Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens sets record

Canon backed up the launch of the EOS 60D with a slew of new L series lenses, including one it sees as a record-setter. The 8-15mm f4L Fisheye has what's believed to be the widest fisheye angle in the world, providing a 180 degree diagonal or (for full frame) 180 degree circular view. Canon likewise gives it and the other new lenses tonight a new fluorine coating that cuts back on smearing over the glass.

The lens is relatively affordable in the L series and costs $1,400.

Other lenses joining the group are all telephotos and start with the 70-300mm f4-5.6L, a low-dispersion zoomable telephoto for $1,500. New generations of the 300mm f2.8L and 400mm f2.8L add new fluorite lens elements to improve quality and reduce purple fringing or other chromatic effects. Both fixed-zoom lenses are tougher than before and should autofocus faster, though their specialized designs give them high prices of $7,000 for the 300mm lens and $11,000 for the 400mm lens.

Two lens extenders, the 1.4X III and 2X III, should focus faster than their ancestors and reduce the visual drawbacks of magnifying the zoom.

Only the 70-300mm lens will arrive relatively soon with an October ship date. The 70-300mm, 300mm and 400mm lenses won't ship until December. Canon's extenders are similarly delayed, and the 8-15mm Fisheye won't be ready until January.

By Electronista Staff