Replacement of the big one?
I have been told on a few occasions that a replacement of the EF 800 f/5.6L IS is coming. An announcement could come as early as late Q1/Q2 of 2013. The new lens would incorporate Canon’s new weight saving technology.
Nikon has an 800 f/5.6 VR coming down the pipeline, and I spoked with someone that had a chance to handle the lens in London during the Olympics. He mentioned that the lens barely felt heavier than the new Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II which weighs in at a hair over 7lbs. If true, that would be pretty great, as the current Canon EF 800 f/5.6L IS weighs in at 9.9lbs.
Another sign that a new 800 may be on the way is the lens hood ET-155 has been discontinued by Canon. This hood was also used on the Canon EF 400 f/2.8L IS, and that lens has since been replaced. I know of the discontinuation as I have had one backordered from Canon for nearly 6 months. B&H Photo just informed me today that the lens hood is no longer available. Canon still lists the ET-155 as the lens hood for the 800. I will try the ET-155WII, which comes with the new EF 400 f/2.8L IS II and see if it fits.
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From B&H
The new Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II is finally in stock at B&H Photo.
Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II at B&H Photo $10,499
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From Norman Camera
The fine folks at Norman Camera have a small quantity of the Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II & Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II in stock and ready to ship.
Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II at Norman Camera $10,499
Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II at Norman Camera $12,999
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More are coming!
We knew more would come eventually, but when?
I’m told new stock should start hitting retailers sometime this month and next month, it may not be enough to clear the preorder backlog though.
Preorder at B&H: EF 500 f/4L IS II | EF 600 f/4L IS II
Big white firmware 1.1.1 update
I have sent our 300, 400 and 600 in to Canon Canada today for the firmware update, I’ll update you on how long the process takes.
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To the Users of the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM Interchangeable Lenses for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Thank you for using Canon products.
Canon has released a firmware update for EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm F2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses. This firmware update will be performed by Canon Service Centers. Please contact us using the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
Firmware changes:
Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following enhancement:
1. Changes the control algorithm of the focus drive, and enhances the drive’s responsiveness for more precise focus and adjustments. In particular, the new firmware enhances the AI servo AF capability of the lenses to track objects that move irregularly in sports events, such as soccer or rugby.
Affected Products:
Firmware Version 1.1.1 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.0.0. If the lens’ firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware. The serial numbers (10 digits) of the lenses equipped with Firmware Version 1.0.0 are as follows:
EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).
EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).
EF500mm f/4L IS II USM
The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).
EF600mm f/4L IS II USM
The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).
Lenses with serial numbers other than those listed above are equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.1 or later.
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Canon Rebates Extended
The Canon rebate program that was set to expire at the end of May has been extended until the end of June. This is the double up savings program if you buy a camera body along with a lens. There are also instant rebates on lens purchases only.
The 5D Mark III isn’t found in stock in too many places, so at least you get an extra month if you’ve been waiting to take advantage of the rebate when buying a 5D3.
Click to go
Visit B&H for the rebate portal.
BG-E11 Shipping Everywhere
I’ve received notifications that B&H and Adorama have begun shipping the BG-E11 to preorder customers.
Sigma Lens Rebates
Sigma has rebates going on until July 31, 2012. Visit B&H for more.
Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II & EF 600 f/4L IS II Availability
Various smaller retailers have received lenses. I know of a couple of 500′s that appeared in Toronto, and I received my 600 today.
I know B&H is expecting a shipment this week, however there is a preorder wait list. They expect the first 2 shipments to cover what is already preordered. I am unsure about the status with Adorama.
B&H: 500 f/4L IS II | 600 f/4L IS II Adorama: EF 500 f/4L IS II | EF 600 f/4L IS II
If you’re a retailer and get a 500 or 600 in stock that isn’t spoken for, please let me know and I can let the readers of CR know.
5D Mark III Stock
Stock of the 5D Mark III is low at the moment. Shipments for the camera should start arriving near the end of this week. I’m waiting to hear from the large retailers.
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Canon EOS-1D X
As of the end of last week, Canon is still holding to the end of June for shipments to begin. That’s what is still being told to a couple of large retailers.
Canon EOS-1D X at B&H $6799
Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II & EF 600 f/4L IS II
These two lenses are proving to be more elusive to nail down. Current Canon says they’re begin shipping in May, however 2 retailers I spoke to have said they’re now being told the end of June to the beginning of July for availability.
If any of this changes (and it probably will), I will update.
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Another update
Canon has officially announced the new Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II and Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II will become available in May 2012.
I think this is only the 4th date given for release and probably the last.
cr
Bummer
Canon has sent out notice that the new EF 500 f/4L IS II and EF 600 f/4L IS II have been delayed beyond the previous December 2011 ship date. Expect the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x, which hasn’t been officially announced yet to be delayed well into 2012.
Source: [RG]
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