For photographers whose idea of a close-up is the full-frame flutter of a bumblebee's wings, the new EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens makes it happen. The EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens is a compact, internal focusing lens designed specifically for the EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR camera as well as the prosumer EOS 20D and entry-level EOS Digital Rebel SLR cameras. The new lens focuses from infinity down to 1:1 (lifesize) at a generous working distance of approximately four inches from the subject. What's more, because it is an internal focusing lens, the physical size of the new lens remains constant, ensuring that it will never inadvertently invade a subject's space. This is a particular advantage in macro nature shooting with live subjects when sudden lens movement such as a forward focus adjustment with a conventional macro can cast an unwanted shadow on the subject or send more wary species scampering for cover. Optimized for the large, APS-C size CMOS imaging sensor used by the two Digital Rebel cameras and the EOS 20D SLR, the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens takes full advantage of the short back-focus and small image circle that characterize EF-S type lenses. The lens uses a 3-group floating inner focus system in which group one is fixed while groups two and three move on their own separate tracks. The process provides enhanced correction for any aberrations that may arise during focusing as well as a "flat field" that optimizes the lens's center-to-corner performance with tack-sharp image quality over the entire shooting area. This is coupled with a working distance of 90mm from the front of the lens to the subject during 1:1 macro photography, the longest working distance in its class. Though it is a true macro lens in all respects (as opposed to a zoom lens with a macro setting), the 1.6x focal length conversion factor (created by the difference in size between the camera's image sensor and a traditional 35mm film frame) gives this 60mm lens an angle of view equivalent to a 96mm lens on a 35mm camera, making it a high-end performer as a portrait lens as well. Brawn and Brains While the lens features Canon's rugged metallic EF bayonet mount, the back of the lens is designed to prevent it from being mounted on cameras that do not accept EF-S lenses, and features a rubber ring to prevent damage to the camera. The mount also serves as the conduit for signal transmission between the lens and the camera, providing such EOS dedicated information as lens status, lens type, metering information, focal length, distance information and AF drive information. Finally, the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens is constructed of environmentally friendly lead-free glass, and it is treated with Canon?s Super Spectra coating to help ensure exceptionally accurate color balance while minimizing flare and
