Canon celebrates production of 90 million EF lenses
Dubai, UAE, 28 October 2013 – Canon announces the achievement of a new lens manufacturing milestone – the company’s 90-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens. This new milestone follows, just over nine months since Canon announced the production of the 80-millionth lens in August 2012, highlighting the significant demand and continued popularity of the EF lens range.
Over the past 26 years Canon has been at the forefront of the imaging industry, driving demand with cutting-edge innovation. Production of Canon’s signature interchangeable EF lens series began in 1987 at the Utsunomiya Plant, when the series was first introduced together with the EOS SLR camera system. Since then, the global demand for Canon’s EOS products and lenses has continued to gather pace and in 2011 there was only nine months between the increase from 60 to 70 million units manufactured. In order to meet this demand, Canon scaled up its production with facilities across Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan.
Throughout its history, Canon has continued to drive the imaging industry forward, introducing world firsts¹ such as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for use in lenses, Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology.
EF lenses – consistent precision, complete versatility
In May of this year, Canon announced the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, a super telephoto zoom lens which is equipped with a 1.4x internal extender and offers a wide, 200-560 mm zoom range. As a result, Canon’s current EF lens line-up comprises of 80 models² including the EF Cinema Lens series for use in cinema and TV production.
Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical expertise, striving to produce exceptional and reliable lenses and cameras, whilst expanding the photographic and video imaging culture. Canon’s range caters to the varying needs of photographers – from first-time users, to advanced amateurs and professionals.
EF lens production milestones:
1995: Production of EF lenses surpasses 10-million units
2001: Production of EF lenses surpasses 20-million units
2006: 30-million EF lenses produced
2008: 40-million-unit milestone reached in April
2009: 50-million units produced
2011: 60-million units reached in January
2011: 70-million units reached in October
2012: 80-million units reached by August
Since production began in 1987, development has expanded to a total of four production facilities: Canon Inc., Sdn. Bhd., Utsunomiya and Oita.
¹ Among interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras
² This model number includes EF Cinema Lenses. EF Lenses: 71 models
EF Cinema Lenses: 9 models
About Canon Middle East
Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, is the operational headquarters for Canon in the Middle East and North Africa and is based in Dubai, UAE.
Founded in 1937 with the specific goal of making the best quality camera available to customers, Canon’s tireless passion for the Power of Image has since extended its technology into many other markets and has established it as a world leader in both consumer and business imaging solutions. Its solutions comprise products, ranging from digital compact and SLR cameras, through broadcast lenses and portable X-ray machines, to multi-function and production printers, all supported by a range of value added services.
Canon invests heavily in R&D to deliver the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers’ creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to realize their own passion for image.
Canon believes that considering the interests of society and the environment is an integral part of good business practice. This is embodied in its corporate philosophy Kyosei – ‘To live and work together for the common good’.
Further information about Canon Middle East is available at: www.canon-me.com
