Buy 24-70 f2.8L now or wait for 24-70 f2.8L II

[Fandongo]

After stocking up on some primes, i was about to let go of my 24-70L.
Then i shot some 5d2 video at F5.6 at 70mm-the "soft" end.
It was cream-your-jeans sharp. With cream filling your socks smooth bokeh.
IS has little use to me, with the exception of handheld video.
If the new version isn't going to have IS, your best bet at snagging a good deal could be before the new one gets announced (since people are selling in anticipation of it dropping in future value).
All tech will be some sort of gamble and tradeoff.
Happy gambling.

[eos650]

You can buy the 24-70 new for about $1400 today. I wouldn't be surprised to see the 24-70 II costing $1800 to $2000 and probably more, if it has IS.

The 24-70 is an excellent lens. Ask yourself: How much better could the II be? How much more would you pay for a lens that might be incrementally better? Is it worth the wait, hoping it will come out, knowing that you will most likely pay more if it does?

Every one's situation is different. I'm happy with my lens. A new version would need some compelling improvements for me to consider selling mine and shelling out additional dollars.

[wickidwombat]

if it had IS i would definately be keen on it, lack of IS is the main reason i wont get one of these

[eos650]

I have the 24-70 and a number of primes, none of which have IS. For pictures, I don't really miss it, but I wouldn't mind having it, as long as it didn't significantly increase the price or reduce the optical quality.

Occasionally, I shoot video and that's where I wish I had IS. I could use a tri-pod, but the convenience of traveling light has it's appeal. I often find myself swapping a better lens for the 18-200, when shooting video, just for the sake of having the IS.