Canon’s EF-S60mm f/2.8 Macro USM, a medium-length macro lens for EF-S lens-compatible digital SLR cameras, marks the first macro lens in the company’s EF-S series lineup. Accordingly, the lens is ideally suited for use with the EOS Kiss Digital N, announced today, as well as the highly acclaimed EOS 20D advanced-amateur model launched in September 2004.

The EF-S60mm f/2.8 Macro USM utilizes a smaller image circle and a short back focal distance to enable macro photography up to life-size 1:1 magnification and a focal length equivalent to 96mm (35mm format), while also making possible a highly compact, lightweight design.

The lens employs an inner focusing system in which the first lens group is fixed in position and the second through fourth lens groups move independently in a three-group floating system. This system, also featured in the EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens for 35mm cameras released in March 2000, combines high image quality at all focusing lengths with a 90 mm working distance in 1:1 macro mode, the longest in its class^*. As a result, users need not worry about the front of the lens touching the subject when shooting macro photos.

The EF-S60mm f/2.8 Macro USM’s lens element positioning and lens coating have been optimized to ensure excellent color balance while minimizing the flare and ghosting that can easily occur when the lens is used with a digital camera.

In consideration of the environment, the EF-S60mm f/2.8 Macro USM uses only lead-free glass optics and was designed in anticipation of the EU’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive, which is due to take effect in July 2006.

* Among macro lenses with focal lengths between 50-60mm and that achieve 1:1 magnification. As of February 16, 2005.