Canon has announced that after 21 years and 67 models, they have just smashed the 40 million lens production milestone with their EF range of DSLR lenses.

Interestingly, a quarter of that 40 million were made within the last 2 and a half years, something that Canon suggests is testament to the soaring popularity of DSLR photography within a wider market.

"With the increasing number of consumer-orientated D-SLR models on the market – including Canon's market-leading EOS 400D and the new EOS 450D – D-SLR has moved from the professional domain to become a truly mass interest", said Mogens Jensen, head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe.

He added: "We are delighted that photographers of all levels continue to rely upon Canon EF lenses, and we remain committed to producing the industry’s most extensive, cutting-edge line-up".

Two new lenses are set to join the 67-strong family in 2008 – the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM, the world's longest image-stabilised telephoto lens, and the EF 200mm f/2L IS USM, another large-diameter telephoto lens.

We'll bring you more news when they launch.