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Canon Lenses 1987- onwards

Canon Lens Date codes

The Rumours...

2009 July

3rd I was reminded of the date codes stamped on some lenses and have a list of what's what.

Fortunately it's been a quiet week rumour wise, since I've had really bad food poisoning for a few days and only felt like being on the computer for short periods. Add to that the UK 'heat wave' and I've not been in the most agreeable of states ;-) It's now raining and I feel like food again!

June 30th While we are waiting for Canon announcements, I'm told (thanks) to expect a new 35mm f/1.8 lens from Canon (56mm equiv on 1.6 crop). This would replace the EF35mm f/2 which dates from 1990.

No more specs (EF or EF-S) I'm afraid :-(

We've had mentions of the replacement for the 35/1.4 L for some time, but this is not the same and a new one to us.

29th Lots of tables/PDFs of all Canon lens specs [G1]

28th 24-70 IS seen in the wild? [POTN]

27th If you've tried ordering many 'L' lenses recently you'll have noticed that not only have all the cheap ones vanished, but many are extremely difficult to get hold of.

We hear from PMA in Australia (thanks) that the situation there is improving - Canon's backorder total for 'L' lenses has dropped from 1700 to 1200 (this just for Australia!)

The word was that if you ordered an 85/1.2 last month, then you could expect it early 2010...

26th There is widely expected to be a Canon camera announcement next week.

The 2000D is most likely but we've not heard any news of associated lenses, although an EF-S prime ~30mm is popular on several forum wish lists.

Oh, that and the ever popular IS version of the 24-70 [CR] [POTN]

Since this page was getting large we've moved pre-2009 stuff to an archive page.

We've taken the release dates of all EF lenses and put them into a large table, showing announcement dates and whetherr the lens is current.

EF-S lenses are also indicated.

This is based on a list put together by a DPR poster - thanks for all the useful work [DPR]

Current EF lens

Current EF-S lens

'retired' EF lens

'retired' EF-S lens

Canon Lenses since 1987 (as of June 09)

YEAR	M	Lens	YEAR	M	Lens	YEAR	M	Lens
1987	3	EF50mm f/1.8	1988	6	EF28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 II	1989	4	EF28-80mm f/2.8-4L USM
1987	3	EF35-70mm f/3.5-4.5	1988	6	EF35-135mm f/3.5-4.5	1989	9	EF50mm f/1.0L USM
1987	3	EF35-105mm f/3.5-4.5	1988	6	EF50-200mm f/3.5-4.5L	1989	9	EF85mm f/1.2L USM
1987	3	EF100-300mm f/5.6	1988	10	EF35-70mm f/3.5-4.5A	1989	9	EF80-200mm f/2.8L
1987	4	EF15mm f/2.8 Fisheye	1988	11	EF24mm f/2.8	1989	10	EF20-35mm f/2.8L
1987	4	EF28mm f/2.8	1988	11	EF200mm f/1.8L USM
1987	5	EF70-210mm f/4	1988	11	EF600mm f/4L USM
1987	6	EF100-300mm f/5.6L	1988	12	EF100-200mm f/4.5A
1987	10	EF135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus
1987	11	EF300mm f/2.8L USM
1987	11	EF28-70mm f/3.5-4.5
1987	12	EF50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
1987	12	EF50-200mm f/3.5-4.5

1990	3	EF35-135mm f/4-5.6 USM	1991	3	EF75-300mm f/4-5.6	1992	3	EF500mm f/4.5L USM
1990	4	EF100mm f/2.8 Macro	1991	4	EF400mm f/2.8L USM	1992	4	EF35-80mm f/4-5.6 USM
1990	6	EF70-210mm f/3.5-4.5 USM	1991	4	TS-E24mm f/3.5L	1992	6	EF20mm f/2.8 USM
1990	6	EF100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM	1991	4	TS-E45mm f/2.8	1992	6	EF85mm f/1.8 USM
1990	9	EF35-80mm f/4-5.6	1991	4	TS-E90mm f/2.8	1992	6	EF35-105mm f/4.5-5.6 USM
1990	10	EF35mm f/2	1991	4	EF35-105mm f/4.5-5.6	1992	6	EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 USM
1990	11	EF80-200mm f/4.5-5.6	1991	10	EF100mm f/2 USM	1992	6	EF80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 USM
1990	12	EF50mm f/1.8 II	1991	10	EF28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 USM	1992	11	EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
			1991	12	EF14mm f/2.8L USM
			1991	12	EF200mm f/2.8L USM
			1991	12	EF300mm f/4L USM

1993	1	EF35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM	1994		No lenses in 94?	1995	2	EF38-76mm f/4.5-5.6
1993	3	EF20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM				1995	3	EF35-80mm f/4-5.6 III
1993	5	EF400mm f/5.6L USM				1995	3	EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM
1993	6	EF50mm f/1.4 USM				1995	3	EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 II USM
1993	7	EF1200mm f/5.6L USM				1995	3	EF80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II
1993	9	EF35-80mm F4-5.6 II				1995	7	EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 II
1993	10	EF28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM				1995	8	EF28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 III USM
1993	11	EF28-70mm f/2.8L USM				1995	9	EF28mm f/1.8 USM
						1995	9	EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

1996	3	EF200mm f/2.8L II USM	1997	3	EF300mm f/4L IS USM	1998	2	EF28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
1996	3	EF400mm f/2.8L II USM	1997	12	EF24mm f/1.4L USM	1998	3	EF22-55mm f/4-5.6 USM
1996	4	EF135mm f/2L USM				1998	3	EF55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 USM
1996	4	EF180mm f/3.5L Macro USM				1998	11	EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
1996	4	EF17-35mm f/2.8L USM				1998	12	EF35mm f/1.4L USM
1996	9	EF24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
1996	9	EF28-80mm f/3.5-5.6
1996	9	EF28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 IV USM

1999	4	EF28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II	2000	3	EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM	2001	9	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
1999	4	EF28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 V USM	2000	9	EF28-200mm f/3.5-5.6	2001	12	EF400mm f/4 DO IS USM
1999	4	EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 III	2000	9	EF28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM	2001	12	EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM
1999	4	EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM	2000	10	EF28-90mm f/4-5.6
1999	7	EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM	2000	10	EF28-90mm f/4-5.6 USM
1999	7	EF500mm f/4L IS USM	2000	10	EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM
1999	9	EF400mm f/2.8L IS USM
1999	9	EF600mm f/4L IS USM
1999	9	MP-E65mm f/2.8 Macro
1999	9	EF70-200mm f/4L USM

2002	9	EF28-90mm f/4-5.6 II USM	2003	5	EF17-40mm f/4L USM	2004	6	EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM
2002	9	EF28-105mm f/4-5.6	2003	9	EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6	2004	6	EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
2002	9	EF28-105mm f/4-5.6 USM	2003	9	EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM	2004	9	EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
2002	9	EF90-300mm f/4-5.6 USM	2003	9	EF28-90mm f/4-5.6 II	2004	9	EF28-90mm f/4-5.6 III
2002	11	EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM	2003	9	EF55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM	2004	11	EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
			2003	9	EF90-300mm f/4.5-5.6

2005	3	EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM	2006	2	EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM	2007	2	EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
2005	3	EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II	2006	2	EF85mm f/1.2L II USM	2007	8	EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
2005	9	EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM	2006	8	EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM	2007	8	EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
2005	9	EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM	2006	8	EF50mm f/1.2L USM	2007	8	EF14mm f/2.8L II USM

2008	2	EF200mm f/2L IS USM	2009	2	TS-E 17mm f4/L
2008	2	EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM	2009	2	TS-E 24mm f3.5L II
2008	9	EF24mm f/1.4L II USM
2008	9	EF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS

Have a look and see what you think is due for update...

I'd expect to see a whole slew of long glass to go with the 1D mk4 and at some good wider glass to go with the 1Ds Mk4 next year. Perhaps an improved kit zoom for the 2000D and something EF-S for the 60D?

13th The 17mm is a great lens - no news yet on a date for the 24mm - next month says one dealer.

HK shortages fuel 24-70 2.8L mkII (or IS?) rumours [POTN]

We've been told (thanks) that the new 17 and 24 TS-E lenses are some of the products of Canon's new lens design technologies (the ones not mentioned in the marketing materials) and that their answer to the Nikon 14-24 is due this year or may be held until the 1Ds4 early next year.

5th Our TS-E 17 turns up - see lens page for more info. Test shots later today when I've finished some 'real work' ;-)

4th Small stocks of the TS-E 17 turn up in the UK

May 28th No sign of our tilt/shift lenses yet, but some TS-E 17 versions turned up in Austria and sample images are circulating.

Meanwhile DPR moves up in the lens testing league, as they review the Hartblei Superrotator Macro 120mm F4 (T/S) lens

20th Early June is the best estimate we're getting at the moment for delivery of the new TS-E 17 and TS-E 24 - however Canon are being a little obscure in giving dealers any hard info...

This reluctance to giving firm delivery details is causing a degree on annoyance amongst dealers since it seems to apply to almost all lenses not in the 'best seller' categories.

DxO have announced support for more lenses and cameras, but still not for my 14mm 2.8L II on a 1Ds3 :-(

There's a suggestion [CR] of some new cheap primes to coincide with the next camera launch (2000D) EF 35 f/1.8 USM and EF 50 f/1.4 USM

13th We're getting asked by a lot of people about lens shortages and imminent announcements. Even lenses like the 100 macro are mentioned.

My own suspicion, based on some Canon lens manufacturing schedules, is that a lot of the less common lenses only get made in smallish batches, which might sit around on the shelves for a some time. Take the current price rises (with a large currency element), add in scarcity and you have a great way of clearing inventory. Of course you can only push this so far before people start looking elsewhere.

Several people have told us that they've found lenses by phoning round local photo shops, who might have one or two of the less common lenses 'forgotten' in the shop window... worth a try.

9th Lots of people pointed out that typos are relatively frequent on Canon Price lists...

I'd expect any replacement for the 24-70 and 100-400 to be announced with a suitably expensive camera, There is still the new version of the 35/1.4L to appear.

8th Signs of a new 24-70? Some comments in a DPR thread after a 24-70 2.8 IS appears in a Dutch price list and is listed with the 5D2 at several places.

Also listed is: EF 100-400mm 4.0 L IS USM 2577A011AA 4960999214047 € 1,979.00

However, check the similarities with comments we had back in early March...

April 30th The DPR thread includes an image

Our TS-E 17 page has a sample we were kindly sent.

29th A sighting of the new TSE lenses and a description of their performance (no pics) in a DPR post.

Having just shot a whole interior job with the current 24mm, I eagerly await their arrival (end May?)

27th Shortages of many lenses are fuelling many rumours of replacement. The fact that Canon in the Netherlands marked the 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L IS USM as 'discontinued' and says that a 100-400 f/4 is due by June helps too... [DPR] although note follow-ups [DPR]

f/4 at 400mm needs a big bit of glass and price wise, would not be in the same league as the venerable 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L

24th Where are the Canon lenses? [DPR] Shortages of a lot of lenses being discussed.

7th No more 15mm fish-eye? [CR]

Unlikely I'd have thought, unless a new one and a wider version were on the way. Not like Canon to leave such a hole in their lens line-up.

March zf18mm 28th Zeiss will be making the Distagon T* 3.5/18 available in Canon EF fit. Announced at the Photo Imaging Expo 2009 show in Tokyo and should be available 'towards the end of the year,'

These specs from the 'F' mount version

Focal length: 18 mm

Aperture range: f/3.5-f/22 (half increments)

Focusing range: 0.3 m-infinity

Number of elements/groups: 13/11

Angular field, diag./horiz./vert.: 99/90/67°

Object field at smallest near setting: 44x29 cm

Image ratio (close range): 1:12

Filter thread: M 82x0.75

Dimensions (with caps): 87 mm diameter, length 84 mm

Weight: 470 g

Price for the ZF is 1115 euros

Notes and comparison with Nikon 12-24 at LL

Note that we've been told (thanks) that a Canon answer to the Nikon 12-24 is quite likely to be released with a major DSLR launch

...guess that's a FF 1D4 or 35+MP 1Ds4.

24th You wait for ages and then loads of them turn up at once.

Hartblei have announced a set of three new lenses with Zeiss glass. 40/80/120mm

hartblei tilt shift lenses The prices do make the new Canon T/S lenses look quite a bargain.

16th It seems the 400/5.6 is not easy to find [POTN] It still appears on Amazon in the UK though. The lens does stand out in Canon's range as not having IS, so might be up for replacement.

However, don't forget that many of Canon's lesser selling lenses are made in batches that may be spaced apart by quite some time.

The economy gets the blame in a DPR thread...

15th According to many comments about the new 24 and 17mm they are manual focus. However if you visit the Canon Australia site [24mm, 17mm] you can down load specs which clearly say that it has "Focus Drive: Gear driven by DC motor" and "High-Speed AF via high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithm"

Looks as if Canon Australia either know something special, or someone got their specs confused ;-)

13th A very brief DPR 'preview' includes a few more photos of the new TS-E 24 II

canon 50mm f/1.0 12th Is the 50/1.0 still available? I thought it was discontinued, but we were pointed to it on the Canon Norway site.

Not listed on the UK site, but then the 1200 is on the Norwegian site too... Unfortunately the specs look the same as the original 1989 version at the Canon museum.

Has another batch been found in a warehouse somewhere? :-)

Back in January we had several reports of the 50/1.4 being back ordered at a lot of places. At CR it's once again suggested that this lens is due for an update although one a comment we received suggested that a new prime to go with an xxxD was more likely.

Buying your new TS-E lens

We make a specific point of not selling hardware, but if you found the articles and information here of help, please consider buying a lens, or any other items at all, via our link with Amazon.

It won't cost any more (nor less we're afraid) but will contribute towards the running costs of our site

or, if you'd prefer, you can look at

10th A comment from PMA [SS] suggesting that a 100-400 f/4 IS is on its way, but perhaps not till next year, whilst the existing 100-400 looks due for update.

2nd We've had several mails (thanks) pouring cold water on the 24-70IS release, noting for one thing that the price works out the similar to the existing 5D2 + 24-70 kit

1st There have been consistent rumours about an IS version of the 24-70 2.8L for some time. At CR they've had a series of mails from Poland suggesting that the lens is listed as a kit option for the 5D2.

Well, lots of people have been hoping Canon would pull something out of the hat for PMA - it would be the first time I've seen them do it, but these are unusual times.

Meanwhile, currency fluctuations force up the UK price of the Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM which now carries a recommended retail price of £24k - up 50% from its £16k launch price.

February 26th More Canon CPN info on the new T/S lenses

We also have more MTF charts from Canon Japan (TS-E 17mm), including a comparison between the old and new TS-E 24mm

23rd Visited the Focus show in Birmingham (UK) today and hoped to see the new TS-E lenses on the Canon stand - nope, just a plain old version of the 24mm put on a 40D body.

canon 24mm tilt shift on 40D

Even so, the Canon stand was absolutely packed.

Update - I'm told the 17mm -was- actually there - unfortunately the three Canon minions I spoke to all told me it wasn't - thanks folks!

19th Some confusion with the TS-E prices, with Canon Germany showing noticeably lower numbers.

Several people have asked if there is any more news expected. I'd say it's highly unlikely that we'll see any more lenses until the next camera announcement, although I can't necessarily see them announcing a 500D and an updated 100-400 L or 24-70 2.8L IS to go with it.

2009 February 18th The forums are rather full of 'How much!' and 'is that all' comments after Canon announce two £2k+ tilt/shift lenses.

No update to the 24-70, no 35 1.4L II and no new 100-400.

Then again, they are selling well. The new T/S lenses are probably been seen with a degree of trepidation by some in the MF market.

We'll just have to see how well they perform on our 1Ds3 in a few months ;-)

Press info on the new T/S lenses.

EU, UK, US

TS-E 17mm f/4L is available from May 2009 priced at £2749.99 / €3049.99 RRP inc. VAT.

TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II is available from May 2009 priced at £2399.99 / €2659.99 RRP inc. VAT.

More updated info on the TS-E 17 f4L and TS-E 24 f/3.5L II pages.

BTW, if these are new to you, we've written an article about using a tilt/shift lens.

new canon tilt shift lenses 17mm and 24mm

Amstelveen, the Netherlands, 18 February, 2009: Canon today announces the launch of two new tilt and shift lenses, the Ultra-Wide angle TS-E 17mm f/4L and the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, an upgrade to the popular TS-E 24mm f/3.5L.

Canon was the first company to offer 35mm camera users a combined tilt and shift lens, With 36 years experience in this field, Canon has now added a new unique functionality to the TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, allowing users to rotate the direction of the tilt and shift independently of each other.

This affords greater control over the focal plane, replicating the movements of a large format view camera. Canon’s revolutionary tilt and shift revolving mechanism is particularly useful when shooting product shots from a perspective where specific framing and focal plane is required.

The new lenses, influenced by feedback from professional photographers, have been created to produce the best image quality with high resolution, high contrast and low distortion.

The use of high-precision asphercial front elements keeps distortion, common in wide angle lenses, to an absolute minimum, even at the edges of the frame. The TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II also feature multiple UD elements to reduce chromatic aberration and optimised focus mechanisms.

Canon today has also introduced a new range (52mm to 72mm) of versatile, multi-functional PL-C B polarizing filters to help reduce reflections from glass or water or darken blue skies. The PL-C B’s, which are now available in 52mm, 58mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm filter thread sizes, also allows the lens cap to be attached to the lens to prevent damage to the filter if left attached when not in use.

Key features of the TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II include
Tilt and shift lenses compatible with all Canon EOS cameras
Ultra Wide 17mm / wide 24mm focal length, ideal for architecture and landscapes
High precision lens elements for low distortion and high resolution to the edge of the image
+/- 6.5° Tilt and +/-12mm Shift (TS-E 17mm f/4L) +/- 8.5° Tilt and ±12mm Shift (TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II)
Tilt and shift mechanism rotates +/-90° allowing shift in any direction
Tilt mechanism rotates +/-90° allowing tilt in any direction relative to the shift
Aspherical and UD lens elements minimise chromatic aberration
Sub-wavelength structure and super-spectra coatings minimise ghosting and flare
Circular aperture for creative, blurred highlights
TS-E 17mm f/4L has a floating internal focus mechanism delivers high image quality throughout focus range.

Hopefully these lenses will be on show at the Canon stand at Focus, in Birmingham (UK) next week. I'll be there on Monday myself.

17th Well - here they are. Thanks to all the people mailing in pictures and additional info!

Of course we do have to mention the one voice so far I've seen saying 'Fake!' [DPR]

We'll hopefully have full reviews before too long ;-)

All new info on these lenses will go on the

TS-E 17 f4L and TS-E 24 f/3.5L II pages

TS-E 17mm f/4 L

TS-E 24mm 3.5L II

A comment in a German forum [DSLR] puts the prices at

TS-E 17mm €2499
TS-E 24mm €2299

"completely re-calculated, completely redesigned. Cracking Up until the corners, and similar to the Lensbaby simultaneously in different directions" Google translation

Does this suggest an all new mechanism similar to the 'super rotater' design?

We just had a comment (and only that), warning us to expect two new 'L' T/S lenses tomorrow.

17mm and 24mm tilt/shift

Ouch, if true, that's a hit to the company bank balance coming up :-)

16th There seems to be more PMA lens rumours than camera ones going about.

Of course the 24-70 IS is still mentioned [POTN] but there is interest in the suggested Voigtlander Color Skopar 20mm F3.5 SL II Aspherical (for Nikon Ai-s). Although slated for Nikon F mount, there is some talk of a Canon version.

This via Google. Expected Release Date: 2009 February 28

Focal length: 20mm
Angle: 94 degrees
Relative aperture: 1:3.5
This lens: minimum aperture 6 of 9 pieces: F22
Minimum focusing distance: 0.2m
Number of diaphragm blades: 9 piece weight: 205g
Maximum total length * diameter: 63 * 28.8mm
Filter size: 52mm
Mounting: Ai-s (CPU-Chip)

A range of Sigma lenses is also expected - Nikon at first [NR]

10-20 f/2.8

70-300 OS (FF)

70-200 f/2.8 OS (FF)

Should be some announcements too from Canon this week...

14th Shop mentions 24-70 2.8L IS [POTN]

11th Interesting snippet [DPR] to suggest that the new shift lens would be less than 24mm and that there would be a new UWA prime too.

A suggestions further down the thread points to a new TS-E and the wide being the new 35L 1.4, that has been widely expected for some time.

I do remember at a Canon event a few years ago being asked what I'd like to see in lenses, and saying that a slightly wider version of the 24 would suit my work a treat, that said, the 24 is one of my important 'work' lenses.

10th Confirmation that the TS-E24 has been discontinued [DPR]

A caller to Canon US (1-800-OK-CANON) to the sales desk confirmed that the 24 TS-E has in fact been discontinued. The Canon person didn't have or couldn't give any info on a replacement.

For any new 24mm T/S lens I'd expect to see a very big bit of glass at the front, particularly if the maximum aperture has been upped at all from f/3.5 There is an interesting note on the Zuiko 24mm/3.5 shift at Mir.

It's also been pointed out to us (thanks) that if you go to the 'lens chart' section of Canon US lens info pages (mid RHS), the PDF that downloads has rather a lot of lenses marked as discontinued.

8th It's not just the TS-E24 that's gone.

Thanks to the folks at the useful EFlens.com site for pointing out the rest of the lenses that have been 'retired' from the Canon US site.

Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM	14mm
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM	18-55mm
Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM	20-35mm
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L	24mm
Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM	24-85mm
Canon EF 28-105mm f/4.0-5.6 USM	28-105mm
Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II	28-80mm
Canon EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 II USM	28-90mm
Canon EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 III	28-90mm
Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM	55-200mm
Canon EF 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II	80-200mm

Apart from the 24 TS-E. it looks like a way of reducing inventory, since some of those lenses probably don't sell that much.

Any more replacement news anyone?

7th The 24mm TS-E lens vanishes from Canon's US page.

Still there at the moment at Canon UK.

Some stores are showing out of stock, but this isn't exactly a big selling lens...

January 30th A comment [CR] that someone has seen testing of a new 24mm TSE lens

"24mm and a bit faster than the current lens offered by Canon. The results have been a big improvement over the current model."

We've heard comments about this lens for some time, but have never had any really firm information. The difficulties in designing a retrofocus 24mm lens with a large image circle mean that any improvement on the current f/3.5 will mean a very big bit of glass at the front, and it certainly won't be cheap. Note that the well regarded Nikon 24mm PCE is also only f/3.5.

Suffice to say, it's well up on the list of lenses I'd personally like to see updated from Canon

With lens prices rising, we've had a couple of reports (UK and NL) of the 70-200 f/4L IS dropping in price.

If you want to check the price list from yesterday, it's at Canon NL [PDF] Unfortunately it seems that the code '2577A011AA' and the EAN refers to our old friend the 100-400

29th In a Canon price list from Holland we see the following entry

EF 100-400mm 4.0 L IS USM 2577A011AA 4960999214047 € 1,979.00

Meanwhile, a suggestion [CR] that there will be a EF 80-400 f/4-5.6L IS USM in the announcements

28th We're told [thanks] that the revamped 35/1.4L and 1-2 other replacement 'L' lenses will be announced before PMA - the point being 'announced', much like the 200 and 800 were. First we've heard of this one...

Plenty of discussions about replacements [DPR] but little actual info about :-)

27th A UK dealer still says "this product has now been discontinued by the manufacturers" about the 50/1.4

2009 January 22nd 50/1.4 is backordered at B&H too

21st I'm told (thanks) that at least one UK supplier is saying thet the EF 50mm f1.4 lens is 'no longer available' - anyone else hear anything?

Time for a new 'standard' lens anyone? It's noticeable that the 1.4 is quite an ancient lens in the EF range, with the optics going back to the 70's. There's a review at DPR that shows what's there at the moment.

20th Some time ago (November) we saw several comments suggesting a new version of the 24-105

We're told that at the SWPP convention in the UK, during a presentation a photographer stated that he is currently testing the pre-production version of the Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM Mk II lens. He had the 5D Mk II camera pre-production model since November 08 (NDAs anyone? ;-)

Certainly would explain Canon's eagerness to push the kit versions of the 5D2 ;-)

16th A suggestion that the EF 17-40 f/4L is due for an update this year [CR] ...no IS though.

13th UK lens prices are on the up at some dealers - for example the 24-70 2.8L has gone up from ~£800 to £950.

Time to shop around if you wanted a new lens, since I still see it listed at below £800 by quite a few dealers.

12th A suggestion [CR] that the 300/2.8L IS is due for an update before long.

I note that the fake 100-800 f/4 stories persist [ 'Announced' - FM] - note the scrunched 100-400 'picture' in the original info ;-)

2009 January 10th I'm told (thanks) that in Germany, most camera prices (in the official list) are unchanged, but lenses are up from 5-10% (esp 'L' lenses)

For example, the 14mm 2.8L II goes from 2199 euro to 2309 euro

>>> 2008 lens rumours

>> Older lens rumours

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