Canon celebrates production of 90 million EF lenses - ZMPHOTO

The year was 1987 and the establishment of Canon Utsunomiya began production of today’s popular series of EF photographic lenses, parallel to the birth of the EOS SLR system.

Over time, the growth has been rapid and exponential, with the emergence of other production centers in Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan, and Canon has continued technological development of its objectives, coming to be able to offer as many as 80 different models of lenses and video cameras, with the recent introduction of the Cinema EOS line.

In recent years the growth has been rapid, with the sale of approximately 10 million pieces per year. Expansion which has led recently to the goal of 90 million units sold worldwide since 1987 to present, a truly impressive figure.

Canon has obviously going to continue to evolve and improve their lineup with the objectives ‘introduction of the latest technologies in the service of digital imaging and video.

Press Release

Canon celebrates production of 90 million EF lenses

Canon reach this milestone productive thanks to strong demand and the continued popularity of the range of EF

The production of interchangeable lenses Canon EF begins in 1987 at the plant in Utsunomiya, when the series was introduced together with the EOS system. Since then, the demand for products and goals Canon EOS continued at a fast pace, so much so that in 2011 spent only nine months to go from 60 million to 70 million units produced. In order to meet this demand, Canon has broken down between production plants located in Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan.
Throughout its history, Canon has continued to lead the imaging industry, introducing innovations like the engine Ultrasonic (USM) 1, the technology of image stabilization (IS), the multi-layer diffractive optical element (DO) technology and anti-reflective Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC).
EF Lenses: constant precision, versatility complete
In May this year, Canon has announced the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, a super telephoto zoom lens equipped with built-in multiplier 1.4x zoom that offe rs a very wide range: from 200 to 560 mm. With this latest addition, the current range is made up of Canon EF 80 modelli2, including the series of EF Cinema dedicated to the world of film and television production.
Canon will continue to refine their imaging technologies through research and Optical experience gained over the years to offer its users the objectives and cameras exceptional and reliable, and at the same time to disseminate a culture of photography and videography. The Canon range meets the diverse needs of photographers, from beginners to advanced amateurs and professionals.
Highlights of the production of EF:
• 1995: More than 10 million units produced
• 2001 : More than 20 million units produced
• 2006: 30 million units produced
• 2008: 40 million units produced: goal achieved in April
• 2009: 50 million units produced
• 2011: 60 million units produced: goal achieved in January,
• 2 011: 70 million units produced: goal achieved in October,
• 2012: 80 million units produced: target achieved in August

Since 1987, the production lines are spread over a total of four production sites: Canon Inc., Sdn. Bhd., Utsunomiya and Oita.

1 Among interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras
2 This number includes the EF Cinema. EF: 71 models, EF Cinema: 9 models