Canon will next month launch a new telephoto zoom in the shape of the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.

The lens delivers the 35mm equivalent of a 29-320mm lens, according to Canon (using a conversion factor of 1.6x).

The image stabiliser (IS) function

is designed to enable the photographer to use shutter speeds four stops slower than would be otherwise possible.

The 16-element-in-12 lens includes Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and aspherical lens elements to help minimise chromatic aberration.

Canon has told AP that the lens will not be launched in a kit with the EOS 50D but available separately priced £549.99.

Canon 18-200mm IS