One of the problems of macro photography is allowing enough light into the lens to provide a larger depth of field, often resulting in blurry photos. One way to help is to buy a ring-light to fit round the lens, but Canon has now gone one step further by actually building LEDs into its latest macro lens.

The EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM includes Canon’s Macro Lite technology and is the first lens of its kind in the EF-S range, compatible with all the company’s APS-C DSLR cameras. The lens offers life-size 1.0x magnification and comes with a closest working distance of 30 mm. With two ‘lamps’ doing business, on the left and the right of the lens, it is possible to control these independently, allowing for some interesting possibilities when playing around with shadows.

According to Canon the lens’ tapered edge design minimises the shadows it casts onto subjects, and thanks to its built in optical image stabiliser with Hybrid IS, the lens can counteract unwanted shake and blur to enhance macro shots.

There is no news yet on availability of the EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM in South Africa, nor price, but it retails from $350 Stateside. We will keep readers updated as soon as we receive further info.  UPDATE: The lens is expected to land in May locally.