New Superzoom Development? [CR1]

An unknown source has told us that Canon is actively working to develop a superzoom to replace the EF 28-300 f/3.5-5.6L IS. This is a lens that is rarely spoken about and I can't remember a time when I've actually seen one in use. It's big and weighs a lot (3.67lbs) and costs around $2500.

We were told that the goal of any such lens would be a significant weight reduction and to make the lens wider, possibly to 24mm. Is it possible that diffractive optics could cure the weight issue? Weight could be definitely be reduced, but I'd have a hard time believing cost would be.

I wouldn't normally post this sort of thing without digging a little further, but it might be a lens worth talking about. As some of you may know, I own a rental company and we do not stock the EF 28-300 f/3.5-5.6L IS, as I think we've have 1 or 2 requests for it in 4 years.

Is an “L/DO” superzoom something photographers want? What would it take feature wise for you to purchase one of these. Is there a cost ceiling? Sound off in our forum.

Happy Friday.