Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM ultra wide-angle zoom lens official

The Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM ultra wide-angle zoom lens is an amalgamation of glass and metal that's made to capture super high quality images with an ultra-wide angle. This lens was of the most awe-inspiring pieces of equipment we got to have a peek at earlier this year at CES but it wasn't something we were able to talk about until now. Everyone in the room that had the opportunity to see this lens had an audible response – and several were words I can't reproduce here. This lens creates an experience that's not easily describable, needless to say.

According to Canon, this lens features "the widest angle of view (126º05' diagonal) ever achieved for a rectilinear full-frame Digital SLR lens." While the glass may look like a baseball to you from these images, Canon has created an environment in which straight lines are retained and "entire stadium shots" can be captured from a general admission seat.

While this lens is fully compatible with all EOS cameras, Canon suggests that it'll be "particularly effective" when used with full-frame cameras like the Canon EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R Digital SLR – both of which were also announced just today.

Canon EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R pictured with standard lenses.

This L-series lens works with optics comprised of 16 elements in 11 groups. This setup has a three group zoom system and rear focus as well. Around the edges of the lens you'll find a built-in petal-type lens hood with "light-shielding grooves."

Inside you'll find four aspherical lens elements, aimed at minimizing distortion "from the center of the image to the periphery."

Throughout the entire zoom range, this lens delivers high-quality pictures and minimal curve.

Reduction of chromatic aberration and image sharpness are enhanced with this lens' one Super UD element and one UD lens element. Inside you'll also find a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms. This lens is smart. It's very, very smart.

The Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM ultra wide-angle zoom lens will be appearing for release in late February 2015. At that time it'll carry an estimated retail price of $2,999 USD.