Lots of lenses mentioned
I received what appears to be some kind of lens roadmap. I only ever remember seeing a communication like this one once in the past.  There are definitely some interesting concepts listed. Take all of this with the grain of salt.

• EF 50 1.8 IS, status “prototype”, has tag “spring 2013″
• EF 50 2.5 macro was tagged with “to be replaced”
• EF 200 2.8 L IS macro is tagged with “testing”, “patents pending”, and “autumn 2013″
• EF 24-70 2.8 L II tagged “final”, “winter 2011″
• EF 100-400 4-5.6 L IS tagged “final”, “autumn 2012″
• EF 35 1.4 L II tagged “prototype”, “winter 2012″
• EF 60 L IS lens tagged “prototype”

Some odd duck EF-S zooms

• EF-S 20-65 IS
• EF-S 45-105 IS status “development”
• EF-S 55-70 IS “testing”
• EF-S 70-400 IS “prototype”

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Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II
Some initial impressions on the new lens has appeared on our forums.

Direct quote

Initial impressions: Almost all the issues the mark I had is gone.

Quite a bit of the heft is gone. Still feels solid.

Focuses … I could say … faster than my 70-200 II.

Very, very sharp at all focal lengths.

Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II

Preorder at B&H | Adorama

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Canon 100-400 f/4-5.6L IS
Received word that we can expect to see a direct replacement of the aging EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS sometime in 2012. It has been rumored quite often that a replacement was coming. Some of those rumors may have been talking about the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x.

We have the patent from a few months ago to get an idea of the optical formula.

I was told it would be in the $3000 price range, have a rotating zoom, weigh less, be slightly faster on the wide end at f/4 and carry the latest and greatest coatings and IS.

As with most lenses, an exact announcement date is unknown at this time.

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Your next lens
The amazing Canon EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6L IS revealed. You can upgrade your Canon kit lens for about $15. Sample images provided.

A full breakdown of the upgrade can be seen at PetaPixel. Judging by the comments over at PP, I’m just going to say up front that this is a humorous post, and not factual.

Canon EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6L IS (image credit: PetaPixel)

Source: [PP]

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Interesting thought
A split in the 5D line has been rumoured for a while now. This rumor was not submitted to me, instead it was sent to [NL]. It’s consistent with some things I have heard, however take this one with a large grain of salt.

5D X

• 45MP (With a pixel size similar to the power shot G1X)
• 61 points AF (Similar to the 1DX but simpler)
• 3.4 fps, 100-6400 (50-12800)
• 1 Digic 5+ Digic 4

5D Mark III

• 22MP
• 61 points AF (Similar to the 1DX but simpler)
• 6.9 fps, ISO 100-25600(50-51200)
• 1 Digic 5+ Digic 4
• Best HD video quality of any EOS camera

Both over $3k

Source: [NL]

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Lenses
I’ve heard that Canon will be introducing a lot of new lenses this year. Quite possibly a record amount of new lenses announced in a single calendar year. For the moment, it’s unknown whether the lens count will include any mirrorless camera lenses, or if we’re talking EF lenses.

I will say, Canon may be updating lenses to help resolve a coming huge megapixel camera. We’ve heard previously a lot of short focal length lenses are on the update schedule, and we just saw 2 primes and a zoom announced.

Keep watching patents for clues. The EF 24 f/2.8 seemed like an odd duck, yet here it is. I almost expect  an  EF 50 f/1.2L II, no IS on that one though.

Camera Bodies
Lots of speculation about the end of the month for a new camera body. However, there is nothing concrete and I’ve been told that things are going “back and forth” in regards to an announcement.

I will say I have heard there will be a very high megapixel camera some time in 2012, possibly in the 40mp range and it won’t be the “5D Mark III”.

The next announcement should be for an EOS body or two.

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The New Lenses
Adorama is accepting preorders on the new Canon lenses.

Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II for $2299

Canon EF  24 f/2.8 IS for $849

Canon EF 28 f/2.8 IS for $799

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From B&H
B&H Photo has posted the new Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II. It is available for preorder and is expected to ship on April 17, 2012.

There is no 2 for 1 deal if you buy a Canon EOS-1D X as well.

Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II at B&H for $2299

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Preorder Madness
The new Canon PowerShot cameras are now available for preorder from B&H. Including the new waterproof & shockproof Canon PowerShot D20.

View all the new PowerShots at B&H | Canon PowerShot D20 at B&H

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Finally! …..again
Canon has finally posted full resolution samples from the Canon EOS-1D X. The new flagship in the EOS lineup.

View the samples

Thanks Evil

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*UPDATE*
Canon USA pricing is now official, and it looks like a significant price bump for the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II. It better be the best built, best focusing and have the best optical quality of any Canon zoom lens!

Available April 2012
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM $2299

Available June 2012
EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM $849
EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM $799

I am surprised the 24mm and 28mm are so closely priced. I figured the 24mm would cost a considerable amount more. These primes are NOT priced for the mass market, I’d love to hear the reason for these two lenses and their price point.

From Canon Germany
The bad news? Below is pricing released on the Canon Germany web site. Still waiting to see official USA pricing.

Available April 2012
EF 24-70mm 1:2,8L II USM 2299 Euro

Available June 2012
EF 24mm 1:2,8 IS USM 829 Euro
EF 28mm 1:2,8 IS USM 799 Euro

Source: Canon Germany

Thanks all

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A quick comparison
Below is a quick spec and MTF comparison between the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L Version 1 & Version 2.

We’re still waiting for an official price on the lens. I do expect a big bump in price.

Version 1

Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L MTF

Version 2

Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II MTF Chart

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Introducing the world’s first wide-angle primes with IS
Canon today also launches the new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM – the world’s first 24mm and 28mm fixed wide-angle lenses to feature optical IS technology. Ideal for landscape and reportage, both lenses offer outstanding flexibility allowing photographers to shoot an even broader range of scenes and subjects – combining fast apertures with IS to enable sharp results when shooting handheld, even in low light conditions.

Offering an advantage of up to 4-stops over lenses without IS, both lenses are ideal for capturing more of the scene thanks to their wider focal lengths. Both feature a wide f/2.8 aperture, allowing photographers to explore shallow depth of field, or to shoot in lower-light conditions. Wide apertures and IS technology also make each lens ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects, while Canon’s advanced IS technology is able to detect intentional panning movement and automatically switch from Normal IS mode to Panning IS mode – helping users to capture movement with greater accuracy.

Silent, high-speed AF performance is provided by the inclusion of a ring-type USM and additional features including optimized AF control. Full-time manual focusing also ensures adjustments can be made even when AF is engaged, while a minimum focusing distance of 0.20m (EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM) and 0.23m (EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM) allows photographers to get even closer to smaller or more detailed subjects.

Designed to perform
Both the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM feature redesigned optics to improve image quality and reduce the need for post-production. An aspherical glass moulded (GMo) lens element is incorporated to correct aberration throughout the optical system, while Canon’s optimised Super Spectra Coatings reduce ghosting and flare for stand-out image quality. Externally, both models also boast a number of design similarities with Canon’s professional L-series lenses, with a similar coating on the barrel and a similar design on the focus ring. A distance scale is also included to assist with landscape photography, while the compact design makes these lenses an unobtrusive addition to any kit bag.

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Finally Announced!

London, UK, 7th February 2012 – Canon today adds to its world-famous EF lens series with the launch of three new lenses for photography professionals and enthusiasts. The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM professional zoom lens is an update to the popular EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, while the new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM are the world’s first1 wide-angle prime lenses to feature optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology. All three provide the highest levels of performance for modern digital photographers, combining premium image quality with durable, userfriendly designs.

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: the ultra-high performance standard zoom
The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM features completely redesigned optics to provide outstanding clarity, image quality and durability. A compact design makes it ideal for carrying on every shoot, and a range of optical enhancements provide improved performance – capturing greater detail across the frame while reducing distortion throughout the entire zoom range, particularly at the maximum 70mm focal length.

With a redesigned optical system that includes two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and one Super UD aspheric elements to minimise chromatic aberration and colour blurring, the lens delivers consistently sharp, high-contrast images. Each lens element also features Canon’s optimised Super Spectra coatings to reduce ghosting and flare and ensure excellent colour balance. Additionally, a fluorine coating minimises the amount of dust, dirt and fingerprints that adhere to the front and rear of the lens, helping to maintain superior image quality.

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM also enables photographers to capture their subjects up close, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m at all focal lengths throughout the zoom range. A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) works in combination with a highperformance CPU and advanced AF algorithms to ensure accurate, silent and ultraresponsive autofocus. For those who prefer to maintain full control in every shot, fulltime manual focusing allows photographers to precisely tweak or alter the focus of their shot at any time, even when AF is engaged.

Distinguished L-series design
The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the latest lens from the elite L-series to offer Canon’s high-grade and user-focused design enhancements. The mechanical structure of the lens has been improved to offer enhanced zoom durability and greater shake and shock resistance within the lens barrel. The size of the lens has also been reduced by 10mm compared to the previous model, providing enhanced portability and greater convenience in everyday use. A new Zoom Lock lever also enables photographers to lock the zoom position at the extreme wide end to prevent damage to the lens in transit, while a water and dustproof construction2 enables users to continue shooting in harsh conditions.

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