India
India
In 1985, as full-fledged autofocus technology was starting to hit the market, most manufacturers of autofocus SLR cameras adopted an in-body range-finding/body drive system, where the AF drive motor is built into the camera body, and the lens drive is operated by a mechanical coupler. Canon took a different approach, believing that the key to future market success was to abandon inhibiting technologies and construct a new system that could eventually surpass other systems in performance, responding to the photographer’s intentions immediately and accurately. This was the genesis of Canon’s new, high-precision AF system.
To optimize the efficiency of the overall imaging system, Canon abandoned the conventional in-body rangefinder/drive system, and instead decided to put individual motor drive systems inside each lens, and select an optimal motor design for each lens type, from fisheye to super telephoto. The Canon AF drive system is based on a design concept where "an optimal actuator for the lens, is placed as close as possible to the drive unit, and all information transmission and controls should be electronic controlled.” By locating the actuator next to the drive unit, Canon was able to boost efficiency, reduce energy transfer loss (and minimize noise) produced by the drive unit. Canon also expanded its range of actuators, designing units that can create the exact focus torque needed for each lens, so that even the largest lens is able to focus quickly and smoothly. In super telephoto lenses, where the drive unit is positioned far from the camera body, this system performs better than a body drive system, making it possible to create super-telephoto lenses with fast, and accurate autofocus. This is a key merit of the professional L-series lenses — the ability of the system to deliver high-performance, durability and operability in even the most severe conditions. This technology has been carried over to the EOS R system and RF Lenses, where technological innovation continues to improve its features and performance.