**Canon Celebrates Production of 170 Million RF and EF Interchangeable Lenses for EOS Series**
Canon U.S.A., Inc. proudly announces that its parent company, Canon Inc., has reached a historic milestone. In October 2025, Canon achieved a cumulative production total of 170 million RF and EF interchangeable lenses for its EOS series, extending its world record for the highest number of interchangeable camera lenses ever produced.
**A Legacy of Innovation: The EF Lens**
The EF lens system was introduced in 1987 as the dedicated lens lineup for Canon’s EOS autofocus single-lens reflex (SLR) film cameras, debuting alongside the EOS system itself. Since then, EF lenses have led the industry by incorporating a string of world-first technologies. These include the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element. Over the years, EF lenses have undergone continuous evolution, cementing their place as favorites among photographers worldwide.
**The Launch of the RF Lens Series**
In 2018, Canon launched the RF lens series designed specifically for the EOS R mirrorless camera system. The RF lenses feature innovations such as a large aperture, short back focus distance, and a high-speed communication system, all contributing to superior image quality.
Today, the combined RF and EF lens lineup comprises 108 models, covering an extensive range of focal lengths—from ultra-wide 10mm to super-telephoto 1200mm. The series includes groundbreaking products like the world’s first VR lens, lenses with built-in power zoom optimized for video shooting, and models compatible with power zoom adapters. This broad range enhances creative expression and caters to diverse needs across both still photography and video production.
**Production Milestones and Global Reach**
EF lens production started at Canon’s Utsunomiya Plant in 1987. Since then, demand from users ranging from beginners to professionals has driven steady growth in production. Currently, Canon manufactures lenses at five major facilities worldwide: Utsunomiya Plant; Canon Inc. Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Oita Canon Inc.; and Miyazaki Canon Inc.
Key production milestones include:
– 10 million units by 1995
– 50 million units by 2009
– The world’s first to reach 100 million interchangeable lenses in 2014
– 170 million units produced as of October 2025
The landmark 170 millionth lens produced was the RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z.
**Sustained Market Leadership and Future Vision**
Canon has maintained the No. 1 global market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras for 22 consecutive years since 2003. Looking ahead, Canon aims to continue refining its proprietary imaging technologies, expanding and strengthening its lens lineup, and pioneering new possibilities in imaging. These efforts will contribute to the ongoing evolution of photographic and video culture worldwide.
**Technological Highlights in EF and RF Lens Development**
Since its debut in March 1987, the EF lens system has introduced numerous world-first technologies:
– **Image Stabilizer (IS) technology**, first featured in the EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM released in 1995
– **Multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element**, used in the EF400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001
– **Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC)**, applied to the EF24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008
In 2021, Canon launched the EOS VR System, a VR video system comprising a mirrorless camera, dedicated lens, and PC software. This system enables the creation of 3D 180° VR videos using an interchangeable lens camera.
In 2024, Canon introduced a new series of hybrid lenses equipped with iris rings to serve both still photographers and professional videographers. This included zoom lenses like the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, which are compatible with power zoom adapters. For prime lenses, the F1.4 L hybrid series was launched, featuring unified size and consistent ring and button positions across models for ease of use.
Most recently, in September 2025, Canon unveiled the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM, the fifth model in this hybrid series, showcasing Canon’s commitment to meeting the evolving demands of modern photography and videography.
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Canon’s dedication to innovation and quality continues to push the boundaries of imaging technology, ensuring that photographers and creators around the world have access to the most advanced tools to realize their creative vision.
https://www.canonrumors.com/canons-rf-ef-lens-production-exceeds-170-million-units/