Release Issued by Canon UK:

Canon today strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 20 August, 2007: Canon today strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS. With equivalent focal lengths of 29-88mm and 88-400mm respectively, the lenses are the first in the EF-S series to incorporate a 4-stop Image Stabilizer, dramatically extending low-light performance. Both lenses incorporate specialist optics to achieve exceptional image clarity - the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS employing an aspherical lens element with the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS benefiting from an Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) lens element.
The lenses are built to fit exclusively on those EOS cameras with an EF–S lens mount – including the new EOS 40D, EOS 30D, EOS 400D and earlier models.
EF-S 18-55mmf/3.5-5.6IS
The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a lightweight general-purpose zoom lens that is ideal for handheld photography in a wide range of lighting conditions. Offering high optical quality, the lens has an 11 element, 9 group construction, including one aspherical element for crisp corner-to-corner detail. The lens maintains a closest focusing distance of just 25cm throughout the zoom range, giving photographs the flexibility to frame up close when needed.
EF-S 55-250mmf/4-5.6 IS
Compact and lightweight, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers the longest zoom range in the EF-S series to date. The 88-400mm equivalent focal length opens up new framing possibilities for owners of EF-S mount cameras shooting wildlife, sports and travel photography. Optical quality is assured through a UD element, which minimises chromatic aberrations that could otherwise cause reduced contrast and colour fringing.
Availability and pricing
The EF-S 18-55mmf/3.5-5.6 IS will be available from September 2007 and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS will be available from October 2007, priced at £159.99 / €239.99 and £239.99 / €359.99 RRP inc VAT respectively.
4-stop Image Stabilizer
Canon’s latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second. The inclusion of automatic panning detection makes it easier for photographers to track wildlife and other moving subjects. To ensure consistently accurate results at all zoom positions, the IS system within each lens has been optimised for that lens’ specific focal length range. Since the IS system is based within the lens, the results are visible through the viewfinder when framing the image.
Appealing background blur
Both lenses also incorporate a circular aperture. This helps create an even background blur when depth of field is minimised, giving photographers more creative options for portraiture and similar types of photography.
Super Spectra coatings
Both models employ Canon’s patented Super Spectra coatings to suppress flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.
E-TTL II flash integration
The lenses transmit distance information to the E-TTL II flash system of all current model digital EOS cameras, improving flash exposure metering when used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units.
In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.

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Specifications

Technical Specifications
Name	EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS	EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Image size	APS-C	APS-C
35mm film equivalent focal length (mm)	29-88	88-400
Angle of view (horzntl, vertl, diagnl)	64º 30' - 23º 20', 45º 30'- 15º 40',    74º 20' - 27º 50'	23º 20' - 5º 20', 15º 40'- 3º 30', 27º 50' - 6º 15'
Lens construction (elements/groups)	11/9	12/10
No. of diaphragm blades	6	7
Minimum aperture	22-38	22-32
Closest focussing distance (m)	0.25	1.1
Maximum magnification (x)	0.34 (at 55mm)	0.31 (at 250mm)
Distance information	Yes	Yes
Image stabilizer	4-stops	4-stops
AF actuator	Micro Motor	Micro Motor
Filter diameter (mm)	58	58
Max. diameter x length (mm)	68.5 x 70	17 x 108
Weight (g)	200	390
Magnification with Extension Tube EF12 II	0.64-0.231	0.6-0.05
Magnification with Extension Tube EF25 II	1.00-0.511	0.47-0.11
Lens hood	EW-60C	ET-60
Soft case	LP814	LP1019
G.F. Holder III (hood III*)	(0)	(5)
G.F. Holder IV (hood IV*)	(0)	(5)
Extenders EF1.4x II and EF2x II	Not compatible	Not compatible

1   Only compatible at tele.
* Maximum number of Hood III/IV attachable. In the case of zoom lenses, the maximum number applies to the shortest focal length.
NC: Not Compatible with Gelatine Filter Holder III/IV.