Canon Announces EF 35mm F1.4L II with Improved Optics and Chromatic Aberration Control

Canon has just announced the upcoming release of the EF 35mm F1.4L II USM, an upgraded version of the wide-angle, L-series prime lens.  Boasting features such as 14 optical elements and an improved water-resistant housing, the lens is also the first in the world to implement Canon’s new Blue Spectrum Refractive technology, significantly reducing chromatic aberrations in-camera.

“The new Canon-developed BR optical element offers characteristics that significantly refract blue light,” states Canon’s press release, “which lies within the short-wavelength range, to achieve impressive levels of chromatic aberration correction for outstanding imaging performance.”  The BR technology essentially takes light from the blue wavelength spectrum, which has proven difficult to properly refract, works to better refract the light to a single focal point.

“The molecular design of BR Optics refracts blue light (short wavelength spectrum) to a greater degree than other existing optical technologies including UD glass, Super UD glass and Fluorite, to control color fringing as effectively as possible. When placed between convex and concave lens elements made from conventional optical glass materials, BR Optics help to produce sharp images with outstanding contrast and color fidelity by thoroughly reducing axial chromatic aberration. ”

Highlights

• Aperture range of f/1.4-22
• Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics
• 14-element optics, including 2 aspherical elements and 1 UD glass element
• Weather-Sealed Design
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
• Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating to combat flare and ghosting
• Minimum focusing distance of approximately 11 inches (0.28m)
• Swift and virtually silent autofocus
• High water- and dust-resistant housing
• Fluorine coating on front and rear lens surfaces repels water and dust, making cleaning easier

The lens is expected to land in October of this year at a projected price of $1,799 and is currently available for pre-order at B&H.

[via Digital Photography Review]