New Canon EF Lenses
-ARCHIVE PAGE 2009

Rumours and news about Canon Lenses

Archived rumours and information/links for Canon's new EF lenses and rumours about even newer ones.

>> Current Lens rumours

Rumours...

We receive all kinds of camera rumour info - some more believable/risible than others.

Please do use your common sense when reading the stuff here, and remember that what we've got here for entertainment as much as anything else.

New lenses?
the Rumours and releases from 2009

2009 December 20th We hear of two lenses currently being tested - one the oft predicted 24-70 2.8 IS and a new one for us... a 100-200 F/2.0

8th It seems that Canon has been very busy applying for lens patents.

We've been sent a list of others that they've been granted.

Note that getting a patent does not equal 'going to make'. I'ts standard practice to patent good ideas - before someone else does.

Here are a few.

20090180199 : 35-70IS f/2.8, 28-70 IS f/2.8

20090207501 : 35-70IS f/2.8, 28-135IS f/3.5-5.6

20090201585 : DO lenses 600 f/4, 70-300 f/4.5-5.6, 28-35 f/1.6-2.1

20090296231 : 70-200IS f/2.8

20090284847 : Assorted lenses: 14 f/2.8, 24 f/2.8, 300 f/4 IS, 400 IS f/2.8

Go to http://www.freepatentsonline.com for more info, but be warned, patents are not written for ease of reading.

7th A 14-24 is added to the Patent list at CR. This is a lens that we first heard of last year, as a design priority.

Still no mention of the 100-400

This was from a collection of Canon info we received in September 2008.

Replacing core primes and zooms with higher resolution lenses more suitable for the newer 50-65MP FF sensors that are coming over the next few years. This includes the 24L [announced 3 weeks after we had this info] , 35L, 16-35L (done) and 100-400L, 200 L (done) and over time several of the longer Ls
Upgrading IS in all lenses to current 4 stop designs while they do the lenses.
They are also looking at a couple to match specific Nikon / Sigma lenses (think 14-24 and 200-400 2.8 style)

As I noted in yesterday's comparison of sensor resolution between the 1Ds3 and 7D, the 7D is now at an equivalent FF pixel density of ~45MP. 65MP would be equivalent to a 25MP 7D mk2

5th A couple of Canon lens patents spotted at PB.

70-200 and a 60mm IS.

November 15th Lots of price cuts in Australia (main rumours page) - currency moves? Worth looking out for elsewhere

12th A review of the new 100mm Macro at DPR

Meanwhile at CR they suggest a 70-200 Mk2 is due on the 24th of this month.

11th A comment from a Canon person at a show (not to us) suggested that there would be some new wide primes in the spring. Could it be time to update the ~20yr old 20/24/28 designs (all f/2.8) with some f/2 glass. Third party lens makers are starting to show up the age of some of Canon's (admitedly broad) lens line up.

One of Canon's hopes is that the newer higher resolution cameras will push people to upgrade to better glass - it's profitable and helps lock people in to EF mount cameras.

BTW Any photographers got good ideas about using an iPhone for their business? See our recent blog entry for more.

1st Assorted new lens rumours doing the rounds - all the usual suspects

70-200 2.8L IS II, 24-70 2.8L IS, 14-24, 100-400 IS

I've seen several comments that the 70-200 2.8L IS is currently difficult to find, but this has been the source of speculation for lots of lenses over the last year or so.

We had a comment back in September last year that Canon were looking at responses to the Nikon 14-24 and 200-400. The 35L is still looking a bit dated (even if a good lens)

October 28th 14-24 info? [FM] via a patent

26th US 'instant' rebates announced - Canon info

Runs until January the 16th - lenses and flashes

The full list is:

EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM - $30
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM - $130
EF 200mm f/2L IS USM - $500
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM - $100
EF 17-40 f/4L USM - $50
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM - $50
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM - $80
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - $70
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM - $150
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM - $80
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM - $75
EF 70-200mm f/4L USM - $40
Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX - $50
Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX - $70
Speedlite 270EX - $20
Speedlite 430EX II - $30
Speedlite 580EX II - $50

20th A 1D4, but no Canon lenses announced today.

A Voigtlander 20mm and 40mm are announced in EF fit by Cosina [DPR]

18th A Canadian site has info on upcoming US rebates. No amounts yet - suggested for later this month [pp]

The unofficial list is:

EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 17-40 f/4L USM
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM
EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX
Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX
Speedlite 270EX
Speedlite 430EX II
Speedlite 580EX II

17th Expect a 'rush' of Zeiss lenses in EF fit. At the "Salon de la Photo" in Paris today there is a ZF 28mm in ZF, the 35mm will arrive in November, the 25mm early next year, followed by the 50 and 100 mm Macro.

Much as there has been little about what might be coming this week camera wise, there's also been little firm info on new lenses

10th One of the reasons the Samyang 14mm is getting a makeover? perhaps some improved coatings might help its pronounced flare susceptability - see this review at Lenstip

8th The Samyang 14mm is delayed until next year [DPR]

1st Even someone at Canon seems to think that there is an IS version of the 24-70 [Canon]

If it gets fixed... the title currently says IS for the lens.

I'm also told (thanks) that the 100mm IS Macro is now turning up in stock at dealers.

September 23rd A couple of 3rd party lenses that might be of use to some.

Samyang 14mm f/2.8 [DPR] and a 35/1.2 for next year [PR]

The 14 is definitely manual focus and the 35 is probably MF too.

Current Samyang lenses on Amazon.com

On the 1D4 page I've been collecting together a few links to some of our more detailed Canon rumour posts over the last year or so. Two things that struck me were the regular comments that an IS version of the 24-70 2.8L was 'ready to go' and the delay in the release of an updated 35/1.4L

My suspicion is that both may have been deemed not a significant enough advance and versions will turn up with 'one series' camera releases next year.

Meanwhile, I'm told [thanks] that Canon Austria thinks there is a new version of the 24-105 - details link to existing (2005) lens info.

I just updated the EF lens list below with the 3 new lenses.

1st New Canon lenses as expected...

EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

Full press info at DPR

The 100mm Macro also appears

Canon Press info (UK)

London, UK, 1st September 2009: Canon today announces the launch of the high performance EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, the latest addition to its prestigious L-series, Canon’s flagship professional lens range. The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM incorporates image stabilisation in a macro lens for the first time in the EOS lens range. This enables photographers to capture stunning close-up shots without the need for a tripod.

The high quality, medium telephoto macro lens, has been developed for photographers who demand the highest level of optical quality. The new Hybrid IS system features up to 4-stop correction, compensating for the effects of camera shake, during normal shooting. Low friction ceramic balls support the moving elements, which allows for the amazingly smooth movement – needed when compensating for camera shake during macro shooting. Hybrid IS corrects shift movement – problematic when shooting up close -as well as angular movement providing photographers with the benefit of up to 2 stops at 1.0x magnification.

The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM features ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses that correct colour aberration for high resolution, high contrast images while the addition of Super Spectra coatings effectively reduce ghosting and flare for superior quality images. A nine blade circular aperture makes subjects stand out amid beautiful background blur and a silent, high-speed ring type USM Autofocus motor quickly achieves focus. The lens also includes a three position focus limiter to tailor the focus system range to the desired subject.

As part of the L-series the lens features dust and water resistant seals. Sitting ahead of the
EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, within the range, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM supports a full range of accessories including: Tripod Mount D, Macro Lite adaptor 67, Lens Hood ET-73 and EF12 II and EF25 II extension tubes. The tripod mount attaches to the lens without the need for an adaptor enabling quick portrait or landscape switching without having to reframe the camera. Speedlites MR-14EX and MT-24EX can be attached using the MacroLite adaptor.

0.3m min focus, 67mm filter, max 1:1

Tamron announce a SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC lens - initially for Nikon fit, but Canon later this year.[DPR]

August 31st Some 3rd party lens notes at:
CR, Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 VC
PR, Sigma 70-300 OS

FYI I've just published our lengthy review of the Canon iPF6100 printer on which I was testing the new Spyder3Print SR print profiling kit recently.

30th Some further information on the lens

A translation we received [thanks!]:

An IS system that effectively reduces angular shakes/movements and horizontal shakes/movements unique to macro photography
Use of UD lens that reduces chromatic aberration, hence better quality
Diaphragm Blades : 9, makes smaller DOF in macro photography [prob better Bokeh? -kc]
Internal focusing using ring USM and optimized focusing algorithm, high speed and silent
All time manual focus
Filter size: 67 mm
Dimension: 77.7mm * 123mm
Weight: 625g

So it looks as if the Macro is the only 'L' category announcement this time round.

29th The 'third lens' appears [FN] and it's a 100mm Macro 2.8L IS

Can anyone tell me what this means? [see above]

Also new pictures of the lenses and 7D on the 7D page

28th The two new EF-S lenses leak out...

From PCH

At the original site there is the full press release info

Translated by Google

EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Availability: mid-October

EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Availability: end of September

Also mentioned on the same page (3 times) is the EOS 7D APS-C

MTF charts for 15-85

MTF charts for 18-135

At CR there are some suggestions for new lenses

18-135 3.5-5.6 IS
15-85 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

This certainly fits with the introduction of one or two crop cameras next week - i.e. both EF-S

No signs of any other lenses - we've not had any mention of 'L' glass at all for a while, so the oft rumoured 24-70 2.8L IS remains on people's wish lists (I suspect I'll get one with my 1Ds4 ;-)

27th We're still hearing of at least one specialist Macro lens to be released next week.

A new version of the 70-200 2.8L is mentioned a lot, but we've not heard any more Fisheye update news.

We've also had several comments suggesting a non 'L' shorter prime to go with the new pro crop camera, but no details.

As you might expect, the number of 'less than comprehensive' tips and comments we receive, goes up considerably at this time of the year - some of the more egregious nonsense is easy to filter out...

There is a list of similar speculations at CR

21st A range of dealer lens rebates in Canada running from Sept. 1st to Oct. 31st

13th Looking further, it seems that the kit options are not actually marked as discontinued, just:
"This item is backordered by the mfr. We have no delivery date at this time."

12th A new 'kit' lens for the 5D mk2? We're told (thanks) that B&H have marked the 5D2 + 24-70 kit as 'discontinued'?

Time for the 24-70 2.8L IS?

11th We've recently been told (thanks) to expect an EF 100mm f/2.8 IS Macro USM and one 'cheap' USM lens.

Although, what a 'cheap USM lens' is remains unclear - currently my 15mm fisheye is the cheapest Canon EF lens I've got... For really cheap I've just written up an article about all my new shift lenses ;-) Maybe an EF-S prime...

At least one UK Canon pro dealer (Fixation) has an offer going for the 70-200 2.8L. I note it's marked:
'SPECIAL OFFER - limited stock'

The 'wider fisheye' rumour has also appeared at CR although they raise the possibility it might be a shorter FL to give a full 180 degree corner to corner coverage for EF-S. AFAIK, Canon regards fisheye lenses as firmly for more advanced users and is very unlikely to bring out something like this in the EF-S mount

10th Seems just about any lens is 'up for replacement' at the moment.

In a new one on us (thanks) we hear that not only is the 15mm fisheye going to get a refresh (USM - it's 1987 vintage) but that Canon will finally add an even wider fisheye to the EF range.

I use the 15mm quite often, and its optics will take some improving (it's very flare resistant), but if one did come out, I might be tempted. As to wider?

7th A new 24-70L f/4 IS lens is spotted on a German price comparison web site ('heise online' - screen grab below)

The bundle (with 5D2) is only available from the start of september, suggesting it will be announced this month.

Only slight issue is the fact that it's listed as f/4. I'd wonder why you'd replace a 24-105 with a 24-70.

Meanwhile at [POTN] some other suggested lenses...

EF 100mm f/2.8 IS Macro USM and EF 50-200mm f/2.8L IS USM to appear with the 60D in a couple of weeks and with a camera in September (1D3 replacement?) a USM version of the 15mm fisheye and possibly an EF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM.

So, no 24-70 with IS?

July 30th It seems that the 24-70 IS has been around for a while - one for sale 'Used' :-)

As well as the D300s and D3000, a new version of Nikon's 70-200 2.8 is also announced [DPR]

It too has all new stabilisation, and an awful lot of bits of glass inside.

29th We hear (thanks), via someone chatting with a contact Canon in the UK that a "new 70-200 2.8 L IS is due in September"

27th Seems that Amazon.com are now listing the 35mm 1.4L lens as discontinued - so says CR...

Mind you I just looked and it says:
"Only 2 left in stock--order soon (more on the way)."

Stock at Amazon.co.uk as well, so it looks as rumours of its demise are a trifle hasty (check the item details for the discontinued note)

It's a lens we've been told about being replaced for some time, so I'd expect it to appear at a camera announcement before long, although not until after a slew of new white lenses.

24th Although not yet 'discontinued', could we yet see a new 70-200 2.8L IS? [DPR]

23rd The lens speculations have stepped up a gear after Canon mentioning their new version of IS.

Have a look at our complete EF lens list below and make your own picks.

We've had suggestions that the long white lenses are due for updates for some time, but firm info is thin on the ground.

22nd Amongst all the lenses that have been in short supply for a while, it looks as if we know what some of them are going to be getting in the next year or so.

Canon announces a whole new IS system, to cover angular shake as well as 'normal' shake'

Here's the Canon Info

"Canon Inc. announced today the development of Hybrid Image Stabilizer (IS), the world’s first* optical Image Stabilizer which compensates for both angular camera shake and shift camera shake. The technology will be incorporated in an interchangeable single lens reflex (SLR) camera lens planned for commercial release before the end of 2009.

Several different preventative methods and corrective procedures have been introduced to compensate for errors caused by camera shake. Canon began researching methods to compensate for camera shake in the 1980s.  In 1995 Canon launched the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the world’s first interchangeable SLR camera lens to feature a mechanism that compensates for optical camera shake. Since then, the company has continued to produce a variety of interchangeable lenses with image stabilisation capabilities, and boasts a total of 21 such lenses in its current product line-up, including the EF 200mm f/2L IS USM which features up to 5-stops of blur correction.

Canon’s newly developed Hybrid IS technology optimally compensates for angular camera shake (rotational) and shift camera shake (linear). Sudden changes in camera angle can cause significant blur in images taken during standard shooting, whereas blur caused by shift-based shaking, when a camera moves parallel to the subject, is more pronounced in macro and other close-up photography.

The new Hybrid IS technology incorporates an angular velocity sensor that detects the extent of angular camera shake which is found in all previous optical Image Stabilizer mechanisms, as well as a new acceleration sensor that determines the amount of shift-based camera shake. Hybrid IS also employs a newly developed algorithm that combines the output of the two sensors and moves the lens elements to compensate for both types of movement.  Hybrid IS dramatically enhances the effects of Image Stabilizer especially during macro shooting, which is difficult for conventional image stabilisation technologies.

Canon is actively engaged in ongoing research and development of interchangeable SLR camera lenses incorporating Hybrid IS technology, and is aiming for the early commercialisation and inclusion of the technology in a wide range of products.

So, a 24-70 2.8 IS anyone? :-)

20th A big noise in assorted forums as a supply difficulty for the 70-200 2.8L IS becomes a notice that it's 'discontinued'

Not so... see this thread on POTN :-)

5th After putting out some questions about the remaining two 'original' TS-E lenses from Canon, we've had two different responses (thanks), both saying that the 45mm and 90mm were -not- on the upgrade list within the next two years.

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

Current EF-M lens

Canon Lenses since 1987 (as of Jun. 2012) The year next to each lens links to Canon specs for the lens - a link from the lens name goes to a review or article on this site.

Do note that some lenses may have been discontinued, but are still in stock at some dealers.

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	EF 400mm 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/3.5-4.5 II	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	2010	1	EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
2008	2	EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM	2009	2	TS-E 24mm f3.5L II	2010	8	EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
2008	9	EF24mm f/1.4L II USM	2009	9	EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS	2010	8	EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM fisheye
2008	9	EF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS	2009	9	EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM	2010	8	EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM
			2009	9	EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM	2010	8	EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
2011	2	EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM	2012	2	EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
2011	2	EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM	2012	2	EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM
2011	2	EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III	2012	2	EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM
2011	3	EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II	2012	6	EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
2011	6	EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II	2012	6	EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
			2012	7	EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
			2012	7	EF-M 22mm f/2 STM

Looking for Canon lenses? - Type in a camera or lens name and see if what you want is currently on eBay...

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 (nope - didn't happen) and at some good wider glass to go with the 1Ds Mk4in 2010. 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 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

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

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.

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.

Even so, the Canon stand was absolutely packed.

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.

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

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.

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

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