From POTN
A forum thread on POTN talks about a replacement for the EF 16-35 f/2.8L II being due based on past history..
Quote from the thread
- FD -> new FD = 6.2 years
- new FD -> EF = 5.5 years
- EF -> EF USM = 6.5 years
- 17-35 -> 16-35 = 5.7 years
- 16-35 -> 16-35 II = 5.3 years
- As of today (August 2012) we are 5.4 years from the release of the 16-35L II
There has been lots of talk about an EF 14-24 f/2.8L since Nikon launched such a lens. I wouldn't think this would be a replacement for the 16-35 f/2.8L II, as I can't see how it can be easily filterable (without large and expensive third party solutions).
If a 14-24 does indeed become the new f/2.8 ultrawide zoom in the Canon lineup, then I expect a 16-40 f/4L IS type of lens to come quickly for the landscape world and for people that need an easy filterable ultrawide. However, the Nikon 14-24 is a monster of a lens, and would be an awkward replacement for a 16-35 at weddings if you currently shoot with one (just my opinion). The widest screw-on filter lens I have seen is the still to be released Carl Zeiss Distagon T* ZE 15mm f/2.8, which has a 95mm filter thread.
There's enough chatter about a new wide angle zoom, I think we can start to expect one sooner than later.
cr