The new Canon EF-M 28MM f/3.5 MACRO IS STM is not just the first macro lens for  their EF-M lens system, it is also the first macro offering light, provided by a group of LEDs. Good for both photography and video.

Photographers used to macro know well the problems faced in some situations: either your shadow casts over the subect or the amount of light present is not enough for a proper exposure with the depth of field you need. There are multiple solutions for these problems, from ring lights used around the lens to external flashes or LED panels carried with the camera and lenses. Now Canon has created a new solution that may weill suit those looking for a portable lighting solution for macro.

In fact, photographers looking for a compact, lightweight (just 130g) macro lens should look no further than the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens, the first Canon Macro lens specifically designed for the EOS M Camera System. This lens has another particular aspect that, I believe, many will want to see in other lenses from Canon: it features a pair of built-in miniature Macro Lite electronic flash units that illuminate close-up subjects as needed, helping to freeze movement, enhance color accuracy and provide a better sense of depth and dimension. Two curved flash units surround the front element of the lens, with the ability to illuminate both simultaneously, or one at a time. Users are also able to adjust the brightness of the Macro Lites between “bright” and “dim” settings.

The dedicated Macro Lite allows you to bring the lens as close as you need without compromising on light. Used to illuminate small objects up close, it can be controlled by a switch, letting you change the lighting intensity and direction on one or both sides of the Macro Lite, allowing you to create dramatic lighting, while the design reduces shadows cast by both the camera and lens. For photos that show the sparkle of jewellery or the intricate texture of fabric for a fashion blog post, or even close-up portraiture, the lens might be a portable solutions to explore.

There is another interesting aspect to this new lens that, again, photographers would very much like to see implemented in other models. The standard focusing range of the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens extends from infinity to life-size (1 time). Additionally, a Super Macro Mode allows shooting at even higher magnifications up to 1.2 times. This feature allows you to capture smaller details that really make your subjects stand out against the background. The lens has the ability to focus on subjects as close as 13mm.

When it comes to image stabilization, this lens uses the same Hybrid IS, already found on Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens, which helps reduce camera shake for, suas Canon, “enjoyable handheld photography.” A stepping motor (lead screw-type STM) helps provide smooth and quiet focusing operation when taking photos, and near-silence when shooting videos, a feature that may well interest videographers involved with the world of little things.

Built around one UD lens and two aspherical lenses, to help deliver outstanding image quality at all distance settings by reducing chromatic and spherical aberrations, the the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens offers an angle of view similar to a 45mm standard lens (35mm equivalent) providing flexible image capture of various subjects and scenes at macro distances and beyond.

To help users take full advantage of the AF speed capable, when shooting movies on an EOS M3 or EOS M10 with the EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM, a firmware update will be released at the end of May. Canon’s EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in June for an estimated retail price of $299.99.