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Next Month… [CR1]

January 17th, 2010 | 144 Comments | Posted in Canon 1Ds Mark 4, Canon 60D, Canon Lenses

Announcements
No specs were given, but I’m told we can expect a 1Ds4 and 60D to be announced in February. There won’t be a Rebel until the “MAM” quarter.

Lenses
Another email says we can expect 3 lenses to be announced in February

More to come I’m sure.

cr



EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS Done?

January 13th, 2010 | 147 Comments | Posted in Canon Lenses

From Germany
I had this info this morning, but I wasn’t given a link or a store name to backup any of the info.

Koch Foto has the lens listed as discontinued.
http://www.fotokoch.de/…..

The info comes from a German forum
http://www.dslr-forum.de/showthread.php?t=608971

The poster was told by Canon Germany that production of the lens had stopped.

Thanks Wolfram

cr

Lens Patents

January 8th, 2010 | 48 Comments | Posted in Canon Lenses, Canon Patents

Quick Post
I’m just travelling around a bit at the moment and I’m unable to format or research these patents thoroughly. I’m sure some of you will tear it apart. A better translation would be appreciated.

This Japanese site has posted some Canon patents he/she has found.

This is a direct email quote
Based on his investigation Canon made following patents.

EF300/F4 IS II with plastic lens.
http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2009-12-17

EF 300 f/4L IS II

This would be a welcomed lens by many.

EF70-210/F4 IS II with plastic lens
http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2009-12-12

EF 70-200 f/4L IS II

Not sure this lens needs an update yet.

EF300/F2.8 DO IS and EF 400/F4 DO IS with new double DO and IS
http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2009-12-02

EF 300 f/2.8DO IS

A lot of DO patents popping up. A lot of people ask for smaller and lighter lenses.

EF 15-24/F3.5-4.5 Fish eye zoom (not EF-S)
http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2009-11-27

EF 15-24 f/3.5-4.5 Fisheye

I think this would be a great fisheye solution. It wouldn’t cost a lot at first sight.

CR’s Take
All make some sense outside of a new 70-200 f/4L IS.

View more lens patents here

Thanks Mitsu

cr

More Announcements in February?

January 6th, 2010 | 38 Comments | Posted in Canon 1Ds Mark 4, Canon Lenses, Canon Patents

From Northlight
I just received this info, appears it’s from Northlight. The 1Ds4 COULD appear in February as well as the new lowend dslr’s.

Whenever it’s launched, we can expect the 1Ds4 to come “with lenses”.

Interesting tidbit, the 1Ds Mark III received a “new” tag on the Canon UK site.

*UPDATE*
A bunch of lenses have also received the “new” tag. Site issues it looks like.

APS-C DSLR Announcements [CR1]
Received some added information about the February 9, 2010 announcements.

The EF-S 60 f/2.8 Macro will be replaced with an IS version. This goes along with a patent we showed you earlier. The timing is probably good for such a lens.

January 9, 2010?
I previously posted about a January 9, 2010 announcement. I think something was lost in translation and the source actually meant February 9, 2010. I have received confirmation about the 2nd date. I think it’d be a longshot to make announcements on a Saturday in the middle of CES.

It’d be fun if I was wrong.

cr

February 9, 2010 Announcements [CR2]

January 6th, 2010 | 133 Comments | Posted in Canon 550D, Canon 60D, Canon Lenses, Canon PowerShot

What’s coming?
I’m told we’ll be seeing a slew of PowerShot cameras announced. Including high end ELPH/IXUS models.

DSLR?
We will see 1 or 2 SLR’s announced alongside the  point & shoots.

There will be at least 1 Rebel announced. The possible 2nd SLR “sounds like a 60D”.

Lenses?
From this source it’s unknown at the moment.

As always, we’ll keep you posted.

cr

EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM II Availability

January 6th, 2010 | 33 Comments | Posted in Canon Lenses

Exciting times!
Now that one of the most wanted updates is official, folks are hammering me when they can get one! The following is all I know at the moment.

- Pricing from Calumet in Germany is €2399
- Canon UK’s site says available March, 2010
- I have no official pricing from anywhere yet.
- Pricing in Canada is TBA
- I can’t find anyone taking preorders yet, that should change today.

A few have asked, this is not a lens I’ll be buying. I’m a fast prime junky when working.

cr

Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM

January 5th, 2010 | 188 Comments | Posted in Canon Lenses

Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM II | Image from DPR

5th January 2010 – Canon today adds to its acclaimed L-series with the launch of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. The lens launches as the successor to the immensely popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, offering improved performance in every area.

True to the L-series’ heritage, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM delivers optical excellence in the most challenging situations. As well as a revamp of the internal optical system, the lens has also been structurally re-developed as a direct result of user feedback, making it as robust and reliable as it is optically advanced.

“Reuters’ photographers have used the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for a number of years and it allows photographers a great level of flexibility,” said Reuters Production Editor Kevin Coombs. “The focal length, fast aperture and Image Stabilizer all contribute to it being a workhorse lens and you’ll find it in many professional photographers’ camera bags. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the improvements offered by the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM.”

Premium quality, premium performance

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features a re-designed optical system, consisting of 23 elements in 19 groups to deliver truly impressive results. A high-performance fluorite element is used at the heart of the lens path, coupled with no fewer than five ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, drastically reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range to produce high contrast images with edge-to-edge definition.

A high-speed Auto Focus (AF) system perfectly matches the abilities of the recently-launched EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 7D Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. The new model also features a ring-type USM AF motor, which combines with a new high-speed CPU and an optimised AF algorithm to make auto focusing both faster and quieter.

A reduced minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) and improved 0.21x magnification will allow photographers to get closer to subjects without needing to swap lenses – greatly benefitting time-pressured news and events photographers who require flexibility. An updated Image Stabilizer mechanism also offers a shutter speed advantage equivalent to four-stops, reducing the effect of image blur resulting from camera shake in busy shooting environments.

Enhanced design, exceptional ease of use

As well as an update to the internal construction, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features an enhanced external appearance to improve lens operation. The thickness of protruding exterior parts and switches has been significantly reduced, guarding against accidental switching and creating an improved overall look. The rubber focusing grip has also been redesigned and widened; with finely-patterned grooves making it easier to manually focus.

Being an L-series lens, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is fully weatherproof, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions. The mount, focus mode switch and focusing ring all feature a completely dust and drip-proof structure, preventing dust or water from getting inside the camera and lens when used with accompanying weatherproof EOS bodies. The lens has been designed to stand up to the daily wear and tear of professional usage, making it a highly durable, reliable lens for use day-to-day by professional photographers.

High quality L-series accessories

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is supplied with several accessories, including the new ET-87 Lens Hood and the Ring-Type Tripod Collar B (W). A brand new Lens Case LZ1326 is also included as standard, offering quick and easy access when users need to switch lenses in time-pressured situations.

Compatibility with a range of optional Canon accessories also allows users to pair the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the Lens Extender EF 1.4x II, Lens Extender EF 2x II, Extension Tube EF 12 II, Extension Tube EF 25 II, and 77mm filters.

cr

Predictions for 2010 Part 2 – Lenses

January 4th, 2010 | 122 Comments | Posted in Canon Lenses

*UPDATE*
I addressed Tilt-Shift, Macro and Teleconverters, I didn’t copy/paste that stuff over. Sorry about that.

Be sure to scroll down for part 1
I think there are far more people eager to see what lenses Canon has coming down the pipeline. I know I am.

I think this is going to be the year of the lens from Canon. I truly expect a lot of upgrades and a couple of new lenses.

Without further ado…….

I could see these three announced February 9, 2010.

14-24 f/2.8L
- An ultra wide for full frame that finally makes Canon users happy.

24-70 f/2.8L IS
- Upgraded coating, build and the much desired image stabilization. I personally think Nikon royally dropped the ball not VRing their 24-70.

70-200 f/2.8L IS II
- The current model is very good, but I wouldn’t call it great (don’t flame me too hard for saying that, I do own one) . The lens will get an upgraded IS and better optical performance, especially at 200mm. Lighter weight would be a welcomed bonus.

World Cup & Big White Lenses
I think we could definitely see updated big white lenses f0r the World Cup. I think 3 lenses will get upgraded.

- 300 f/2.8L IS II
- 400 f/2.8L IS II
- 500 f/4L IS II

No 600 f/4L IS upgrade for the time being. We’ve seen the patent for the 600 f/4 DO, I think that would be an amazing seller for Canon and will be an addition to the lineup. A new 600 f/4L IS in 2011.

New pair of fisheyes
- If Canon is serious about keeping APS-C around, they need an EF-S fisheye. I think the Nikon 10.5mm fisheye is too expensive for a crop lens. I could see the following 2 fisheyes.

- EF-S 10mm f/4 Fisheye
- EF 15mm f/2.8L II Fisheye

What about regular primes?
The following 2 lenses are due for an upgrade, I’ll predict one will get it.

EF 50 f/1.4 II
- The current 50 f/1.4 is one very old lens and among Canon’s most unreliable as far as build goes. The USM is dated and the AF motor isn’t the most reliable. The Sigma 50 f/1.4 is a much better lens (if you get a good copy). This should be upgraded and this might be the year.

EF 35 f/1.4L II
- The 14, 24, 50 , 85 & 200 are on a version 2. It’s time for the 35 to join them. I think we’ll see such a lens launched with the 1Ds Mark IV.

New Lenses?
Some kind of f/2 zoom will enter the lineup I think. I can’t even contemplate what the focal length would be, but something unique must be coming.

Teleconverters
I wouldn’t be shocked to see the 1.4 & 2.0 TC’s getting an update. Howabout adding a 1.7 like the Nikonians have?

Tilt-Shifts
I don’t think we’ll see a new TS-E 45 or TS-E 90 this year. There are bigger fish to fry at the moment, even as far as niche lenses go.

Macro Lenses
There is a patent for the EF-S 60 f/2.8 IS Macro. Could we see that in 2010? I’d wager it being a 2011 lens.

What won’t get upgraded?
I think the following lenses will stick around through 2010.

EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS
- Why bother? It’s head and shoulders better than the Nikkor 80-400 (slowest lens ever) and sells very well. Optically it’s great. The IS is very dated, but I don’t think the lens requires an upgrade over some other stuff.

EF 17-40 f/4L
- I want this lens upgraded, I want to see better corners. I love the size and weight of the current lens… and the price! Canon sells so many of these things as it sits, it must be low on the list to upgrade.

EF 135 f/2L
- This lens is marvelous as it is and really isn’t a “status” lens. The big white lenses don’t really need upgrades, but they’re definitely hype builders.

I have predicted 11 new lenses. My brain tells me that’s probably 3 too many. The big white lenses and fisheye lenses won’t be massive volume sellers, so I can see those produced alongside the volume lenses.

So the bold prediction? This will be the year of the lenses!

Part 3
I will focus on PowerShot and accessories!

cr