EF 24-70 f/4L IS & EF 35 f/2 IS Preorders

[plutonium10]

I think it's only a matter of time before there's a big shake-up in Canon management and things go back to what we consider "normal". Yes, this pricing is insane, but it can't last forever if they hope to stay competitive. One big flop will really open their eyes, and that may or may not be what the 6D turns out to be.

The reason I saw the new 24-70 as a logical and useful lens was its usefulness as a high quality, low cost kit lens to keep the price of the 6D kit reasonable. That isn't what we got.

[Canon-F1]

Plus, you would need adapters to attach one of the Canon macro-flashes.

macro ringlights are for dentists.

i had a MR-14EX and shoot it to death.. but today i don´t like the look anymore.
my todays setup looks somewhat frankensteined but i like the look of my images much more.

adjustable flash bracket, small ballhead, 580 ex II, small 15x20cm softbox.

[RustyTheGeek]

I think it's only a matter of time before there's a big shake-up in Canon management and things go back to what we consider "normal". Yes, this pricing is insane, but it can't last forever if they hope to stay competitive. One big flop will really open their eyes, and that may or may not be what the 6D turns out to be.

plutonium10, we can only HOPE!  And FWIW, I think the 6D has great promise, esp if it was about $500 less.  That's its biggest fault.  Otherwise, the 6D may well work just fine.  For what I do and how I shoot, it may eventually replace my 5D3.  I'd love to still have what I need and get back ~$1000 some day.  No way to know until the 6d has been out for a while and can be truly compared to the other relevant bodies.  Heck, I barely know my 5D3 as of yet.  No big rush, life goes on....

[neuroanatomist]

adjustable flash bracket, small ballhead, 580 ex II, small 15x20cm softbox.

Yep. I've got a Manfrotto 233B telescoping flash bracket with a Giottos MH-1004 mini ballhead, and OC-E3, and a Lumiquest Softbox III that does a very nice job.  I use the MT-24EX primarily with the MP-E 65mm, but sometimes I use the former setup at the same time (or on a stand triggered remotely) to light the background for macro shots.

[bchernicoff]

bchernicoff, thanks for the kind words.

If I were to buy anything soon, it would be other lenses I have wanted that are now bargains compared to the new lenses, esp used.  Like the 100mm L Macro.  Or the 35mm L.

There's a 100 L on CL near me that looks tempting, but I've spent enough for a while.

I saw your comment above regarding weather sealing...also very important to me. On a trip to Sweden in August I hiked a round an island in the rain for over an hour with the 24-105 and 5D Mk 3. I wouldn't have tried that with the Mk II. Those all would have been missed opportunities.

I guess my point is that I am willing to pony up the big bucks when there is a clear leap in capabilities, but not when the change is incremental...which the two new 24-70's are. The new 35 offer that kind of leap over its predecessor to the video crowd, but not to me.

[RustyTheGeek]

neuroanatomist,

Just for fun (after reading your last post about your flash rigging) I looked at your equipment list and some images on Flickr from your signature links.

Truly great work.  Beautiful images.

Wish you were my neighbor so we could go shoot together and so I could borrow!   

[neuroanatomist]

neuroanatomist,

Just for fun (after reading your last post about your flash rigging) I looked at your equipment list and some images on Flickr from your signature links.

Truly great work.  Beautiful images.

Wish you were my neighbor so we could go shoot together and so I could borrow!   

Any time you're in Boston...   

Thanks for the compliment!

I brought up the RRS flash rig mainly because I'm just about to pull the trigger on one, along with a macro rail.  Just trying to decide on whether I want to attach the flash bracket to a lens plate for the MP-E 65mm's collar, or to a rail on the body.  Leaning toward the latter because it looks like attaching it to the lens plate will put the flash heads behind the subject at 1-2x magnifications.

[mackguyver]

You guys all make good points and I really have to agree with you on nearly all of them.  On the other hand, I haven't been sold on the value of the new 24-70 over my sharp copy of the old version but would like a better walk around companion to my 70-200 f/4 IS.  I have the 24 1.4, 50 1.2, etc., so I have the big apertures covered - this would do nicely for me, particularly for my landscapes and editorial work.  I hate the price, too, but have pre-ordered it so I don't get stuck waiting months and months like people did for the 24-70 II.   With my 5D MkIII, I think this lens will be just right for me.  And I agree that the macro is a ridiculous feature for just about anything other than stamps and coins.

[RustyTheGeek]

[
Any time you're in Boston...   

Thanks for the compliment!

I brought up the RRS flash rig mainly because I'm just about to pull the trigger on one, along with a macro rail.  Just trying to decide on whether I want to attach the flash bracket to a lens plate for the MP-E 65mm's collar, or to a rail on the body.  Leaning toward the latter because it looks like attaching it to the lens plate will put the flash heads behind the subject at 1-2x magnifications.

And it occurs to me that if Canon hadn't gone totally off the deep end on pricing, most of our time would be spent discussing exactly what you have described - ideas and techniques for getting better images from our combined experiences - instead of pricing.

Better technique and creative use of equipment makes what hardware we have that much more valuable when combined with our most valuable asset, our knowledge, skill and talent.  The new stuff just makes it possibly easier after we adapt and become proficient in its use.  Until then it's just more new stuff getting in our way.

[mackguyver]

Found some samples (I know, I know) on the Euro site: http://www.canon-europe.com/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/EF_Lenses/Standard_Zoom/EF_24-70mm_f4L_IS_USM/

[kubelik]

I agree that the pricing on the 24-70 f/4 L IS is pretty unpalatable.  I mean price increases are one thing, but price DOUBLINGS are another.  same goes for all the recent Canon lenses, and sort of for the cameras as well.  I know Canon keeps throwing the "the yen is expensive!" excuse out there but legitimate or not it's definitely wearing pretty thin.

however, that being said, I find it a little preposterous that this is going to drive tons of people to micro 4/3's systems.  last time I checked, the cheapest Olympus equivalent standard zoom lens would still run you $1,000 ... with variable aperture.  To get the fixed aperture one ... you're shelling out as much as you would for Canon's 24-70 f/2.8 L II.  where is the cost savings in that?  if I'm putting that much money into it, you better believe I want the biggest damn glass for my buck strapped onto a full frame sensor.

[han_solo82]

PRICE RANT Ahead...   (and sorry for the length)

Come on everyone - Wake Up!  Do you really need this stuff at these prices?

Canon has lost me for quite a while until they WTFU and get past this insanity.  I am running away from these prices.  In fact, I'm considering selling a few things now, not buying more.  Unfortunately, there are thousands of fans out there that simply MUST buy all this new gear right away at whatever price is asked which will delay the return to reasonable prices for at least a year or two instead of just a few months.  If the market (enthusiasts) ran away at these prices, they would quickly drop.  But Canon expects enough enthusiasts to accept and swallow this price point to demand it and rake in cash which is a real shame.  In this case, Canon equates "Enthusiasts" to = "Suckers".  Our society has become so impatient and demanding of instant gratification at any cost that most consumers have truly become sheep.  Upgrade cycles for expensive luxury items have become months, not years.  Sorry if this offends you but if it does, then think a minute about why it offends you.  Then go shoot some pictures in a 3rd World Country or even just a poor part of town.

You are spot on with most aspect but remember that the thing is new high quality lens as always had a big price tag when they come out. The 24-105 wasn't 800$ when it came out, it was 1250, which, adjusted to today's price, is about 1450$. So in 2012 for the same price, you get a smaller, better optically lens with macro capability, but lose 35mm on the long end. It's pretty much the same with the 24-70mm I vs II.

The problem with Canon as you said is that they arre doing an Apple of themself, and seem to ignore the competition right now (well not entirely considering the recent firmware update boom we saw!) but they don't have th reputation/popularity of Apple. Apple will probably sell a huge amount of Ipad mini even though the competition is better at a lower price point. I think this will not be the same with Nikon vs Canon. Canon will have a harder and harder time if they can't stay competitive.

I mean, Nikon has been selling the D600 with the excellent 24-85mm for 2600$!  And Canon is probably gonna sell the 6D with 24-70mm for 3100 if not more! Bam, again the 500$ difference, remind us of the D800 vs 5DIII (which the former seems to be destroying the latter in sale!). I think they should have introduced 2 lenses this time around, one 24-70/85mm f/4 IS without the marco thing for 800 and a updated 24-105mm f/4 IS macro for 1500$ It would have been the best of both world!

Oh and I didn't even talked about the non L prime, that's just even sadder...

[AdamJ]

Do remember that Canon is not your only lens option. I don't think it is any coincidence that Tamron and, especially, Sigma with the imminent roll-out of their new products, are stepping up to the plate with new lenses that compete with Canon on image quality. They can see the yawning gap developing at the sanely priced end of the market and they're filling the gap with quality products that should appeal to any Canon devotee, whether budget-limited or not.

There is another thread where the poster is asking whether to wait for the 35mm f/2 IS or go for the 35mm L. And yet, the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 promises to be better than the Canon f/1.4 L and likely about the same price as the f/2 IS. To me it's a no-brainer but then, I don't feel wedded to Canon lenses.

[candyman]

In the article that DPreview published:

"....we've been told that the RRP will be $1499 / £1499.99 / €1459"

Can someone explain to me why they convert 1:1? I find it disgusting

November 6th:
Interbank typical creditcard conversion takes  + 3% on $1499 makes

1135,40 euro !
and
908,87 britisch pounds !

[RustyTheGeek]

Do remember that Canon is not your only lens option. .... To me it's a no-brainer but then, I don't feel wedded to Canon lenses.

AdamJ, you make a good point.  Like I said, the competition - esp for lenses, is loving it.  In my experience however, there is a significant build quality difference between Canon lenses and all the other value driven alternatives.  For most shooters, the alternatives are more than adequate.  However, for those of us who shoot outdoors and shoot a LOT on a steady basis, the build quality of Canon can't be beat.  I can wear out a Tamron in a year while a similar Canon lens will not even blink, it just keeps on working without hesitation.

My complaint over price isn't that Canon shouldn't receive a higher price for a superior product, it's that they are abusing that right and being greedy.  It's not a great way to treat those loyal to your brand.  It's a bit insulting.  But it's not all Canon's fault to reach for some easy profit if everyone is willing to hand it to them without hesitation.  I am simply urging hesitation.  My complaint extends logically to all the impatient enthusiast consumers that can't simply wait a few months to show Canon their prices are out of line.  This would bring the price down where it should have started and stop this blatant money grab in the first few months of a product release.  If everyone would simply relax and stop pre-ordering everything in sight, I think things would improve overall with regard to price and availability.  Canon would shorten their release gaps and reduce their initial prices to encourage sales.  As it stands currently, enthusiasts are buying before the products are even in stock!  Wow.  The only thing left is to pre-order when the patents are announced before production even starts.  Geez.  That would probably put CanonRumors on Canon's speed dial, now wouldn't it!?