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Canon’s RF/EF lens production exceeds 170 million units, extending its world record in interchangeable lens production

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Canon

Canon Inc. (https://en.Canon-CNA.com) announced today that, in October 2025, Canon reached a historic milestone of producing a cumulative total of 170 million RF and EF interchangeable lenses for its EOS series, extending its world record [1] for the highest number of interchangeable camera lenses ever produced.

The EF lens was introduced in 1987 as the dedicated lens system for Canon’s EOS autofocus single-lens reflex film camera, debuting simultaneously with the EOS system itself. Since their inception, EF lenses have led the industry by incorporating a series of world-first [2] technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, and have undergone numerous evolutions.

In 2018, Canon launched the RF lens series, designed for the EOS R mirrorless camera system, which features a large aperture, short back focus, and high-speed communication system to deliver even higher image quality. The RF and EF lens series lineup now includes a total of 108 models [3], covering a wide range of focal lengths [4] from ultra-wide 10mm to super-telephoto 1200mm. The series also includes the world’s first VR lens [5], lenses with built-in power zoom suited for video shooting, and even those compatible with power zoom adapters—expanding the scope of creative expression and meeting the diverse needs of users for both still photography and video.

EF lens production began at Canon’s Utsunomiya Plant in 1987. Since then, both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume. Today, Canon manufactures lenses at five sites: Utsunomiya Plant; Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Oita Canon Inc.; and Miyazaki Canon Inc. Milestones include 10 million units produced by 1995 and 50 million by 2009. Then in 2014, Canon became the first company in the world to reach 100 million interchangeable camera lenses produced. In October 2025, the company reached 170 million units, leading to the achievement of this world record. The 170 millionth lens produced was the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z.

Canon has maintained the No.1 [6] global market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras for 22 consecutive years since 2003. Moving forward, Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies and further strengthen and expand its lens lineup, pioneering new imaging possibilities and contributing to the continued evolution of photographic and video culture.

Highlights in the development of the RF/EF Lens Series

The EF lens, which was introduced alongside EOS in March 1987, has adopted a variety of world-first technologies, including Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, featured in the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM released in 1995; a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, used in the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001; and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) [7], applied to the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008.

In 2021, Canon launched the EOS VR System, a VR video system consisting of a mirrorless camera [8], dedicated lens, and PC software, thereby creating a 3D 180° VR video through an interchangeable lens camera. In 2024, Canon began rolling out a new series of hybrid lenses equipped with iris rings, designed to meet the needs of both still photography and professional video production. For zoom lenses, the company has also launched RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z which are compatible with power zoom adapters. For single focus lenses, the company released F1.4 L hybrid prime lens series that unified the size and ring and button position across models. In September 2025, Canon launched RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM, the fifth model in this series, demonstrating that it can meet demands in line with the changing times.


[1] Includes EF, EF-S, EF-M, EF Cinema, RF, RF-S, and RF Cinema lenses and extenders. As of October 21, 2025 (according to a survey by Canon)
[2] Among SLR cameras (according to a survey by Canon)
[3] Number of products sold as of October 22, 2025 (including extenders). The number of lens models for sale is different according to market figures.
[4] Focal length is 5.2mm to 1200mm when including VR lenses
[5] An interchangeable digital camera lens that enables VR footage with a single camera. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras released as of October 5, 2021 (according to a survey by Canon)
[6] Refers to unit share (according to a survey by Canon)
[7] A special coating with advanced anti-reflective properties
[8] For applicable cameras, please visit the official Canon website

*Release dates in this document refer to dates in Japan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Tech

Huawei’s Bangkok Launch Ignites All-Scenario Intelligence, Opening a New Chapter of Smart Life

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2026 – On May 7, 2026, Huawei held the “Now Is Your Spark” global product launch in Bangkok, Thailand, where they officially unveiled the HUAWEI MatePad Pro Max, HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series, HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 Racing Legend Edition, and other innovative products. With all-scenario technology, these devices serve as a genuine extension for global users to explore the world and express themselves.

An ultra-slim flagship tablet setting new benchmarks in mobile productivity

Huawei globally debuted the HUAWEI MatePad Pro Max at this launch. Combining refined design, a premium display, PC-level productivity, and a full suite of creative tools, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro Max provides flagship tablet performance in a remarkably thin and light form factor. At 499g and measuring a mere 4.7 mm thick, even the exclusive PaperMatte Edition weighs just 509g, HUAWEI MatePad Pro Max is the thinnest and lightest tablet among the 13-inch+ tablet.

Smart wearables refreshed for the next generation

Huawei has introduced a fresh lineup of smart wearables tailored for the young generation. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series retains its iconic square design, now enhanced with a sleek, vibrant aesthetic. It guides users through engaging and accessible mini-workouts, encouraging a more active lifestyle. The series also supports a wide range of competitive sports, including cycling, golf, trail running, and tennis. With advanced tracking, analysis, and guidance features, it caters to diverse needs, from daily fitness routines to competitive sport.

Debuting at this event, the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 Racing Legend Edition is a professional running watch that embodies the look and feel of marathon racing. It features a new single running ability index (RAI) and a professional Training Camp Dashboard, giving runners deeper data insights to train smarter and race harder.

Huawei partnered with renowned jewelry designer Francesca Amfitheatrof to launch the HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN Spring Edition. Inspired by the blooming beauty of spring, this design features 99 natural diamonds and diamond-cut sapphire glass, a wearable celebration of feminine strength and vitality.

Huawei has also unveiled new premium flagship kids watches: the HUAWEI WATCH KIDS X1 Series. Equipped with a front and rear high-definition camera setup, it features a 110° ultra-wide-angle front camera and a 1.82-inch AMOLED screen, offering a larger display and broader field of view. The device also includes a detachable and rotatable device body and AR fun feature, enabling kids to capture every precious moment of their explorations.

A new phone experience for the diverse needs of young users

Huawei officially launched the HUAWEI nova 15 Max, redefining the experience for a generation that plays hard and shoots sharp. Equipped with a 50 MP RYYB Ultra Vision Camera, it delivers true-to-life colors even in low light or backlit conditions. The 8,500 mAh Super Battery powers all-day use, eliminating battery anxiety. The Extra-Durable Body is drop-resistant, so everyday bumps are no longer a worry. Combined with a Vivid OLED Screen and Symmetrical Stereo Dual Speakers, an immersive audio-visual experience is always within reach. From photography to battery life, and from durability to audio-visuals, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max continuously empowers every passion.

From flagship tablets to smartwatches designed for children, Huawei’s connected device ecosystem continues to expand its presence in the daily lives of users around the world. Huawei remains committed to technology that is not only useful, but genuinely enriching, technology that ignites inspiration. Huawei looks forward to continued collaboration with users around the world, helping people live and work better, wherever they are.

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AI-powered measurement enables faster, more responsive decisions but poses transparency and control risks

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WARC releases The Future of Measurement 2026, exploring emerging trends in media and creative measurement

7 May 2026 – As marketing measurement continues to evolve, WARC, the global authority on marketing effectiveness, has today released The Future of Measurement 2026, a report that explores the latest emerging trends in media and creative measurement. It focuses on three key areas: the shift to outcomes measurement; how AI is moving measurement upstream; and the rise of creative intelligence.

Paul Stringer, Managing Editor Research and Insights, WARC, says: “Marketing measurement is no longer just about understanding what happened, but enabling better decisions about what to do next. Traditional approaches – based on attribution, proxy metrics, and post-hoc reporting – are becoming less relevant. Rapid advances in AI are enabling a more dynamic, continuous optimisation of both media and creative. However, the foundational challenges of transparency, governance, and data quality need to be addressed.

“This report explores the key trends shaping this new era of marketing measurement highlighting the fundamental questions and decisions that marketers need to act on.”

Key trends set to shape the measurement landscape over the next 12 months are:

Outcomes measurement gathers pace

Media is increasingly bought against outcomes, driven by greater access to data, digital platforms, and ROI pressures. But the ability to measure and optimise against them is developing unevenly across the ecosystem.

Digital platforms are embedding real-time, outcome-based optimisation directly into their advertising systems, while legacy media are still evolving from an audience-based measurement towards proving their impact using experiments and advanced modelling techniques. The result is a two-speed measurement landscape converging on the same goal: incremental growth.

With no single system providing a complete picture, and a lack of trust and transparency in data and attribution, particularly within digital platforms, marketers are advised to make independent validations and take a cross-platform approach that combine multiple data sources and insights to support better marketing investment decisions.

AI moves measurement upstream

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is primarily being used in measurement to automate data collection, cleaning and normalisation before human interpretation. It can also significantly increase the frequency of testing and modelling for advertisers.

AI promises to move marketing measurement upstream, from a reporting output into ‘decision system’ that supports more dynamic planning and optimisation.

Marketers are rightfully excited about its potential. However, without rigorous, independent validation, AI-driven measurement risks becoming a black box for budget allocation, producing outputs that may appear credible but are not transparent or reliably grounded in true causal signals.

The rise of creative intelligence

Creative quality is a key driver of advertising effectiveness, yet it remains undervalued and undermeasured by marketers making it harder to justify investment. This is changing thanks to advances in AI and machine learning.

Marketers are building creative intelligence capabilities, an integrated system that allows them to measure and optimise creative at scale. This enables them to forecast asset performance ahead of launch, continuously optimise creative assets in real time for engagement and effectiveness, and measure the true impact of creative on commercial outcomes.

However, creative intelligence faces several barriers to adoption, such as poor data quality and a lack of resources. It also demands a closer integration across people, processes and technology – particularly creative and media.

Marketers are advised to unify disciplines and workflows so creative and media work as one operating system. Investing in platforms that support end-to-end creative activation, optimisation, and measurement will be essential. Piloting is expected to begin with social channels, where creative data is easily accessible and closely linked to performance.

The Future of Measurement 2026 report is available to WARC subscribers. A WARC podcast will be available from 12 May.

The insights for The Future of Measurement report are based on a combination of exclusive data from WARC and external research studies and reports. It is part of WARC Strategy’s Evolution of Marketing, series of in-depth forward-looking reports on the marketing discipline through evidence-based insights and emerging trends, technologies, and other drivers of change.

 

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Events

Enlit Africa 2026 keynote programme tackles Artificial Intelligence (AI) reality, grid constraints and the energy–water nexus

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Taking place on 19–21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Enlit Africa convenes stakeholders from across the electricity value chain and the water ecosystem

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 7, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa 2026 returns to Cape Town with a focused opening sequence built for decision-makers who need practical clarity, not theory: an early-morning investment-led breakfast followed by two keynote anchors that tackle delivery realities in Africa’s power, energy and water systems.

 

Taking place on 19–21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Enlit Africa convenes stakeholders from across the electricity value chain and the water ecosystem. The programme is anchored by the 2026 theme: Compounding impact: small changes, outsized outcomes – a deliberate focus on the operational decisions, governance shifts and financing mechanisms that translate intent into measurable system performance.

19 May: Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast (07:00–09:30)

The week starts with the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast, featuring keynote commentary from Bruce Whitfield followed by a fireside chat between Bruce Whitfield and Goolam Ballim (Chief Economist and Head of Research, Standard Bank Group).

The breakfast is designed for participants focused on bankability, procurement confidence and the practical steps that move projects from intent to execution. It unpacks what financiers are actually pricing, what evidence strengthens confidence in delivery, which behaviours and signals measurably improve fundability and why Africa is more geopolitically relevant than ever before.

19 May: Keynote 1 – Africa in the AI Age (10:30–12:55)

The first keynote anchor, Africa in the AI Age, is hosted by Enkromelle Andrew (Master of Ceremonies) and opens with a welcome from Chanelle Hingston (Group Director, Power, Energy & Water, VUKA Group).

A ministerial address by the Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy is followed by a focus on digital power, storage and AI, with a keynote contribution from David Sun (Vice President and CEO of Electric Power Digitalisation Business, Huawei).

The keynote then moves into a panel discussion on the role of AI and digital technologies in Africa’s energy evolution, with panellists including Carol Koech (CEO, GEAPP). The morning concludes with an in-conversation session moderated by James Mackay (CEO, Energy Council of South Africa) with senior business leaders including Dan Marokane (Group Chief Executive, Eskom), and leaders in industry.

20 May: Keynote 2 – How coordinated energy and water planning could change African resilience (09:30–12:00)

The second keynote anchor turns to a reality shaping resilience across the continent: energy security and water security are increasingly inseparable but planning and funding remain fragmented.

Under the guidance of MC Enkromelle Andrew, the session includes a perspective on the water–energy nexus from Sabine Dall’Omo (CEO, Siemens South Africa which convenes a high-level panel on taking water–energy coordination beyond theory, with panellists including Darshana Myronidis (Global Group Director of Sustainability, Virgin Group), Deerosh Maharaj (Executive Head: Energy, Infrastructure & Mining, Standard Bank Business & Commercial Banking), Sabine Dall’Omo (CEO, Siemens South Africa), and JP van der Merwe (Chief Foreign Direct Investment Officer, Wesgro).

Across the Business Breakfast and both keynote anchors, Enlit Africa 2026 is designed to deliver high-signal discussions focused on delivery, governance and the actions that improve system outcomes at pace.

Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group, will take place on 19–21 May 2026 at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa. The full programme and registration information are available at: www.Enlit-Africa.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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