Canon has announced the EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM, the world's first fisheye zoom lens to offer both 'circular' and 'full frame' images. This replacement for the EF 15mm F2.8 fisheye will produce circular images with a 180 degree angle of view when used at its widest setting on 35mm-format cameras such as the EOS 5D Mark II, and images which cover the full sensor area at 15mm. It also incorporates marks at intermediate zoom positions denoting the widest settings which can be used on APS-C and APS-H format cameras to give full frame images without vignetting. The lens features weatherproof construction, including water-repellant Fluorine coating on the front and rear elements, and Canon's 'Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating' to minimize flare and ghosting.
Advanced optics for professional imaging
The EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM showcases over 70 years of Canon’s optical engineering heritage, boasting 14 lens elements in 11 different groups, including one aspherical and one Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) element to correct chromatic aberration and produce high-quality, high-contrast shots with excellent colour reproduction.
Ghosting and flare caused by strong light sources can be a particular challenge when shooting at such a wide angle, and, in order to counteract these artefacts, all lens elements have been covered with Canon’s Super Spectra Coating. The inner surface of the front element also features Canon’s SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC), which uses tiny cone-like structures, shorter than the wavelength of visible light on the surface of the lens element, to gradually slow light down until it is at the same speed as it travels through glass, removing the risk of flare occurring before the light reaches the sensor.
To maintain optimum image quality, the front and rear lens elements also feature a Fluorine Coating which actively repels water, dust and dirt, making it easier to clean the lens and leaving it unobstructed by particles.
Fast, accurate focusing and low light performance
The ultra-wide angle zoom of the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM offers a fresh take on sporting action or architecture shots, while the constant f/4.0 aperture allows faster shutter speeds to be employed for natural-looking images in low light.
A ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM), provides quick and accurate focusing when shooting and enables a full-time manual focus functionality allowing photographers to adjust the focus of any shot, even when the AF system is activated, for even greater control over image capture and improved creative flexibility.
Built for professional performance
The EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM features a high-grade physical design that reflects its elite performance. High resistance to both dust and water enables it to be used in a range of challenging situations, and, when used with a professional EOS body, it allows continued shooting in the harshest weather conditions. The external design also features the new exterior texture, for a high quality look and feel indicative of all new L-series models.
High quality accessories
The EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM is supplied with a dedicated lens cap, lens pouch and a felt-lined lens hood EW-77 for use when using the zoom at the 15mm setting, preventing lens flare.