Canon Announces EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens

* * *  Canon EOS-M5 mirrorless camera announced  * * *

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 15, 2016 – Having the right tool for the job has long been the mantra for professional photographers and hobbyists alike. Canon’s wide array of lenses provide users with a variety of creative options to help capture dynamic photos and videos with their DSLR cameras. Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the new Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM lens featuring NANO USM technology for high-speed and near-silent focusing in both still and video modes. The lens also features a new LCD information display and four-stop* image stabilization.

“To help photographers that are striving to create the most amazing pictures and videos possible, Canon is dedicated to developing the best tools to help them with their goal,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Having this new EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM  lens in a photographer’s camera bag will surely help them achieve their creative vision.”

Designed with the user in mind, this affordable new lens includes technology to spark creativity and deliver excellent image and video quality from afar. This is the second Canon lens equipped with NANO USM technology, a focusing motor that combines the benefits of a ring USM (ultrasonic motor) for high-speed AF during still photo shooting and lead-screw type STM (stepping motor) for smooth and quiet video autofocusing (AF)

Features for the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM lens include :

• High-speed autofocus for shooting stills and smooth, near-silent autofocus when shooting video is achieved by incorporating NANO USM technology.
• New Lens Information Display shows focusing distance, focal length and shake amount.
• One UD Lens helps reduce chromatic aberration and delivers outstanding high resolution and high-contrast results.
• Image Stabilizer effect at up-to-4* stops of shake correction helps capture sharp images.
• Circular aperture (9 blades) helps deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds.
• Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode.

The Canon EF 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 IS II USM lens is scheduled to be available in November 2016, for an estimated retail price of $549.99

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II Lens Photo & Specs Leaked

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens

I am still on my Southern Africa on a wildlife photo tour. So far it has been a rather good trip. Put the EOS-1D X Mark II camera through a series of real world tests and it passed with flying colors. Just a quick note to let my readers know Canon will be announcing a replacement to its non 'L' EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens with the Series II some time this or next week. This is after the announcement of the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III a few weeks ago.

Major specs of EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II lens :

• Lens construction : 12 group 17 sheets (one UD lens)
• Number of blades : 9 sheets (circular aperture)
• Minimum focusing distance : 1.2m
• Maximum magnification : 0.25X (300mm), 0.07X (70mm)
• 4 stops Image Stabilization
• Filter diameter : 67mm
• The maximum diameter × length: 80mm × 145.5mm
• Weight : 710 g
• Lens hood : ET-74B
• Nano USM
• Full-time manual focus

I expect the price of the lens to be slightly higher than the current model but comes with much better technology and optics, including a small LCD display window. The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II are two of my favorite 'L' lens. I am waiting delivery of the new 24-105mm lens. You can see my equipment bag, works on MichaelDanielHo.com and follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens Coming

I will be off to Southern Africa on a wildlife photo tour. Just a quick note to let my readers know Canon will be announcing a replacement to its non 'L' EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens with the Series II some time in Q4. It will be after the announcement of the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III and the Photokina Show in Cologne, Germany in September.

I expect the price of the lens to be slightly higher than the current model but comes with much better technology and optics, including a small LCD display window. The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II are two of my favorite 'L' lens. You can see my equipment bag, works on MichaelDanielHo.com and follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter.

Canon Cameras and Lenses Coming 2nd Half of 2016

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV full frame DSLR camera

2016 will be a very busy year for Canon. The top-of-the-line EOS-1D X Mark II camera has now been delivered. I have taken it to the Upper Amazon and Peruvian Andes for a field test recently. In the past few months, I have reported many rumors and announcements expected to come this year.

Below is a recap of what to expect for the remainder of the year from Canon. I will be very busy with my global wildlife photography trips the next few months but will try my best to keep you up to date. Leaving for the high Arctic to test the EOS-1D X Mark II again next week. You can read my review of the camera, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

What to expect from Canon for the remainder of 2016. More to come.

DSLR, Cinema and Mirrorless Cameras

• EOS-5D Mark IV camera. August announcement with shipping commencing soon after Photokina.
• Cinema EOS C700 camera and anamorphic lens coming around Photokina.
• A higher end, APS-C mirrorless camera. The full frame, 'pro' model is also coming but may be pushed back to early 2017.

EF Lenses

• EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II will be announced with the EOS-5D Mark IV
• EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III is coming very soon
• EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II is coming in Q3 

Canon EF 70-30mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens Coming Soon

I have just returned from my Upper Amazon/Peruvian Highlands Photo Tour testing the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera in hot, steamy jungles and cold, two miles plus high, Andean mountains. Overall, I am quite impressed by the new body but now I have to take some time to get back to the daily routine, process the photos and get ready for my next trip to again test the camera in a whole new part of the world and environment.

Just a quick note to let my readers know Canon is ready to replace its non 'L' EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens with the Series II some time in August. It will be after the announcement of the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III but before the Photokina Show in Cologne, Germany in September. I expect the price of the lens will be slightly higher than the current list price but packs with much better technology and optics. The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II are two of my favorite 'L' lens. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com