Tokina announced a new lens, the Tokina 12-28mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro for APS-C DSLRs with constant f/4 aperture. The lens is priced $599. The Tokina 12-28mm is already listed on B&H (click here) and available for pre-order.

• Fits Canon APS-C Cameras
• 19-45mm Equivalency in 35mm Format
• Aperture Range: f/4-22
• Silent Drive-Module AF Motor
• AF/MF Clutch Mechanism
• Molded Glass Aspherical Lens Elements
• Ultra-Low Dispersion Glass

Product description:

The 12-28mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro APS-C Lens for Canon from Tokina is a wide-angle to standard length zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/4.0. It is compatible with Canon APS-C cameras and provides a 35mm focal length equivalency of 19-45mm. This compact lens features a one-touch AF/MF clutch operation to switch back and forth between auto and manual focus, for manual focus slide the focus ring back and for autofocus allow to the ring to rest in the forward position. A newly designed GMR (magnetic precision) AF sensor is mounted close to the AF motor and provides fast, accurate AF. The lens’ SD-M (Silent Drive-Module) means that autofocus responds smoothly and silently, which is ideal when shooting HD video.

• Frame: EOS M
• Focal length: 11-22 mm
• Focal camera on APS-C: 18-35 mm eq. 24 x 36
• Maximum apertures: f/4-5, 6
• Minimal openings: f/22-32
• Lens construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
• Stabilization: yes
• Diaphragm: 7 blades
• Minimum Focus Distance: 15 cm
• Filter diameter: 55 mm
• Dimensions (L x ø): 58.2 mm x 60.9 mm
• Weight: 220 g

This was a well kept secret. Yesterday a picture of the lens leaked, today we have the announcement.

The image stabilized Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM wide angle zoom for the Canon EOS M systemis here, price tag in Europe: Eur 339/£379.99, the lens will be available by the end of July.

And there is more!! At the end of the press release you find the following statement:

Before using the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM with the EOS M it is recommended that users upgrade the camera to firmware version 2.0.0 or later.

The firmware on mine is 1.0.2. This can only mean that there is a new EOS M firmware on the way, a firmware update that hopefully will solve the AF issues of the EOS M. Update: the firmware update will soon be available!

dpreview posted a preview of the EF-M 11-22mm (click here). More resources: Le Monde de la Photo (in French), Canon Japan, photoscala.de (German)

Press release:

London, UK, 6 June 2013 – Canon today expands its range of EF-M lenses with the introduction of the new EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. Designed for Canon’s Compact System Camera, the EOS M, this is Canon’s first ultra wide-angle EF lens to feature an Optical Image Stabilizer. Offering a versatile wide-angle zoom range, first-class optical performance, and a new retractable design, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is the perfect addition for EOS M users who wish to capture their passion for landscapes and architecture.

Shoot the city, shoot the world

Designed to expand the range of creative possibilities and shooting subjects, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has an 11-22mm focal range which provides an incredibly wide field of view. This allows users to capture the environment around them whilst remaining close to the subject – ideal for adding drama and atmosphere to each shot.

Class-leading optics deliver incredible results

Engineered using the latest optical technologies, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM enables users to capture images with incredible levels of detail and quality. Manufactured using Canon’s professional quality standards, the lens uses Super Spectra Coatings designed to minimise ghosting and flare, providing beautiful results with every shot. Images are crisp and clear thanks to Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer, which works to keep image blur to a minimum by correcting camera shake. A 3-stop shutter speed advantage ensures high quality stills, even when light levels start to fade. Shooting smooth Full HD movies is easy using the advanced Dynamic IS mode which combats more exaggerated forms of camera shake that occur when shooting video on the move. Canon’s near-silent STM technology also ensures focus noise is supressed during movie capture, so the audience can enjoy crystal clear sound to match the visual quality of the footage captured.

Designed for performance and style

Incredibly compact and lightweight, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has been designed to fit easily into the smallest of spaces so it can be carried everywhere. A new retractable lens design – a first for the EF lens range – locked in place by a switch, allows users to retract the lens back into the barrel when not in use. This keeps the body slim and compact, reducing the lens length by 13mm. An integrated full time manual focus ring also provides the freedom to make precise adjustments to focus as needed. Designed to complement the EOS M’s chic styling, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM features a graphite silver, metal exterior, while the knurled focus and zoom rings are comfortable in the hand and provide easy operation.

EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM – key features:

• Ultra-wide 11-22mm EF-M zoom lens
• Compact, retractable lens design
• Smooth, quiet STM focusing in movies
• Dynamic IS for steady movies
• 3-stop optical Image Stabilizer
• High image quality
• 0.15m minimum focusing distance
• Manual focus ring

Before using the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM with the EOS M it is recommended that users upgrade the camera to firmware version 2.0.0 or later.