Canon Releases New 8-15mm f/4 Fisheye Zoom Lens

Canon has entered the fisheye zoom lens game with its EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM lens.  The new lens will work with all sensors, and will produce 180 degree circular images when used with a full frame camera.  It produces normal fisheye images for cameras with APS-C, like the new EOS 60D or APS-H sized sensors. The lens includes locks at zoom positions to mark the widest zoom settings that can be used at different crop factors without vignetting.

Given the popularity of fisheye zooms underwater, and the versatility of this lens,  expect to see this become a majorly popular underwater lens. The lens will retail for $1,400.  Canon also released three telephoto lenses, none of which are suitable for underwater use.  The portion of the press release for the fisheye zoom is below. 

Press Release

Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens

With its unique focal length range, the EF 8-15mm f/4L USM is the world's widest fisheye zoom lens. It delivers 180§ diagonal angle of view images for all EOS SLR cameras with imaging formats ranging from full-frame to APS-C, and provides 180˚ circular fisheye images for full-frame EOS models. Professional photographers and cinematographers will revel in the unique perspectives afforded to them through this lens, particularly when coupled with the highly popular full-frame EOS 5D Mark II DSLR camera. Canon's new Fisheye zoom lens features both UD and aspherical lens elements to enhance image quality and is equipped with rubber gaskets and seals to enhance weather resistance. Canon's proprietary SWC (Sub Wavelength Structure Coating) is used to minimize flare and a new fluorine anti-smear coating is applied to the front and rear elements to make lens cleaning easier than ever.

The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens is expected to be available in January of 2011 for an approximate retail price of $1,400.