Am I surprised? Yes and no, I can't really tell, will say I'm more confused about this result.
I not surprised as Canon has a gap in the Pro CN line - no 35mm and no plans in the near future to fix that. So, if they had something great to offer, why wouldn't they share that with new Semi-Pro L Lenses?
I'm surprised based on the great pancake lens 40mm which is at AMAZON now around $149. One would expect that any new 35mm F/1.4 or F/2.0 would be just a great lens. (especially after two great new zoom lenses 24-70/70-200 as well) A leading 35mm lens was my expectation.
It's after all just a 35mm F/2 lens, we are not talking here about problems to build a 17mm, F/1.4 lens, right?
Too sad, to be honest. Sigma is not really an option for me. I like to use the lenses as well for video, and intercut with different brands can cause trouble (no color match, different overall look and feel etc.)
If I have to stop down, what is the point to buy a faster lens in the first place?
OK perhaps next year -- Canon. ;o)