I only mention this because it seems no-one here is talking about it yet.
The Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L lens is being replaced with a version II. The new one is about 150g lighter and around 10mm shorter, but with an 82mm filter ring size. The optics are improved (though I'm still trying to get my head around how that is even possible), and it has a focus lock switch. It is not IS (Image Stabilised).
Now, the "old" 24-70 is one of the best lenses in the Canon line-up, so one shouldn't be thinking they need to spend the money on the new version when it hits shelves in a couple of months, unless they have some compelling reason to do so. I know I won't be upgrading mine. IMO, the best thing about this news is that the "old" version will be dropping in price. It could be a great time to pick up that lens if you've been eyeing it off.
@amyhughes I was kind-of expecting to find a half-dozen threads on it today. Or, at the very least, people being excited about the new Nikon D800 and D800E (at 36 megapixels)... but maybe that's just indicative of me being a nerd. ;) Haha!
&^&%$**&#%! I already have this lens. It is truly fantastic, wondering how it can be made better optically.
I am excited about the D800. I hope it will kick Canon to release the 5D Mark III. Though I realize there is fat chance of that with the 1DX being so new.
Thanks for this alert - I have been thinking about getting one - if I were to ask if you had space for only 'one' lens to take on a long holiday, would that be the 24-70 ?
@jinximages This sounds awesome! I have been contemplating the 70-200 2.8 lens. Do you use this and would you recommend the IS version? I shoot mostly landscape.
@ltodd Good question Lyn. Probably. Depending on the holiday perhaps. I did three weeks in Japan with nothing but a 50mm f/1.4 on a crop-frame DSLR a few years ago, and it was fantastic for what I was trying to achieve. But the 24-70 would have been far more versatile, especially on my 5D Mark II. I guess, I would have to say yes to the 24-70 - it handles landscapes quite well, group photos, and of course portraits (beautifully). I would likely take that and my 85mm f/1.2 (for the really low light stuff and portraits) and leave the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS behemoth at home if I were pressed for weight. Only one lens, though - harder to choose, because I love my 85mm that much! But, for most people, the 24-70 would likely be the hands-down winner. I would certainly not be upset if that's all I had for a holiday of several months.
@lilbudhha I'm beginning to suspect that the 5D Mark II will not be replaced. The way Canon are going, I am thinking there will be a new camera, and the 5D II will remain in production. Interesting though, and I'm expecting a Canon press release to appear any day now - they won't want Nikon stealing the spotlight for too long!
@exposure4u I love the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS. Yes - the IS version is a "must" (I feel) because it is such a long lens. I wouldn't spend all that money on the non-IS version. And f/2.8 is fantastic. It is a very sharp lens (even my old Mark I version). That said, it is the softest of the three lenses I carry on a daily basis... but only because I'm comparing it to the 85mm f/1.2 L II "Canon's premium portrait lens" and the 24-70 f/2.8 L which are blisteringly sharp lenses.
The newer 70-200 F/2.8 L II IS is sharper (slightly), has a shorter minimum focal distance, but the background defocus pattern isn't as pretty, so I've stuck with the Mark I (because I shoot mostly portraits and weddings with it). I'll likely get the Mark II eventually as a backup. With IS, of course.
@andycoleborn Thank God, no it isn't. ;) Haha! That said, I'd happily shoot either brand (and have). Only because I can't afford to own the Hasselblad H4D.
@jinximages oh god yeah... tonights paper had one of those silly "valenine's gifts lists" and had a pic of a leica for £600............. More like £6000...!
@scatochef I like your way of thinking! I think there are a few issues with IS/VR - as you said, it is heavy, and it adds bulk. And also, with that aperture and focal length range it isn't anywhere near necessary (I've never once wished mine had IS). However, I also read an in-depth report about how, apparently, IS cannot be attached to those lenses due to the design - it wouldn't fit on a camera anymore. I'm not sure it is actually true to say that, but it seems apparent that a major redesign would be needed and we'd lose a lot of what we love about the lens.
Overall, for what this lens is generally used, IS just isn't desirable. My impression is that those calling for IS mostly don't get it - people just think that it is a natural thing to add to all lenses now, when that isn't the case.
@jinximages Yes, I saw Canon announce this on facebook yesterday, and I remembered what you said on my thread about this lens, about the price of the I lens dropping in lieu of the II lens... I am quite happy about this because I can't quite commit to getting the Tamron equivalent (worried about quality control).
And, lol, I was going to make a thread about it but figured someone else would!! I was right, I guess. xD
B and H Photo had the new 24-70 lens on their blog yesterday. I was shocked at the sticker price, but immediately checked on version one to see if that price had gone down. Just barely! I think there was a hundred dollar rebate or something like that.
I made the mistake of purchasing the 24-105L a while ago and now regret it. Although it is superior to the kit lens, it's definitely not as tack sharp as the 24-70. This is me being sad about the $1200 mistake I made :-(
@shutterbug0810 You could probably sell it on eBay for 75% or so what you paid, if you decided to go the 24-70 route. I've done well selling lenses on eBay in the past, and there are always people looking for second-hand L series.
@foximilq Hard to say. A lot will depend on how much stock there is - I believe they stopped manufacture a while ago to deplete stocks, so there may be a surplus, or maybe not. If I had to guess, I'd say a drop of $300 or so - that's about how far the 70-200 dropped, but they sold out pretty quick.
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I am excited about the D800. I hope it will kick Canon to release the 5D Mark III. Though I realize there is fat chance of that with the 1DX being so new.
@lilbudhha I'm beginning to suspect that the 5D Mark II will not be replaced. The way Canon are going, I am thinking there will be a new camera, and the 5D II will remain in production. Interesting though, and I'm expecting a Canon press release to appear any day now - they won't want Nikon stealing the spotlight for too long!
The newer 70-200 F/2.8 L II IS is sharper (slightly), has a shorter minimum focal distance, but the background defocus pattern isn't as pretty, so I've stuck with the Mark I (because I shoot mostly portraits and weddings with it). I'll likely get the Mark II eventually as a backup. With IS, of course.
Also, any idea as to why niether nikon nor canon put VR/IS into 24-70 lenses? is it due to them being heavy as fu**ck already?
Overall, for what this lens is generally used, IS just isn't desirable. My impression is that those calling for IS mostly don't get it - people just think that it is a natural thing to add to all lenses now, when that isn't the case.
And, lol, I was going to make a thread about it but figured someone else would!! I was right, I guess. xD
I made the mistake of purchasing the 24-105L a while ago and now regret it. Although it is superior to the kit lens, it's definitely not as tack sharp as the 24-70. This is me being sad about the $1200 mistake I made :-(
@shutterbug0810 Haha! Will do. ;)