Canon announces: EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II

Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
edited January 12, 2010 in Cameras
“To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
― Edward Weston
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  • craig_dcraig_d Registered Users Posts: 911 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    Manfr3d wrote:

    Looks like a nice upgrade, but I'll probably just stick with the original version of the 70-200 f/2.8 IS. The MTF chart of the new version is better but not THAT much better, and the original lens was sharp as hell from f/3.2 on up to the diffraction limit. AF may be faster in the new model but the old version was already fast. IS looks to be better but I've been pretty happy with the IS in the existing lens. I don't see anything here that makes this upgrade all that compelling for people who already own the 70-200 f/2.8 IS, compared to, say the 16-35 II or the TS-E 24 II, which turned good but not outstanding lenses into real killers.

    Canon doesn't seem to have announced a price for this new lens, but I'm seeing a lot of crazy speculation online about MSRP as high as US$4400, which is just insane. Canon has never doubled the price of a lens when introducing a II version as far as I can recall. There are online stores that are asking crazy prices for this lens right now, but that's because they're trying to get extra profits from people who absolutely have to be the first on their block to get the new model. Once this lens becomes widely available, I doubt you'll have to pay more for it than you would for the equivalent Nikon lens, which is more expensive than Canon's original 70-200 f/2.8 IS but not THAT much more.
    http://craigd.smugmug.com

    Got bored with digital and went back to film.
  • borrowlenses.comborrowlenses.com Registered Users Posts: 441 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    It'll probably be right at $2,500 to be in line with Nikon's newest.
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  • bloomphotogbloomphotog Registered Users Posts: 582 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    3.9ft minimum focus distance? NICE!
  • cdubcdub Registered Users Posts: 123 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    Think there will be a price drop for the Mark I version? I am in the market for this lens, but need it before the April release date (early March). Hoping to take advantage of this release somehow!! :D
    CW
    (shoot first, then ask questions)

    www.cdub.ca | www.cdubphoto.smugmug.com | Twitter | Canon 5DII + Canon 24-105 f/4 L, Canon 580EX II, Gitzo GT1541 + Acratech GV2L
  • craig_dcraig_d Registered Users Posts: 911 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    cdub wrote:
    Think there will be a price drop for the Mark I version?

    In the short term, possibly. Once the II is actually available, I expect the original version to be discontinued, and at that point you may be able to get a good deal on one.
    http://craigd.smugmug.com

    Got bored with digital and went back to film.
  • David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,245 moderator
    edited January 5, 2010
    craig_d wrote:
    In the short term, possibly. Once the II is actually available, I expect the original version to be discontinued, and at that point you may be able to get a good deal on one.

    And watch for the older mkI's to be for sale in the flea market forum. deal.gif

    Yes, looks like a very worthy redesign on Canon's workhorse lens. The pros, and evryone else, will love the mkII even more. Very glad I bought my 70-200 f/4 L IS a year ago at 1/3 the price of this new 2.8.
    My Smugmug
    "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
  • borrowlenses.comborrowlenses.com Registered Users Posts: 441 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    David_S85 wrote:
    And watch for the older mkI's to be for sale in the flea market forum. deal.gif

    Yes, looks like a very worthy redesign on Canon's workhorse lens. The pros, and evryone else, will love the mkII even more. Very glad I bought my 70-200 f/4 L IS a year ago at 1/3 the price of this new 2.8.

    We are selling some of ours! http://www.borrowlenses.com/product/For_Sale/Canon_70-200mm_f2.8_IS

    I'll post this in the flea market too :)
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  • insanefredinsanefred Registered Users Posts: 604 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    Does it come in black?ne_nau.gif
  • craig_dcraig_d Registered Users Posts: 911 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    insanefred wrote:
    Does it come in black?ne_nau.gif

    Of course not. Why would Canon give up all the free advertising they get just from photographers walking around with those very recognizable white telephoto lenses? :D
    http://craigd.smugmug.com

    Got bored with digital and went back to film.
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    It looks like I'm gonna upgrade when it becomes available (April 2010).
    If anyone wants dibs on my "original" version (i.e. "mark I":-) let me know..
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • craig_dcraig_d Registered Users Posts: 911 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    Nikolai wrote:
    It looks like I'm gonna upgrade when it becomes available (April 2010).
    If anyone wants dibs on my "original" version (i.e. "mark I":-) let me know..

    Is there a particular aspect of the new model that persuades you that it's worth upgrading, or is the expense just not that significant for you?

    I could afford the new model if I really wanted to, but if I was going to spend $2000+ on another Canon-brand lens at this point, it would probably be the 14mm f/2.8L II. The old 70-200mm f/2.8 IS is good enough to keep me happy for a long time to come, I think.
    http://craigd.smugmug.com

    Got bored with digital and went back to film.
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited January 5, 2010
    craig_d wrote:
    Is there a particular aspect of the new model that persuades you that it's worth upgrading, or is the expense just not that significant for you?

    I could afford the new model if I really wanted to, but if I was going to spend $2000+ on another Canon-brand lens at this point, it would probably be the 14mm f/2.8L II. The old 70-200mm f/2.8 IS is good enough to keep me happy for a long time to come, I think.

    I like new shiny things :-) mwink.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Nikolai wrote:
    I like new shiny things :-) mwink.gif
    OK, being serious:
    1) extra IS stop
    2) better/faster AF
    3) better barrel
    4) shorter min focusing distance

    With 70-200/2.8 IS USM being one of my most used lens, better version makes total sense.
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Nikolai wrote:
    OK, being serious:
    1) extra IS stop
    2) better/faster AF
    3) better barrel
    4) shorter min focusing distance

    With 70-200/2.8 IS USM being one of my most used lens, better version makes total sense.

    Not to be a jerk, but isn't all that subjective?

    1) extra is stop. So starting at 1/200th, to 1/100th, 1/50th. 1/25th for the old version, 1/13th for the new.
    Are you really going to be trying for that without a tripod? I would, but would you?

    2) better/faster AF. I'd wait for reviews on this, or at least go to a shop with the old version and try them out side by side.

    3) better barrel. I didn't read the entire page, but I haven't heard of a lot of these lenses falling apart.

    4) shorter MFD. I guess that could help, but it's only 8 inches. instead of being 4' 6'" away you'll be 3' 10".
    If they could have made it a macro I think that could be a selling point, ya know, cutting 2 feet of the MFD, but 8 inches, that's only half the length of one of my feet.

    I'm guessing that they did their testing on the latest pro body. I wonder if someone using last years camera will reap the rewards promised by this new version.headscratch.gif

    I'm just getting old and jaded. I hear so much about new and improved, when the rewards are very minimal most of the time.
    I hope the new lens is fantastic, and raises your photography to a new level.
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    davev wrote:
    Not to be a jerk, but isn't all that subjective?

    1) extra is stop. So starting at 1/200th, to 1/100th, 1/50th. 1/25th for the old version, 1/13th for the new.
    Are you really going to be trying for that without a tripod? I would, but would you?
    I seem to do it rather often. Sunset shots are typical low light scenarios, and I hate tripods...

    2) better/faster AF. I'd wait for reviews on this, or at least go to a shop with the old version and try them out side by side.
    I doubt they would advertise it if it wasn't true...
    3) better barrel. I didn't read the entire page, but I haven't heard of a lot of these lenses falling apart.
    True, but I'd feel better:-)
    4) shorter MFD. I guess that could help, but it's only 8 inches. instead of being 4' 6'" away you'll be 3' 10".
    I agree, it's a minor thing, yet again in my line of shooting sometimes I *really* want to get closer to my model... You know, as they say, "every inch helps"... ;-)
    I'm guessing that they did their testing on the latest pro body. I wonder if someone using last years camera will reap the rewards promised by this new version.headscratch.gif
    I'm using 5D2 and 7D. When new body comes out, I'll most likely upgrade. Yes, I know it's not 1D series, but those I really can't justify - I don't do sports.
    I'm just getting old and jaded. I hear so much about new and improved, when the rewards are very minimal most of the time.
    I hope the new lens is fantastic, and raises your photography to a new level.

    Most of the pictures I'm taking could be taken with Canon 10D and a kit lens. Yet here I am, using latest bodies and L glass, as well as latest computer, latest OS, latest PS, etc.
    So, if my pictures suck, I know for sure: it's me, cause I don't have any excuses. Kinda helps keeping me on my toes.... mwink.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Did you guys realize that Canon just discontinued the 70-200mm f/2.8 L non-IS ? That sucks!

    http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=150
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • Moogle PepperMoogle Pepper Registered Users Posts: 2,950 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Nikolai wrote:
    I like new shiny things :-) mwink.gif

    This is the only explanation I would ever need!! :D seriously!
    Did you guys realize that Canon just discontinued the 70-200mm f/2.8 L non-IS ? That sucks!
    What? Ahhh! Man that stinks!
    Food & Culture.
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  • craig_dcraig_d Registered Users Posts: 911 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Manfr3d wrote:
    Did you guys realize that Canon just discontinued the 70-200mm f/2.8 L non-IS ? That sucks!

    It reduces choices, but it probably makes sense from Canon's marketing perspective. They had four 70-200 L models, and two of them (f/4 IS and f/2.8 non-IS) were very close together in price. Most likely, they wanted to simplify the lineup into distinct price levels -- f/4 non-IS for people on a tight budget, f/4 IS for people who can spend a little more, and f/2.8 IS for those who can afford the top-of-the-line.

    What surprises me, though, is that they haven't already removed the old f/2.8 IS from the list. Maybe they're just waiting to clear out their stock of it, but it's kind of odd seeing I and II versions of the same lens shown as current production items.

    Btw, a little more on possible pricing: Someone in the comments on canonrumors.com (I know, not necessarily a reliable source) says that the new Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR is listed by Calumet Germany at 2499 euros, but Calumet US sells the same lens for $2399. If this is correct, then a simple currency conversion between euros and dollars is not useful for estimating American prices for lenses based on European reports. Calumet Germany has the new Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS listed for 2399 Euros. Perhaps we can hope, then, that American street price for this lens will be less than $2399 -- which is about what I expected.
    http://craigd.smugmug.com

    Got bored with digital and went back to film.
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    davev wrote:
    Not to be a jerk, but isn't all that subjective?

    1) extra is stop. So starting at 1/200th, to 1/100th, 1/50th. 1/25th for the old version, 1/13th for the new.
    Are you really going to be trying for that without a tripod? I would, but would you?

    2) better/faster AF. I'd wait for reviews on this, or at least go to a shop with the old version and try them out side by side.

    3) better barrel. I didn't read the entire page, but I haven't heard of a lot of these lenses falling apart.

    4) shorter MFD. I guess that could help, but it's only 8 inches. instead of being 4' 6'" away you'll be 3' 10".
    If they could have made it a macro I think that could be a selling point, ya know, cutting 2 feet of the MFD, but 8 inches, that's only half the length of one of my feet.

    I'm guessing that they did their testing on the latest pro body. I wonder if someone using last years camera will reap the rewards promised by this new version.headscratch.gif

    I'm just getting old and jaded. I hear so much about new and improved, when the rewards are very minimal most of the time.
    I hope the new lens is fantastic, and raises your photography to a new level.

    I'm with you Dave (though neither old nor jaded :D). It's just Canon creaming off the excess affluence from those who are incontinent in such things. You're absolutely right that we can be willing dupes and fall in the feeding trough, or hard-headed dudes and demand meaningful improvements for our money. MkI of this lens has been a real money spinner for Canon, I guess, so they have to "recreate" it, apparently, to keep this honey pot attractive and competitive. It comes down to mainly a benefit for Canon, a marketing strategy, dressed up as an upgrade for us. A bit like the 50D, which was quickly seen as a bit of a fizzer as an "upgrade", and in that respect caused red faces of embarrassment very quickly on those who hailed it and rushed it. It's the way the market works, we can't blame Canon, but we can be smarter than they take us for.thumb.gif

    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  • Moogle PepperMoogle Pepper Registered Users Posts: 2,950 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Well it isn't like Canon upgrades this lens every year. So they really aren't milking the affluence. Plus they are in competition with Nikon and its 70-200 which is really sweet.
    Food & Culture.
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  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Well it isn't like Canon upgrades this lens every year. So they really aren't milking the affluence. Plus they are in competition with Nikon and its 70-200 which is really sweet.

    "It's all a dream... only a dream... " mwink.gifDclap.gif

    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  • Moogle PepperMoogle Pepper Registered Users Posts: 2,950 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    If they were like computer goods, or electronics, that get constantly upgrades every year with minimal upgrades, then i can see the claim that they are milking the consumers. But when was the last time the 70-200 f2.8 IS was updated before this one? Once! And then look at how long the 2.8 IS has been out for?
    Food & Culture.
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Major grins Rockledge, FL on the Space CoastPosts: 0 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Manfr3d wrote:
    Did you guys realize that Canon just discontinued the 70-200mm f/2.8 L non-IS ? That sucks!

    http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=150

    The 2.8 non-IS is back on their page now, $1449.
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    If they were like computer goods, or electronics, that get constantly upgrades every year with minimal upgrades, then i can see the claim that they are milking the consumers. But when was the last time the 70-200 f2.8 IS was updated before this one? Once! And then look at how long the 2.8 IS has been out for?

    Nevertheless MP, it's about the market not us!

    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Jim K wrote:
    The 2.8 non-IS is back on their page now, $1449.
    Thanks, can you set the MSRP of the IS II to 1499 too .. please mwink.gif
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • craig_dcraig_d Registered Users Posts: 911 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Jim K wrote:
    The 2.8 non-IS is back on their page now, $1449.

    Okay, well, that takes care of some of our recent speculations. I guess the lesson here is that whenever something changes on Canon's web site, wait 72 hours before you believe it, because they don't have their web act together enough to make changes without making a mess of things.
    http://craigd.smugmug.com

    Got bored with digital and went back to film.
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    craig_d wrote:
    Okay, well, that takes care of some of our recent speculations. I guess the lesson here is that whenever something changes on Canon's web site, wait 72 hours before you believe it, because they don't have their web act together enough to make changes without making a mess of things.

    Are you a Canon basher, or do I get the wrong impression from your last several posts here and elsewhere? :Dmwink.gifrofl

    Go for it! It's the thought that counts!

    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited January 6, 2010
    NeilL wrote:
    Nevertheless MP, it's about the market not us!

    Neil

    "We" are a component of the market that Canon seeks and fills. If the global market for the new lens "tanks" because of low sales, Canon would no doubt adjust the price accordingly and accept reduced profits.

    If the global market accepts the new lens and new price, then Canon has properly read the market and reaps the profit.

    The curious thing is that if manufacturer prices get too high, it creates a favorable opportunity for a third-party manufacturer to create a competing product. If Sigma, for instance, wished it could probably create a 70-200mm, f2.8 OS (their version of IS). If they also sell at a better price point and if their quality (image and build) is sufficient, they might capture some of the available market share for 70-200mm, f2.8 stabilized lenses.

    It's all a careful game of "guts" and a dance, in which we get to participate with our dollars and "sense".
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Major grins Rockledge, FL on the Space CoastPosts: 0 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    Manfr3d wrote:
    Thanks, can you set the MSRP of the IS II to 1499 too .. please mwink.gif

    Not sure I can. But if I could there are two bodies and two other white lenses that would come first. :D
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2010
    ziggy53 wrote:
    "We" are a component of the market that Canon seeks and fills. If the global market for the new lens "tanks" because of low sales, Canon would no doubt adjust the price accordingly and accept reduced profits.

    If the global market accepts the new lens and new price, then Canon has properly read the market and reaps the profit.

    The curious thing is that if manufacturer prices get too high, it creates a favorable opportunity for a third-party manufacturer to create a competing product. If Sigma, for instance, wished it could probably create a 70-200mm, f2.8 OS (their version of IS). If they also sell at a better price point and if their quality (image and build) is sufficient, they might capture some of the available market share for 70-200mm, f2.8 stabilized lenses.

    It's all a careful game of "guts" and a dance, in which we get to participate with our dollars and "sense".

    Could I borrow your "rose colored glasses" sometime, Ziggy?! mwink.gifDclap.gif

    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
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