Those of you who use Canon EOS camera bodies might be interested in a fairly extensive article on this company’s latest EF lens technologies. Among the topics discussed are hybrid image stabilization (used in the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM), fluorine lens element coating, Power Focus, and IS Mode 3. The article is part of the Education series on the Canon Professional Network site, a source for a lot of good information available to anyone, not just CPS members.
Also just announced by Canon is an updated EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II lens intended to meet the goals of high image quality in a compact form at modest expense. EF-S lenses will only work on crop-sensor bodies such as the 7D, 60D, 50D, and various Rebel models.
For the very technically inclined, there’s a detailed article on the Canon Rumors site titled “How To Test a Lens” which helps explain many of the factors involved in manufacture and use of these complex devices. Focus testing is one item not only critical to good results, but a factor many of us can now influence on bodies that allow autofocus microadjustment.