A 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 :-)
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.
11th Suggestions that we are finally about to get new versions of the 24-70 and 35/1.4 [CR] announcements before CES in early January? And a 70-200/4 IS II as well [CR]
More info too on next year's Zeiss cine lenses [ZR]
2nd Canon UK announce a new lens 'cashback' scheme with offers on 14 products across the EF and EF-S lens range when purchasing an EOS 60D, EOS 7D or EOS 5D Mark II.
Lenses available in the Lens Cashback promotion:
EF 50mm f/1.4 USM £10/€12 RRP £449.99
EF 85mm f/1.8 USM £10/€12 RRP £469.99
EF 50mm f/1.2L USM £55/€60 RRP £1909.99
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM £75/€85 RRP £2639.99
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM £15/€20 RRP £649.99
EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM £30/€35 RRP £1059.99
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM £25/€30 RRP £939.99
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM £40/€45 RRP £1409.99
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM £40/€45 RRP £1449.99
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM £45/€50 RRP £1539.99
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM £50/€60 RRP £1789.99
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM £80/€90 RRP £2799.99
EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS £15/€20 RRP £629.99
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM £30/€35 RRP £1209.99
3rd A Canon cashback offer appears on their Dutch site for current camera bodies and several lenses. From November 1st to the end of January. Full list [PDF]
October
28th We're told (thanks) that a Canadian dealer is still saying December for the 500 and 600, even going so far as to have a CPS price (usually only available, once official price info is given out nearer release)
27th Zeiss Distagon 25/2 announced in ZF and ZE mounts [ZR]
23rd We're told (thanks) that German dealer is putting the EF 600/4.0 L IS II USM down for April 2012 delivery [ACF] I note no sign of a date at a UK dealer [PKC]
13th No news, but Canon UK have kindly lent me the unusual MP-E65 macro lens to experiment with - some initial notes
12th Canon patents cover designs for 65mm f/2.8 and 180mm f/3.5 macro lenses [CR]
Could the 65mm be a replacement for the 1999 vintage MP-E 65? The lens elements look much more like a traditional macro lens design though.
An interesting Nikon (FX) lens patent collection includes a 10mm f/4 [MP]
8th It looks as if there will be Zeiss 16/2.8 and 25/2 Distagon lenses in ZE and ZF mounts on their way [ZR]
September
27th Canon have a patent describing a lens with an aperture ring - ideal for any upcoming video related announcements... [PB]
20th At last, a new 100-400 design appears in a patent [CR]
14th Along with some new 5D3 and 1Ds4 rumours come the suggestion that the 1Ds4 will appear with one zoom and two new prime lenses.
August
18th A Canon patent adds liveview image info to improve performance of lens IS systems (via CR)
15th Reports of price drops for the EF24-70 2.8L - a popular candidate for replacement.
14th Samyang seem to have found a niche for their relatively inexpensive, but often good quality manual focus lenses. There now seems a chance that they will be adding tilt/shift lenses to the line-up. [PR]
We hear (thanks) that some UK dealers have been told that the 24-70 is no longer going to be available with the 5D2 in a kit. It's not listed as an option.
In rumourland, this lens has been flagged for up replacement (with/without IS for a long while)
30th Fisheye lens patents from Canon 15mm/2.8, 8mm/4 and 8-15/4 [EG]
27th Noktor 50/0.95 - possible Canon/Nikon mounts? [NR]
EF8-15 should be available in Germany in a few days I'm told (thanks)
18th We hear via a UK dealer that the lens is unlikely to apear in any numbers until September/October.
15th We're told that the 8-15mm could be available within a month.
Meanwhile, US prices appear, also suggesting an imminent release
EF 8-15mm f/4L FE $1,500
EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II $7,300
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II $11,500
EF 500mm f/4L IS II $10,500
EF 600mm f/4L IS II $12,500
EF 800mm f/5.6L IS $14,000
5th We're getting lots of reports [thanks] of new lenses that are going to arrive 'with the flurry of new top end cameras'. Unfortunately these don't seem to be matching up at all. So unless Canon are intending to break EF lens announcement records in the next year or so (look at the 1990's in the lens timings below) I'm suspecting that this may just be an over keen attention to all the patents of late :-(
2nd More Canon patents [CR] this time it's teleconverters with diffractive optics
June
23nd When the new 17mm and 24mm TS-E lenses were announced, we were told that the others would be updated 'in due course'.
Amongst new Canon patents [CR] is one for a T/S 90mm with 1:2 macro (there are 50mm and 35mm macros too)
The TS-E90mm is already one of my sharper lenses, and one that I've modified the shift axis for, so the new design would be useful, but nowhere near as much as I find the 17mm.
If you are fed up spending lots of money on new lenses I've written some short notes on how to make a cardboard lens for my 1Ds ;-)
There are a range of Nikon lens patents out too [NR]
I've also updated the lens chronolgy table below - If you spot an error, please do let me know!
In the text (page 2) is a suggestion that the EF 8-15 Fisheye won't be available until the Autumn.
Canon UK have announced a new 55-200 EF-S lens.
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II will be available separately and also as part of a double lens kit, bundled alongside the recently-announced EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II with EOS 550D, EOS 600D and EOS 60D. It will be available from July 2011, priced at £329.99/€369.99 RRP incl. VAT.
What to add to the 200-400? A new 35L and 24-70L would be well up on my list.
27th The EF200-400 is not on the list of lens due dates, and we've been told that there is no more info about it until after it is formally announced - probably at the same time as other product announcements (this year).
Also - stocks of the new lenses won't be plentiful until some time after those dates given (especially since I'm told we have a big sporting event in the UK next year)
26th We're told December 2011 for the 500 f/4L IS II and 600 f/4L IS II
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM: late August - $6,600
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM: late August - $10,500
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM: December - $9,500
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM: December - $12,000
25th Canon UK annouce the shipping of new lenses:
"United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 25th May 2011 – Following the announcement of delays to the sales start to the following lenses :- EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon can now provide an update on the planned sales start dates for these lenses:
Canon would like to apologise to any customers who have been inconvenienced by these delays.
*Any sales start dates will be communicated as soon as they become available."
There are a stack of Canon lens patents at CR 35/1.4 II, 50/1.4, 300/4, 24/2.8, 28/1.8 DO
18th Two interesting patents from Nikon. A 17mm f/4 and a 10mm f/4 - both for full frame (FX) [NR]
17th Interesting article from Samsung about lens design issues and business considerations.
15th Lens rebates in the US until 18th June - don't get too excited though
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III, EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
13th Are we going to see new versions of the 50/1.8 and 50/1.4 from Canon? [CR]
We've had numerous suggestions for lens updates, but until Canon actually get round to shiping some of the lenses already announced, I'm not expecting much else new.
Whilst we've heard of a 'cheaper to produce' version of the 1995 28/1.8 to appear with the 7D - I'm not giving this much credence, and suspect that we're as likely to see an all new 30mm as a 'standard prime' for 1.6x crop cameras.
April
27th That prematurely announced Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G is official [NR]
Whilst the CR magic 8 Ball comes up with more lenses and a 'roadmap'
24th A raft of new lens patents [CR] 24-70 f/2.8L II, 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS, 55-250 f/4-5.6 IS
Whilst pointers to advances in lens design, they've often born little resemblance to what gets released.
20th We're told that there are still no firm UK delivery dates for the 8-15 fisheye zoom, although the next month or so is suggested elsewhere [CR]
Whilst we were asking about the 8-15, we were told that in the UK there is still no information on 'the new long lenses' [300 & 400].
There is also suggestions of an updated 24-105 to go with the 5D mk3 [CR]
I suppose it compliments the new 24-70 for the 1Ds3 replacement...
Some more info on the recently announced Zeiss lenses for video use [ZR]
17th The 35/1.4L has been regularly up for replacement for a few years. This time there are reports of testing [CR].
We've had comments from two different sources (thanks) that the problems in Japan will affect availability of the major 'L' lenses until well into 2012 and to look towards 'significant' price rises as inventory runs low.
Many such lenses are only made in batches and glass production has been seriously affected. (along with local parts suppliers - see TH Apr 16th)
8th Two PL mount 4k cine lenses announced by Canon [EHD]
5th Egami has a new Canon 11mm f/2 patent from Japan [CR]
2nd Just before events in Japan we were told that there would be a few 8-15 Fisheye zoom lenses in the UK by the end of March - it seems that this lens has now been further delayed.
Next time you see complaints on a forum about lens softness - have a look at the article about the subject at CR Lots of very valid points although I personally don't agree with the '~30MP' limit on FF megapixels - the 18MP 60D that I'm currently testing can easily get usable extra detail from good lenses.
It equates to ~46MP for a 35mm sensor. One excellent take-away comment from the article...
"It is a bad time to be a pixel-peeper. If you look closely enough on a high resolution full-frame camera, chances are you’ll find some minor flaw with every lens you own. If you go through 13 copies and get one that’s just perfect, remember to never, ever upgrade your camera body, because it probably won’t be perfect on the next one. That’s just how it is: manufacturing processes are not up to the lens design and sensor resolution we have at the moment."
Sensor
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Flagship
Full
1Ds
1Ds Mk II
1Ds Mk III
1Dx
APS-H
1D
1D Mk II
1D Mk II N
1D Mk III
1D Mk IV
High
Full
5D
5D Mk II
5D3
APS-C
7D
'Better'
Full
6D
APS-C
D30
D60
10D
20D
30D
40D
50D
60D
Mid
APS-C
300D
Digital Rebel
Kiss Digital
350D
Digital Rebel XT
Kiss Digital N
400D
Digital Rebel XTi
Kiss Digital X
450D
Rebel XSi
Kiss X2
500D
T1i
Kiss X3
550D
T2i
Kiss X4
600D
T3i
X5
650D
T4i
X6i
700D
T5i
X7i
Micro
APS-C
100D
SL1
X7
Entry
APS-C
1000D
Rebel XS
Kiss F
1100D
Rebel T3
Kiss X50
Mirrorless
APS-C
M
Note: dates start in announcement quarter, not shipping dates.
Looking for Canon stuff? - Type in a camera or lens name and see if what you want is currently on eBay...
March
25th Canon in Japan announces a delay (Google xlt] in the 8-15 FE zoom and new 300 and 400 lenses
12th From Australia we hear of comments (thanks) from a Canon source suggesting that:
The EF-S range of lenses is not a major area for expansion.
'L' series lenses are needed to get the best out of the current 18MP crop cameras
8th Looks like a typo - the 'mkII' is not in the German edition.
6th We've not had our copy of CPN magazine yet, but I'm told (thanks) that if you look on page 51, there is a mention of the second version of the 24-70mm 2.8 (the current version dates from 2002)
Our copy isn't here yet, but if correct, then I'd not be surprised to see it announced with the 1Ds3 replacement, since I'm still expecting the 1Ds3 to be replaced -before- the 5Dmk2.
There is a photo of this (in French) at CR I'll be curious to see if it's in the UK edition
2nd The 35/1.4L seems to be in short supply - a sign of a replacement? This lens has been 'marked' for replacement for some time, and many thought it would follow not long from the updated 24L, but that was Oct 2008.
February
27th Service advisory for the EF-S 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 IS [CR]
24th Canon [JP, DE] admit to a problem with lens IDs for some lenses and the 7D, 40D, 50D and 60D. Lenses affected are some old clunkers from the last century ;-)
EF35-80mm F4-5.6
EF35-80mm F4-5.6 II
EF35-80mm F4-5.6 III
EF35-80mm F4-5.6 USM
EF35-105mm F4.5-5.6
EF35-105mm F4.5-5.6 USM
EF80-200mm F4.5-5.6 II
EF80-200mm F4.5-5.6 USM
The outer crosspoints of the AF don't work correctly with the following Tamron lenses, which had used some of the old ID codes. [CR]
21st After a bit of checking, it seems that the price listed at Park cameras for the 200-400 was an error and no estimates of price have as yet come from Canon.
19th A UK dealer puts the EF200-400 price at £10k (~$15k!) - whether this is for real or a guess on a placeholder page is not clear.
Just when I'd been wondering if some expensive 3rd party primes were a con aimed at people with more money than ability ;-), it seems that some DxO lens performance scores have really lit a fuse under some fans. Of course, more reasoned responses point to the caveats on the DxO site and also that some aspects of describing image quality are more difficult to quantify than others. [ZR] see also the continuing rumblings in this [FM] thread.
EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II $200
EF 16-35 f/2.8L II $120
EF 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS $100
EF 24-70 f/2.8L $100
EF 100 f/2.8L IS Macro $100
Double Rebates if purchased with select bodies. 60D, 7D, 5D II, 1D IV, 1Ds III.
14th An EF 300 f/4L IS II Patent is unearthed [CR]
Note that yesterday's 65MP for FF is only 25MP for 1.6x crop - this is expected to be the sort of resolution that we'll see for the 7D Mk2. 21MP and 24MP are the two resolutions we've had suggested so far, but given it's likely a 2012 camera, I've not put much money on either ;-)
13th We hear (thanks) that in the programme to replace 'the main L lenses', Canon's design target is 65MP on a full frame sensor. Also that the 100-400 won't see a direct replacement and that there is a new 24-70 on the way (no indication of IS) and it too is aimed at giving a very noticeable jump in performance over any exisiting zoom.
10th I noticed some specialised lens correction features included in the latest version of DPP, aimed specifically at the EF 8-15mm zoom fisheye
Forums abound with price estimates for the 200-400 f/4L - largely I suspect from people who won't be able to afford it ;-)
London, UK, 7th February 2011 – Canon today announces the development of a telephoto zoom lens featuring an integrated focal length extender – the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x. The lens will be displayed for the first time during CP+, held in Yokohama, Japan.
Designed for Canon’s leading range of EOS Digital SLR cameras, the new lens will be an ideal addition for sports and wildlife photographers, offering exceptional flexibility with a built-in 1.4x extender that creates an increased focal range of 280 – 560mm.
Perfect for photographers who require high performance, fast aperture and a flexible telephoto range, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x will enable photographers to shoot a greater breadth of subjects using a single lens, delivering the best possible image quality at all focal lengths.
Developed as a new addition to Canon’s acclaimed L-series of professional lenses, the new lens will offer an unsurpassed combination of versatility, first-class optical performance and an enhanced weather-proof construction. The model will be released as part of Canon’s continued development of its EF lens line-up, offering enhanced performance and improved functions that cater for the needs of photographers from beginners through to professionals.
Also mentioned are two more long lenses and an update to the 18-55 IS kit lens.
London, UK, 7th February 2011 – Canon today launches two new super-telephoto lenses for its leading EOS Digital SLR (DSLR) range – the EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and the EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM. Designed to meet the needs of the most demanding sports and wildlife photographers, both lenses offer breakthrough performance, delivering consistently high-quality images and incredible mobility. The launch of the models follows a development announcement in August 2010, and the display of prototypes at Photokina 2010 in Cologne, Germany. [DPR]
Oh, and Canon have just made their 60 millionth EF lens... (a EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM BTW)
1st We've had a suggestion that the 8-15 zoom won't be appearing in the UK until April.
Meanwhile, Sigma drop the price of the 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens [DPR]
January
20th We've heard (thanks) that there are still problems with the new lens manufacturing plant and that the 8-15 zoom and other new high performance lense will, if not further delayed, be in rather short supply.
A few patents from Canon to bring listings up to date
EF600/5.6 [PR]
EF-S 15-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM [PR]
16-35mm f/2-2.8 [PR] - note that this is very similar to the current 16-35, but that the first group now has 5 elements rather than 4
13th A new 24-70 -without- IS and a whole new 100-400? [CR]
12th We're hearing of some rather steep price rises in Canon lenses appearing at the time of a slight rise in VAT (UK sales tax). The VAT rise should add just over 2%. It looks as if some dealers are reverting to list. As ever, prices do seem to vary considerably.
US price rises have been suggested for the start of February [PR]
7th As widely expected, CES is not the venue for new higher end kit. Canon announced their attendance at CP+ in mid September and a look at the exhibitors page shows many of the usual suspects [CP+ 9-12 Feb] The organisers are pushing this as a big international event - let's see if the exhibitors want to play?
The Zeiss 35/1.4 is now listed as being available in February. A suggestion last year [Oct 6], said to expect more Zeiss primes in 2011. I notice that Cosina (not Zeiss) are listed at the moment for CP+ (Cosina make some lenses for Zeiss)
2010 December
26th Samyang lenses are building a reputation as a more economic (manual focus) route to more exotic lens options. Their latest hints suggest a fast 135 and a tilt/shift may be in their thoughts [PR]
11th A new Canon lens patent [CR] Canon EF-S 15-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM - set to appear with the next XXXD?
This is based on an original 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.
You can search all the hundreds of articles on the site for more information
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A 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 :-)
Amazon France/Amazon Germany
/Amazon USA/Amazon Canada
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II will be available separately and also as part of a double lens kit, bundled alongside the recently-announced EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II with EOS 550D, EOS 600D and EOS 60D. It will be available from July 2011, priced at £329.99/€369.99 RRP incl. VAT.
11th Sigma has a patent for a 500 f/4 [