Congrats to Canon in reaching the production of 80 million EF lenses on the 3rd August 2012. In just 10 months, Canon has produced 10 million more lenses (from the 70 million lens in October 2011). Check out the rapid growth in production of Canon lenses after the break.
Canon Celebrates Production of 80 Million EF Lenses
SINGAPORE, 23 August 2012 — After defining a new milestone with the introduction of the EOS M and its groundbreaking EF-M series of mirrorless interchangeable lenses last month, Canon is adding yet another EF lens-manufacturing achievement to its legion of accolades – the production of the company’s 80-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens on 3 August 2012.
“It was only ten months ago, in October 2011, when Canon announced the production of its 70-millionth unit of EF lens. Our achievement of another milestone in such a short time span not only reinforces the prowess of our lens line up, which now comprises more than 70 models, but also our constant pursuit to be ahead in this industry,” said Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Products Group, Canon Singapore.
Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex cameras began in 1987 at the company’s Utsunomiya Plant, and has since expanded to a total of four production facilities including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in Japan.
Production of EF lenses surpassed the 10-million mark in 1995, doubling to 20-million units in 2001. After reaching the 30-million-unit milestone in 2006, Canon celebrated the production of its 40-millionth lens in 2008. Owing to the rapid spread of the EOS Digital series of digital SLR cameras, production for Canon’s EF lenses then gained momentum to reach the 50-million-unit milestone in 2009, followed by the 60-million mark in January 2011 and the 70-million mark in October the same year . And just over nine months later, the EF series reached the 80-million mark on 3 August 2012, which added grace to the 25th anniversary of the launch of Canon’s EOS system.
Canon’s EF lens series was first introduced together with the EOS SLR camera system in March 1987, and has over the years led the industry through the incorporation of a number of innovative technologies, including such world’s firsts* such as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for use in lenses, Image Stabilizer (IS), a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element, and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology. And since last year, the EF series newly added the EF Cinema Lens series for digital cinematography and the EF-M series for mirrorless camera. As a result, Canon’s current EF lens lineup comprises 76 models^.
Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable lenses and cameras that cater to the varying needs of photographers, whether they are first-time users, advanced amateurs or professionals, while contributing to expanding the culture of photographic and video imaging.
* Among interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras.
^ Including two EF lens extenders and three models available outside of Japan. As of 23 August 2012.
About Canon Singapore Pte Ltd
Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte Ltd is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company leads 18 other countries including subsidiaries in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The parent company Canon Inc has a global network of close to 300 companies and employs close to 200,000 people worldwide. It is dedicated to the advancement in technology and innovation and commits about 10% of its total revenue each year to R&D. Canon is consistently one of the top few companies to earn the most number of patents over the last 19 years. As a Fortune Global 500 company, Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good. More information is available at www.canon.com.sg
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