Equipped with an APS-C size CMOS sensor, the mirrorless EOS M realizes both a compact size as well as a high image quality. In addition to the existing standard zoom lens and pancake type prime lens, which are EF-M lenses designed exclusively for the EOS M, the EF-M11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM super wide-angle zoom lens has been newly added to the lineup. In the following, let's take a closer look at the charms of this super wide-angle lens as we journey through Hokkaido in the northern part of Japan for landscape shots with fresh, verdant green as the theme. (Reported by: Masumi Takahashi)

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Lens Review with actual samples. EF-M11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM attached to EOS M

EOS M/ FL: 14mm/ Aperture-priority AE (1/50 sec., f/11, +0.3EV)/ ISO 200/ WB: Auto

Light from the setting sun broke through the clouds. To capture the fleeting view, I took the shot by tapping the touch screen of the rear LCD monitor to adjust the focus and exposure. In landscape photography, light and shadow are ever-changing. It was enjoyable trying to seize the defining moment as the nature changed its expression by the second.

EOS M/ FL: 22mm/ Aperture-priority AE (1/30 sec., f/11, +0.7EV)/ ISO 200/ WB: Auto

At Hokkaido, the verdant young willows and the deep pink of the cherry blossoms create an invigorating sight. With the camera pointing up from a position where the subjects were brightened by the slightly oblique light, I was able to include the vivid blue sky in the background of this landscape shot. Both the apparent resolution and color reproduction were satisfactory.

Taking handheld shots with the help of the Image Stabilizer feature

A third member has been added to the EF-M lens lineup. The EF-M11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a super wide-angle zoom lens with an angle of view equivalent to a focal length of about 18 to 35mm in the 35mm format. Here, I tested the usability and depictive performance of the lens through some actual shots.
At the wide-angle end, the compact and lightweight EF-M11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM supports shooting at a super wide-angle with a focal length of about 18mm, allowing photographic expression that is totally different from that of a standard zoom lens. You can enjoy excellent portability when it is combined with the EOS M, making it a useful lens too for capturing natural landscapes. In the test here, I have intentionally included the sun in the composition, but flare was found to be minimal. Distortions characteristic of super wide-angle lenses were also favorably corrected.

For me, the cherry blossom season is one of the busiest periods of the year. With the EOS M and EF-M11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM as my companions, I spent the entire day photographing the spring scenery of Hokkaido, which was changing rapidly. Thanks to this combination, the compact and light weight did not cause any fatigue. Shooting using the touch screen was intuitive, so operations such as selecting the focusing point were easy.
For shots of the white arum and marsh marigold flowers that showed up between the snow, I needed to brighten the exposure on many occasions as the main theme appeared dark due to the snow. However, with the resulting brightness and color displayed in real time on the Live View screen of the EOS M, I could obtain the desired brightness easily as the exposure was adjusted according to the point on the image that I tapped. With the help of these shooting functions, I was able to carry out the shoot at a swift pace.

A firmware has been distributed for the EOS M to enhance the AF speed. During this session, I made a comparison of the EOS M before and after the firmware update. The conclusion is that there is a significant increase in the AF focusing speed with the new firmware version. This enhancement in the speed allowed me to concentrate more on the subject, as if I had the magnificent view all to myself through this small camera. With a camera that gives you the opportunity to come face to face with the scenery, feel the changes, and focus on the shoot, there is no doubt that your landscape photography skills will improve more quickly.

* This article is created based on a trial model. Aspects such as the appearance and image quality may differ slightly from the actual product. Also the body color introduced here for the EOS M is currently available only in a limited area.