Canon notches up 80-millionth EF lens

PRLog (Press Release) - Aug. 21, 2012 - Sydney, 21 August, 2012: Canon has today announced the achievement of a new EF lens-manufacturing milestone with the production of the company’s 80-millionth lens on August 3. The 80-millionth lens – an EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM – was produced just over nine months after the 70-million mark was reached at the end of October 2011.

“This is a significant achievement and a powerful illustration of the global popularity of the Canon EOS camera system, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year,” said Jason McLean, Director – Canon Consumer Imaging, Canon Australia. “Canon EOS is synonymous with world-first innovations to deliver the very best image quality and creative performance, whether it is stills photography, EOS DSLR movies or Cinema EOS broadcast and motion-picture applications.”

In Australia, the strong uptake of the Canon EOS System has seen the brand achieve an overwhelming No.1 share of the total interchangeable lens camera category, accounting for more than one in every two dollars spent*1. In July 2012, Canon announced the latest phase of EOS evolution with the development of the EOS M compact system camera, an ultra-compact EOS camera that offers complete EF-lens compatibility (via an optional EF mount adapter) as well as a new range of specifically designed EF-M lenses.

“We are thrilled that Australian consumers and professionals have embraced Canon EOS so convincingly, and as a global company we will continue to prioritise investment in R&D to ensure that we remain the best choice in the market at all levels,” continued McLean.

Canon’s EF lens series http://www.canon.com.au/For-You/Camera-Lenses was first introduced together with the EOS SLR camera system in March 1987, and has over the years led the industry through the incorporation of a number of innovative technologies, including such world’s firsts*2 as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for use in lenses, Image Stabilizer (IS), a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element, and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology. Most recently, the EF series newly added the EF Cinema Lens series for digital cinematography and the EF-M series for the EOS compact system cameras. As a result, Canon’s current EF lens lineup comprises 76 models*3.

Canon EF interchangeable lens production intervals

- 1995: 10-millionth EF lens (10 million units in 8 years)
- 2001: 20 millionth EF lens
- 2006: 30-millionth EF lens
- April 2008: 40-millionth EF lens
- Dec 2009: 50-millionth EF lens
- Jan 2011: 60-millionth EF lens
- End Oct 2011: 70-millionth EF lens
- 3 August 2012: 80-millionth EF lens (10 million units in just over 9 months)

*1 No.1 market share by value at 55.6%. Source: GfK Retail Tracking, Digital Cameras – DSLR (including Compact System Cameras), Jan to May 2012 v Jan to May 2011 (excludes online channels)
*2 Among interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras
*3 Including two EF lens extenders and models available outside Japan


About Canon:
Canon is the world's leading imaging brand that actively inspires with imaginative ideas that enable people to connect, communicate and achieve more than they thought possible through imaging solutions for business and consumers. Canon's Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-four US patent recipients* for the past 20 years, and had global revenues of around $US46 billion in 2011. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit www.canon.com.au, www.facebook.com/canonaustralia, www.twitter.com/canonaustralia, www.youtube.com/canonaustralia

* Based on weekly patent counts issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office