Sydney, 6 January 2010: Canon Australia has announced an update to its extremely popular EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM telephoto zoom camera lens. Professional photographers and serious enthusiasts alike will be keen to get their hands on the new EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens, which promises high-performance and quality regardless of the shooting conditions.

"This new lens will delight any professional photographer or serious enthusiast with its advanced features," says Cathy Hattersley, Brand Manager - EOS Professional, Canon Australia.

"A robust L-series lens, the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM allows photographers even greater flexibility in low-light conditions and in subject composition."

This new high-performance lens improves upon its predecessor with its new Image Stabilizer, which gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster, allowing photographers to shoot in even lower lighting conditions.

The EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens also boasts improved optical performance, achieving high-resolution, high-contrast images and reduced chromatic aberration - thanks to a fluorite element not used in its predecessor and an additional UD lens element (bringing the total to five). Optimised lens design and lens coatings minimise flare and ghosting. The combination of these technologies also delivers improved colour balance.

The minimum focusing distance has been reduced to 1.2m/3.9 ft throughout the zoom range, which allows photographers another step closer to the subject.

Photographers will welcome the improved usability that the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens offers with its enhanced switch panel, which makes it harder to accidently knock the selected settings, and the new feel and grip of the lens, improves the usability during manual focusing.

With improved durability and moisture and dust-proof construction, the lens is built for professionals operating in the most demanding conditions.

Key Features

• L series telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabilizer
• Five UD lenses provide compensation for chromatic aberration
• 5 x UD and 1 x Fluorite elements offers unparalleled performance and low distortion throughout zoom range
• 1.2m minimum focus distance at all zoom focal lengths
• Highly dust and moisture resistant
• Inner focusing design plus ring USM for near silent, high-speed AF
• Telephoto zoom lens, 70-200mm focal range, fast f/2.8 aperture
• Inner focus design with Ultrasonic Motor (USM) offers fast and virtually silent operation
• New high-performance Image Stabilizer with optimum control system offers up to 4 stops of compensation
• Increased moisture and dust protection prevents water and dust penetration in extreme conditions
• Manual focusing enabled even during AF mode (full-time mechanical focusing)

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM (RRP TBC) will be available from March 2010 through digiDIRECT.com.au. Watch this space!