Canon introduces macro lens with built-in LED light for EOS M cameras
Canon is introducing a macro lens for its compact system cameras in the EOS M series. The 28mm f/3.5 Macro is equipped with IS image stabilization, an STM stepper motor and has a built-in LED flash.
Two LED lamps are incorporated in the front of the lens, which can illuminate the subject independently or simultaneously. The brightness can be set to two levels. The optical design of the EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM consists of eleven elements in ten groups and includes two aspherical lens elements. The minimum focusing distance is 9cm and the magnification factor is 1:1. The lens also has a Super Macro mode, with magnification of 1.2x. According to Canon, the lens uses the same Hybrid IS system as the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro.
The 28mm macro lens has an EF-M lens mount and can therefore only be used on the compact system cameras in the Canon EOS M series. The whole weighs 130 grams. From June, the lens is for sale for a suggested retail price of 379.99 euros.
Canon also announces a new reporting flash: the Speedlite 600EX II-RT. Compared to the existing 600EX flash, the specifications are largely unchanged. Canon has provided the flash head with a new heat-resistant material, which should allow firing multiple flashes at a higher speed. When using AA batteries, the recycle times are 1.1 to 1.5x faster, when using the CP-E4N battery, it is up to 2x faster, according to Canon. The flash is compatible with Canon cameras that have a flash foot, i.e. DSLRs, mirrorless cameras and advanced compacts. The flash can also be controlled wirelessly with optical or radiographic signals.
Furthermore, the manufacturer comes with its first external microphone for Canon cameras with microphone input. The Directional Stereo Microphone DM-E1 is, as the name implies, a stereo microphone. The accessory can be connected with a 3.5mm jack plug. The flash and microphone will be on the market in June for suggested retail prices of 719.99 and 369.99 euros respectively.
Finally, Canon introduces a new compact camera: the PowerShot SX620 HS with a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, digic4+ image processor and a lens with 25x optical zoom. WiFi and NFC are built into the housing, the 3″ LCD has 922,000 sub pixels. The compact camera films in full HD resolution and is released in black, white and red. It is the successor to the SX610 HS , which has an 18x optical zoom.The new compact camera will be available from June for a suggested retail price of EUR 269.99.