optics. The SWC is designed to reduce flare and ghosting and the all new Air-Sphere technology is designed to provide better anti-reflective performance.
Another improvement is seen with the tilt and shift knobs, which are now larger and there's a new lock-release button and tilt-locking mechanism. All three of the new TS-E macro lenses are scheduled to start shipping in November, and will each cost just under US$2,200.
Canon Macro Twin-Lite MT-26EX-RT Flash
Alongside the new macro lenses, Canon has also announced a new Macro Twin-Lite MT-26EX-RT flash. The twin-lite can be adjusted and shifted to offer enhanced lighting control and can be rotated up to 60°. Further, the twin flashes are detachable.
The flashes have increased brightness compared to previous Macro-Twin Lites and produce less noise during charging. The Twin-Lite MT-26EX-RT Flash is set to start shipping in November, like the lenses, and will sell for just under US$1,000.
Canon 85mm f/1.4L IS USM: A fast portrait prime
For portrait shooters, the new Canon 85mm f/1.4L IS USM lens is said to offer as good, or even better, performance when compared to Canon's 85mm f/1.2L II lens, which will continue to be offered. The 85mm f/1.4L IS USM offers a reported 4-stops of image stabilization, Air-Sphere coating for reduced resistance to reflections, and Canon promises that it's one of the sharpest lenses available.
The lens features high-speed autofocus, which has an algorithm designed especially for portraits and wedding photography, weather-sealing and a design much like Canon's 35mm f/1.4L II prime. The 85mm f/1.4 uses a large diameter molded glass aspherical lens and a circular 9-blade aperture for smooth bokeh potential.
You won't have to wait long to get your hands on this fast prime, as it will also be available this November for an estimated retail price of around $1,600.