![]() ![]() |
New Canon EF LensesA collection of information and links for Canon's new EF lenses and rumours about even newer ones (includes other makes that catch my attention too :-)11th May - US rebates
Latest articles (not rumours... :-) on our site: >> Spyder3 Print V3.5 review The latest ICC printer profiling system from Datacolor (aka ColorVision) is reviewed. Featuring faster operation and a wide range of profile generation options, it can be used for building printer profiles for colour and (with additional measurements) Black and White printing. For more experienced users it offers multiple version profile building (from the same set of measurements) and profile editing. 2008 11th The US 'instant' rebate scheme will run from May 18th to July 19th. Looks like the ideal chance to pick up that EF28-90 you've been hankering for :-) Guess it also pushes any new product announcements into July at the earliest...
May 7th No firm rebate info for the US yet, but a post on FM suggests that the 'instant rebates' will include at least the following.
6th from Germany we've had a report (thanks) of a major dealer suggesting a prospective purchaser of a TS-E24mm wait and see what Canon announce in June... "more than just 1 TS-E lens to be announced soon" they also seemed quite keen to suggest June rather than an announcement for Photokina. April 30th At FM there's a post suggesting June for the next Canon lenses (2 off). As well as the (long) expected 5D2 there is a 1DMk3n. 27th Possible lens/camera rebates in the US from 18th May? [Dealer comments DPR] BUT note price rises before [details on 5D2 page] 25th No lens news for a while I'm afraid, although Canon have just announced (IR) that EF lens production has passed the 40 million mark "Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex cameras began in 1987 at the company's Utsunomiya Plant. Canon commemorated the production of its 10 millionth EF lens in August 1995, its 20 millionth in February 2001, its 30 millionth in January 2006 and, a mere two years and three months later, has now surpassed the 40-million-unit mark" March 23rd The 5D firmware update adds extra lens correction functionality. It looks as if lens announcements will make for a lot of the news later this year with Nikon telling the BJP:
That said, if you include the 200 and 800 that Canon showed at PMA then I'm expecting quite a few Canon lenses this year. I've now had several comments all suggesting that new tilt/shift glass is amongst these, although whether this was in the form of updates or whole new lenses, no-one was sure. March 8th I've used DxO optics Pro quite a bit in the past and while I'm waiting for it to catch up with the fact I'm a Mac user with a 1Ds3, I've been trying out some of the lens correction options in Canon's DPP software. BTW, I'll have a report of using the latest DxO with the 1Ds3 as soon as I can. I can't say I've ever been a great fan of Canon software, it often just doesn't seem that intuitive to use, or it looks as if it's been overly simplified (huge buttons etc) ... then again I'm probably not their target user? that said I was quite taken with some of the lens correction features (I've an example in my 1Ds3 notes of using it with the 14mm II). I recently saw this useful list of just what is (and isn't) currently supported...
2008 February 25th I've been at the Focus show in Birmingham today (more comments on the 5D2 page) Not much new to see, although plenty of people trying the long glass at the Canon stand (below) I did have a quick go with the Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED on a D3. Slightly lighter than the Canon lens, but otherwise very similar. Whilst I've had lots of people asking if there is an update to the TS-E24 on the way, I've not had any additional information for some time now :-( February 16th Canon Europe are having another round of rebates (5D/40D/400D and lenses) it starts on March 1st and runs to the end of June - details on the 5D2 page.
January 29th The lenses were for real... given my interest in T/S lenses I'm putting all the Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED info on a page of its own. January 28th Was the 24mm T/S lens dealers were mentioning actually a Nikon? ;-) There's a DPR thread with some supposedly leaked Nikon info 24mm PC aka T/S "Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED Tilt/Shift lens : Nikon Europe announced the PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED, a 24mm wide-angle tilt/shift lens for studio, architecture and landscape photography. Tilt/shift lenses incorporate the ability to move the internal optical elements to produce an effect called perspective control (PC). The PC-E Nikkor 24mm lens offers a tilt/shift capability range that leads its class, tilting up to +/-8.5º and shifting +/-11.5mm. The lens can be rotated a full 90° degrees left or right with convenient clicks-stops at 30° intervals. For precise manual focussing, the lens features compatibility with the electronic rangefinders in all Nikon SLRs, and offers auto-aperture control with the Nikon D3 / D300 cameras." "The PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 and a minimum aperture of f/32 and a closest focus distance of a mere 0.21 meters. The lens has extensive sealing against dust and moisture, and weighs 730 grams. The filter/attachment size is 77mm. Estimated pricing for the Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED is €1829 and it is expected to go on sale this spring. A bayonet hood and soft case are included." Note you get another 0.5mm of shift and 0.5 degree of tilt compared with the Canon version. There was also this... "Nikon PC-Nikkor lenses - Availability A 60mm Macro "Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED lens : Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of the new AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED lens for micro or close-up photography, featuring a closest focus distance of just 185mm" ... "Estimated retail price for the Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED is €519." If the 24mm is as good as some of Nikon's recent wide lenses then I suspect that unless Canon do update the TS-E 24mm, then I'll be looking for a Nikon lens adapter. The current TS-E is manual focus so not a lot would be lost with a good adapter. Of course I'm still hoping that what I heard last year about Canon updating the TS-E range turns out to be true. I was using the TS-E 24 on my 1Ds3 this afternoon on a job and I could do with a bit sharper detail at a lot of shift. Out of curiosity, it was also the first time that I'd used liveview in a busy factory environment where getting to the eyepeice was not easy. Note - this still counts as a rumour for the time being, suffice to say a fair few of Nikon forum visitors are hurredly looking up just what the hell a PC (or tilt/shift) lens actually is :-) January 25th I've seen and been sent a number of 'dealer related' mentions of new tilt/shift lenses (such as this brief one suggesting June 08 on flkr and mention here on 12th Oct and 26th Nov).
Unfortunately dealers are rarely given much advance notice by Canon, and when they are it's usually to senior management under NDA. One thing I'd be curious about is just how many T/S lenses Canon sell? They used to be very small volume sellers, but I've seen far more discussion and use for them over the last few years. 2008 January 24th Prices for the two lenses already announced... $6000 for the 200mm and $12,000 for the 800mm The official PR from Canon ...looks like nothing else new :-( i.e. no 'new' lenses that we didn't already know about. These two are obviously being pushed for the Olympics LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 23, 2008 Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the launch of two new telephoto lenses for use with its EOS SLR cameras: the EF200mm f/2L IS USM and the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM, the world's longest focal length lens with an Optical Image Stabilizer system. The Company, which exhibited prototypes of the lenses during PhotoPlus Expo in New York last October, is launching them at the PMA tradeshow (booth E101) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 31 to February 2. "The development of these two new lenses continues to show how Canon actively responds to the imaging needs of our professional and advanced amateur customers. We are proud to provide the right equipment to help photographers capture the best and brightest images under all conditions," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and EF200mm f/2L IS USM are professional L-Series lenses that incorporate the latest generation of Canon's high-performance Optical Image Stabilizer system (OIS), giving them a stabilization effect equivalent to a shutter speed four settings faster. In addition, they feature optical systems utilizing fluorite and UD lens elements to provide excellent chromatic aberration correction for high-resolution, high-contrast shooting performance. Both lenses use only lead-free glass, and also incorporate lightweight yet durable magnesium alloy lens barrels with enhanced resistance to moisture and dust. The Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM is an exceptionally sharp lens that is significantly lighter (2520g/5.5 lbs. vs. 3000g/6.6 lbs.) than its predecessor, the renowned EF200mm f/1.8L USM lens, while adding OIS and a weather-resistant design. Ideal for all kinds of low-light photography including portraiture as well as indoor sports, the EF200mm f/2L IS USM has a close-focus setting of 1.9 m/6.2 feet and a circular aperture system that enhances its background blur rendition at wide apertures. The Canon EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM is not only the longest focal length lens available with OIS, it is also virtually the same physical size as the EF600mm f/4L IS USM (461mm vs. 456mm), while weighing nearly 2 lbs. less (4500g/9.9 lbs. vs. 5360g/11.8 lbs.). These outstanding features were made possible by the use of a lightweight magnesium alloy lens barrel construction and a state-of-the-art super-telephoto optical system featuring 2 fluorite elements as well as Super UD and UD glass elements. The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM is well-suited for a wide variety of long-range big money photo applications such as wildlife and nature photography as well as sports and documentary photojournalism. The new Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM is scheduled to be available in April at an estimated retail price of $5,999.00 and the new Canon EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM is scheduled to be available in May for an estimated retail price of $11,999.00.
EF800 - $12k... I'll take two please :-) January 21st While everyone expects the 200/2 to appear for real at PMA, I'd not seen any other 1st hand reports of what it's like to use other than in this FM thread (inc. test shots)
20th I saw the Pentax digital lens 'roadmap' [PDF] mentioned on FM. If Canon have one of these then I've unfortunately not seen a copy of it ;-) :-)
2008 January 18th It seems that Canon have now caught up with the companies announcing that the rebate (US) is extended until Feb 17th The list of lenses that the $125 rebate applies to is
There's also the Speedlite 580EX II flash The Canon lens rebate (US) was supposed to end on the 13th? The Canon rebate page(PDF) said it had. However several companies are indicating various 'instant rebates' such as Amazon which says "Price includes manufacturer's instant rebate. Plus, save up to $125 instantly on select Canon lenses and Speedlites. Offer extended through February 17, 2008." 2007 December 27th According to the latest copy of EOS Magazine (in the UK) Further information on the EF 200/2 and EF 800/5.6 will be available 'early in 2008'.15th Apart from the lenses 'in development' there are no solid rumours for PMA yet. A current DPR thread mentions the long awaited 100-400 update and a possible new 17-85 IS f/3.5-5.6 (current version is f/4-5.6) The 100-400 is a 1998 lens and although good, is seen to be a bit long in the tooth now [see Jul 7th below] One site I use to keep an eye on UK lens prices is Camera Price Buster where I note that the price of the 100-400 has dropped (like the 17-85) over the last few months (US visitors, have a smile at what we pay for lenses in the UK :-) If you look at the graphs, you can see which lenses are dropping in price, while others seem to be fairly steady. Probably of slightly more predictive power than looking at the tea leaves in my cup... ;-) November 26th At least one new TS/E lens is supposedly on the way? In an update, one of our sources suggested that as well as improved optics, the new version would include also 'some autofocus'. This could well appear in time for PMA - any more comments/news appreciated
16th I've had several enquiries about the EF 24-105/4L IS USM, it seems difficult to find in Sweden and in the UK several dealers are offering 'white box' or 'unboxed' new lenses (with no rebate, but cheaper). Low stock levels or a 'clear out' ahead of something new to go with a 5D Mk2 early next year? 2007 October 25th I've been told (thanks) that the minimum focusing distance for the 200/2 is 1.9 metres. As to when you can get one, I've seen March 08 mentioned, although on FM it was suggested that Canon (CPS) in Australia were saying the end of next year is more likely. Maybe that's just for general availability, but you can bet that Canon will have plenty available for use at the Beijing Olympics next summer ;-)
October 16th Two huge lenses from Canon are announced -- no more details on the lenses but they are supposed to be shown at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York from October 18th - 20th.
"The Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM, targeting users who seek a brighter lens for portraiture and indoor sports photography, realizes a large aperture of f/2. The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM, expected to deliver telephoto performance surpassing the current top-of-the-line EF600mm f/4L IS USM super telephoto lens, is being developed in response to requests from users working in the fields of sports and news photography who are looking for a high-performance lens that offers a longer focal length." 12th We've had an interesting mail suggesting some updates to Canon's TS-E tilt shift lens lineup. In particular aimed at making them good for the 1Ds3.
2007 September 26th In an odd report from Finland, it seems that the 50/1.8 is 'no longer made' according to someone at Canon, discovered after someone wanting one was finding difficulty in obtaining the lens.
23rd Quite a few lenses listed in the latest European rebates from Canon ... info on the 5D2 page September 17th As part of quite a bit of Canon related info we've received recently, there was this about Canon's directions in updating their lines of lenses: Lens design is a very specialised discipline, with Canon historically only being able to develop no more than 3 or 4 new or upgraded lenses each year. Canon has several distinct programs of lens upgrades it wants to pursue:
Canon is looking at ways to expand its lens design capabilities here using new software and expanding the engineering teams in this area. Many of the L series lenses (especially the primes) sell in relatively tiny quantities often just a couple of thousand or less in a year. This makes the return on investment pretty limited. Canon actually makes these in single production runs where they make a year’s supply in one go. 2007 August 23rd Just for interest - this is still the Canon EF page! :-) Along with the Full Frame D3 and DX D300 Nikon announce a slew of new lenses.
Each of the new lenses comes with a flower-shaped hood and a semi-soft case. The hood of the 14-24mm is integrated, the 24-70mm removable. Guide Price to be confirmed in September. Both lenses will be available in November 2007. Longer lenses too...
August 20th In addition to the lenses 'announced' yesterday there is the...
19th A new 14mm (info via Amazon - who seem to have jumped the gun a bit with the release) "Canon EF 14mm f2.8L II USM Lens While its large diameter, high-precision aspherical and UD elements, optimized lens element positioning, and flare and ghost-reducing lens coating ensure that this lens delivers the top optical performance in its professional class, Canon has added other features photographers have been asking for--improved dust and water resistance incorporated around the mount, switch panel and focusing ring, and a round aperture that creates a nice background blur and makes it easier to recognize an out-of-focus scene in less than brightly lit conditions. Furthermore, Canon has created a new lens cap specifically for the EF 14mm f2.8L II USM that is held to the lens by a stopper." Note - We now have one of these lenses and it is indeed very nice - some example shots are on our 1Ds3 notes page and a new EF-S 18-55 IS (also from Amazon (from Nov 15th at $199)
The higher performance provided by Canon's lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low-light, long-zoom, or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What's more, the shooter can see the image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady, more accurate framing and composition is possible, the AF point can be placed more precisely, and the photographer can concentrate on the optimal shot more comfortably." EF-S lenses to fit on next version of the 5D? - see the 5D2 page for more info. 2007 August 15th While not Canon lenses, the fact that some are made by Zeiss may interest a few people... for a really in depth bit of analysis of the few bits of info directly from Sony, have a look at PA 8th An EF 135 f/1.2L ?? There's a Canon survey doing the rounds at the moment and amongst the lenses listed is a 135/1.2L Surely a typo? If not then I'll take one please :-) August 6th More info on the new standard lens for the 40D ... a Canon EF-s 18-55 f3.5-5.6 IS ??
July 16th A brief mention of a new 18-55 in the 40D rumours, but other than that, I was sent this PDF link to an interesting Canon guide to their lenses and the technology that goes into them. 7th I was browsing eBay (UK) today and noticed several cut price EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lenses - not being a regular eBay watcher I don't know if this is common? There has been talk of an f/4 100-400 for some time and the current version is in the US rebate list. Might be a lens to announce with the 1Ds3 or 40D ;-) The 100-400 has been around since 1998, and has no real weatherproofing - for a list of suggested improvements see this from DPR As an aside, related to my eBay searches. I've been experimenting with various lenses out of my 'old lens collection', attaching them to my 1Ds. Apart from the ones that are best only for paperweights, they seem to fall into two categories. First, interesting, but surpassed by something I've already got, or secondly interesting and worth remembering for the odd occasion they might be of use (i.e. I can't justify buying a modern AF version, if it exists). Into the 2nd category go my Zuiko 50/1.2, and 24/2.8, a Russian 1100mm mirror lens from the late 1970's and even a Paragon 500/8 M42 fit lens. I'll probably do an article about these later this year, hopefully with a 22MP 1Ds3, as a comment on why I don't necessarily always agree that 22MP will need all new glass ;-) 5th Several mentions of a possible new EF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM to be launched with the 40D. The oldest reference for this I can find, is on DPR and refers to an original Japanese posting. August 2nd Canon (Australia) are doing a special offer on the 50mm F/1.2 L if you buy one with a 1Ds2 - (info). OK, so they are clearing stocks of the 1Ds2 for a new 1Ds3 some time, but the 50mm/1.2 has only been out for a year by August, perhaps they aren't shifting that fast (not too surprising given the price ;-)
June 27th Very little recently on the lens rumour front, apart from the usual 'there will be new lenses'... Canon in the US are running an 'instant rebate' scheme until July 16th Lenses qualifying (and thus assumed by some as up for change ;-)
April 3rd details on all the Canon cashback offers in Europe are now available online at http://Canonlensacc2007.onlinerebates.com/intro.aspx Current discounts listed are from 1st if April till 30th June: Cashback offers Cashback amount
2007 March 8th No big lenses from Canon at PMA, but have a look at the Sigma 200-500 F/2.8 - that's one big lens, and it comes with a 2x teleconverter (400-1000 F/5.6) February 22nd To go with the 1DMk3 there is indeed a 16-35L (more info on 16-35 page)
It features 3 high-precision aspherical lens elements, each of a different type: ground, replica and GMo for even better image quality than the original EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM. The circular aperture produces a beautiful and natural background blur when shooting at wider apertures. Other features include internal focusing, a ring type USM (Ultra Sonic Monitor), and new AF algorithms for fast and quiet autofocusing." February 21st I've just been pointed to a Danish company that has the current 16-35L on special offer. Perhaps to make way for a new version? From FM:
Now that -would- be interesting, since I use the current 16-35 2.8L quite a bit and was wondering how it would perform once I (eventually) get a 1Ds2 replacement. Several serious doubts over the pricing, but not the liklihood of the actual lenses... February 20th Someone tried to order the 100-400 f4L IS lens and the final price came up as 7494 Euro --this compares with the Nikon 200-400 F4.0 VR which costs 6400 Euro (info -in German-) It also said that the lens would be ready for shiping! Over at this Belgian site there is an EF 400 f5.6L IS listed for 1995 euros 'no stock at the moment'
They also have some 40D info and also a: http://www.geheugenkaart.be/Nederlands/store/viewitem.asp?idproduct=8981222 17th Still not much info on the lens side of things, although this PMA list from FM ressurects that 800/5.6...
February 9th Some useful links for more EF lens information posted on the FM rumours thread
8th There is a UK Dealer event on the 23rd (see main rumours page for more info) at which there may well be some new long glass announced. From SportsShooter: More contacts/connections? Is this the 'new lens mount' that keeps popping up in rumours - new, but backwards compatible? 2007 January 28th The pic from yesterday is widely regarded as a fake - look clearly at the tabs on the original and you can see the joins -- ho hum, this is a rumours page after all... 27th Screen shot of a page we were sent from the Canon UK site showing an all new 800mm f/5.6 DO lens ? Interestingly enough this has been discussed quite a bit on DPR with most people thinking the previous posts about this lens were fakes. The page has since been pulled - a good lens to go with a replacement for the 1DMkIIn?? BTW here's a page with some info on the Canon 2000mm f11 and 800/3.8 from some time ago - and more here - including the 5200mm f14 :-)
Canon US Press release 24th Aug
Other areas of our site that may be of interest... NEW -- Create your own customised A3 size wall calendar from a choice of 90 of Keith's images. Choose your own images for your own custom printed calendar - 12 months starting any month of the year - many all new images not yet in our main gallery. Digital Black and White. Keith was recently interviewed about digital black and white photography for a magazine article. We have an expanded version here covering some of his thoughts, techniques and tips for those thinking of trying black and white. As well as our Commercial Photography services and Training there is a growing collection of photography Articles and Reviews on the site aimed at helping you get the best out of your own photography. We also have a growing collection of Photography related information and links that we hope you find useful. New site features and some of Keith Cooper's latest work are always covered in the What's New page. Visiting Leicester or wondering where it is? We have views from the Leicester traffic cameras. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||