South & Southeast Asia
South & Southeast Asia
By locating the drive motor inside the lens, Canon is able to fine-tune the motor design to match specific characteristics of the lens. Canon was the first camera manufacturer to successfully use an Ultrasonic Motor (USM) inside the lens to drive autofocus. The ring-type USM is powered by ultrasonic energy oscillations. Therefore, it is virtually silent, consumes little electricity, and is highly responsive to operational commands, making it ideal for controlling AF. First introduced in 1987 with the EF300mm f/2.8L lens, the quiet, high-speed autofocus performance of this USM was hailed as an astonishing achievement. Mass production technology for these motors was perfected in 1990. In subsequent years Canon continued to release sophisticated motors with enhanced performance, including compact, and mass-market models. Canon’s development efforts culminated in a full-time manual-focus system that integrates autofocusing and manual focusing capabilities — a revolutionary feature, particularly for professionals. After the AF has set an approximate focus, the camera operator can fine-tune the focus using the focus ring to achieve a specific, desired focus distance. This full-time MF feature is supported by many L-series and RF mount lenses.