Canon Produces 30-millionth EF Lens

TOKYO, January 19, 2006 — Canon Inc. today announced the achievement of a new lens-production milestone as production of the company's EF lenses passed the 30-million mark.

Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) SLR cameras began in 1987 at the company's Utsunomiya Plant. Canon produced its 10-millionth EF lens in August 1995, its 20-millionth in February 2001 and, a mere five years later, has now reached the 30-million plateau. This achievement reflects users' high level of satisfaction with the performance and quality realized by EF lenses, as well as the service offered through Canon's marketing operations.

Canon's current EF lens lineup comprises 60 models, the most comprehensive selection in the industry. Canon EF lenses span the gamut from ultra-wide 14mm to super-telephoto 600mm lenses and include standard and super-telephoto zoom models, large-aperture lenses, and TS-E lenses, which are equipped with a special tilt-shift mechanism that permits the manipulation of image perspective and distortion. Canon EF lenses have garnered high praise from a wide user base, from professional and advanced amateur photographers to novice photo enthusiasts, and earned Canon top share of the interchangeable lens market.