Thoughts on New Canon 10-22 EF-S

Canon haven't done much for the status of the EF-S line by releasing the cheap and nasty 18-55 EF-S as the first model for this new format.

The 10-22 looks a big step up in quality to me, though.

Looking at the released pictures, the construction looks quite similar to the 17-40L. You've got a metal body with the same powdercoat-type finish.

MTF charts on the Canon Japan site appear to show similar optical performance to the 17-40L - anyone who speaks Japanese may like to confirm this!

If the cost is $800 that would put it into L-lens league in terms of price.

Main downer is 1/ not 10D compatible as far as I know, and 2/ November release date - so I'm not going to be shooting with this lens any time soon.

Filter diameter of 77mm is a good choice as the same diopter will fit this lens, the 16-35L and the 17-40L (as well as several other popular Canon lenses).

I put together a picture of 10-22 and 17-40L for comparison purposes. It shows that the lenses are not disimilar in dimensions. As I have housed the 17-40L in an Ike housing without too many problems, I think this will also work OK. Having said that, you'll notice the zoom and focus rings are in opposite positions on both lens (thanks for confusing me, Canon!), which may make fitting a zoom gear slightly more challenging.

I noticed tha the zoom and focus gears are reversed on the lens as well. Just one more thing Canon copied from Nikon I guess...;-P The lens does look similar to the 12-24DX, doesn't it?

Cheers

James

 The lens does look similar to the 12-24DX, doesn't it?  

Yes. I guess cylindrical designs are the current fad.

Just one more thing Canon copied from Nikon I guess

Or just switched to the way it is on some of their other lenses...

Seriously though, as annoying as it is when Canon makes little changes, this was a good choice (at least topside). The zoom ring on the 17-40L is in a bad place and can be hard to use, whereas the focus ring is perfectly placed. Gotta say I'd rather be able to grab the zoom ring fast than the focus ring...