The new lens, ideal to shoot creative video (and photos) at tight indoor locations such as a cozy corner table in a restaurant or unique vacation photos where the subject is close up, is an extreme wide-angle (a 16-28mm if we consider the “crop” factor of 1.6x) that will offer enthusiasts all the coverage they need, when used together with the currently available EF-S 18-55mm IS and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM zoom lenses.

These new lenses, though, are not to be used by owners of Canon full frame DSLRs, as they're built specifically for the APS-C format sensor. The move confirms that Canon continues to look at APS-C sensors as a valid option for the future, both in the video and photo department. The new lens will, as previous STM models, offer its best when used with cameras like the EOS 70D, EOS Rebel T5i and EOS Rebel SL1, providing smooth, quiet and continuous autofocusing during video shooting, as well as when taking photos.

Introduced in 2012, the STM family of lenses delivers silent and smooth Movie Servo AF. It is widely known that a problem with DSLRs (and other small cameras) is the lens's operating noise during auto-focusing when recording movies. Canon developed STM (stepping motor) in their EF lenses to minimize the operating noise. According to Canon, the system, “designed to operate in synchronization with pulsed power, the STM rotates a single step per pulse of electrical signal. Accordingly, STMs, which are also known as pulse motors, offer superior response and controllability at start and stop. Their simple mechanical structure also contributes to smooth, low-noise lens operation and smaller lens sizes.”

Firstly employed in lenses as the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM,  the system delivers exceptionally silent and smooth operation. Although this does not mean you should/could use the audio on your camera for – all – your professional work, it does mean you'll have less noise present when you use STM lenses. Even if only to be used for reference, the sound captured will be cleaner than with a normal lens. Furthermore, for some videos, the use of STM lenses and the right cameras will offer an acceptable quality of audio recording “in camera”, at least significantly better than using the “regular” USM lenses. Canon also used the STM system in a pancake lens for the full frame format, the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM.

The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra wide-angle zoom lens features a compact and lightweight design with an Optical Image Stabilizer for shake correction up to four shutter speed steps, enabling handheld shooting in low light. The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra-wide zoom lens features one UD lens element to help reduce chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast. It also features enhanced multi-layer lens coatings to help ensure superb color balance while minimizing ghosting and flare, while a seven-blade circular aperture creates beautiful, soft backgrounds.

Compared to the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM wide-angle lens, the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra wide-angle zoom lens is nearly 20% smaller and 38% lighter. When combined with a compact digital SLR, such as the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera, the smaller size makes it very convenient to carry with the camera when traveling. The compact four-group zoom optical system provides a maximum magnification of 0.15x at the telephoto end.

The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra-wide zoom lens will be available in June for an estimated retail price of $299.99. For more information about Canon EF Lenses visit Canon's website.