*UPDATE* Where Have They Gone?

Canon Rumors
3 Min Read

*UPDATE*
This is the bummer of being on vacation, I just can’t be online for long stretches to scour over things. Thankfully some of you will do me the favor.

Anyway, there are a ton more lenses missing from Canon USA’s site. Here’s the full list. (thanks Brad)

Ultra Wide Zoom
EF 17-40mm f4L USM

Standard Zoom
EF 24-70mm f2.8L
EF 28-200 f3.5-5.6 USM

Telephoto Zoom
EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6L IS USM
EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM
EF 70-200mm f4L USM
EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 DO IS USM
EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 USM
EF 100-300mm f4.5-5.6 USM

Wide Angle (Prime
EF 15mm f2.8 fisheye
EF 20mm f2.8 USM
EF 24mm f2.8
EF 28mm f1.8 USM
EF 28mm f2.8
EF 35mm f1.4L USM
EF 35mm f2

Standard and Medium Telephoto (Prime)
EF 50mm f1.4 USM
EF 50mm f1.8 II
EF 85mm f1.8 USM
EF 100mm f2 USM

Telephoto (Prime)
EF 135mm f2L USM
EF 135mm f2.8 with Softfocus
EF 200mm f2.8L II USM
EF 300mm f2.8L IS USM
EF 300mm F4L IS USM

Super Telephoto (Prime)
EF 400mm f2.8L IS USM
EF 400mm f4 DO IS USM
EF 400mm f5.6L USM
EF 500mm f4L IS USM
EF 600mm f4L IS USM

Macro
EF 50mm f2.5 compact macro
MP-E 65mm f2.8 1-5x macro
EF 180mm f3.5L macro USM

Tilt Shift
TS-E 45mm f2.8
TS-E 90mm f2.8

There’s no way all of these are being done away with. However, Canon has tipped their hat in the past with product removal from the Canon USA site. Announcements are coming soon.

*UPDATE* Announcement
An anonymous tipster said we can expect some Canon announcements on January 5, 2010 & January 9, 2010. Saturday would be a strange announcement day, but CES is just around the corner.

Missing Lenses on Canon USA

Coincidence or telling us something.

If you visit Canon USA’s web site you’ll see the following lenses are  missing.

EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS
EF 70-200 f/2.8L
EF 70-200 f/4L

We’ll keep a close eye on this.

See here: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=150

thanks Tom

cr

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.

Share This Article
114 Comments
  • Probably due to website maintenance. They wouldn’t be refreshing 6+ new lenses at once, especially not all of the super telephoto lenses at the same time. It would be nice if they did though! Perhaps this is a symptom of a few changes being made to the website that will result in 1-2 new lens announcements soon.

  • Looks like a number of lenses are missing from the site, even the 50mm 1.8 MKII. It would be nice if Canon would announce some new glass soon. I’m itching to buy the 70-200mm 2.8 IS with the hybrid IS.

  • website maintenance doesn’t usually involve removing parts of the code and leaving the rest. their site looks to be hand coded, code being taken out with no errors on the page has to be intentional, not a glitch.
    now if that means new lenses or just larger than usual site changes, i couldn’t say.
    but whatever is happening, it’s intentional.

  • Ehh so many lenses have disappeared:

    17-40 f/4

    24-70 f/2.8

    70-300 DO

    the 70-200s except for f/4 IS

    15mm f/2.8

    20mm f/2.8

    24mm f/2.8

    28mm f/1.8

    28mm f/2.8

    35mm f/1.4

    35mm f/2.0

    50mm f/1.8

    50mm f/1.4

    50mm f/2.5

    65mm f2.8 1x-5x

    85mm f/1.8

    100mm f/2.0

    100mm f/2.8

    135mm f/2.0

    180mm f/3.5

    200mm f/2.8

    300mm f/2.8

    300mm f/4

    400mm f/5.6

    400mm f/4

    400mm f/2.8

    500mm f/4

    600mm f/4

  • yeah, was just gonna say… Almost all their stuff has disappeared. Makes me think more an error than any updates pending. But who know! Canon could have their R&D in overdrive!

  • On the surface it appears to be a web site update.

    Interestingly though – I noticed that only the 24-70 f2.8L was missing from the standard zoom category…

    Some of the missing lenses have been mentioned for an update, but it seems that there’s way too many for their R&D to keep up. It would be nice to see the non-L prime wide angle lenses get an update!

  • As a retailer take my word (however many won’t).

    70-200 f/2.8 IS

    800mm f/5.6

    Both will be replaced.

  • I think Canon USA is putting up new pricing on all the lenses that they took down off the site.

  • On the german Canon website only two lenses are missing, the 70-200 f/2.8 L USM and the 24-70 f/2.8 L USM. At least I only notived these two were missing.

  • It is just coincidence. In the case of super telephoto lenses, the web site is showing only 800mm. This does not mean that 300mm or 400mm have been discontinued!!!

  • All the Europe sites show slightly different info but with certain lenses being consistently missing

    The 70-200 F/2.8 L IS is missing from most as is the F/4 IS version

  • Well, the refresh of 20+ lenses seems remote. Give it a few hours, maybe a day, and I think it’ll all settle down. The ones missing then will be upgraded. 24-70 IS and 70-200 IS pleeease.

  • Ugh, yeah thats about the only thing that makes sense…

    But, as a web content manager for a large website, why would they not simply make a quick edit to their MSRPs and set the new content to go live at a specific time/date? If they can’t do that with their CMS, they need a better one.

  • Could it be that

    some lenses are going to be replaced?

    24-70; 70-200 etc

    some lenses are going to be discontinued due to an “old” pre-digital design?

    just a thought

  • I would very much like Canon to upgrade the 100-400 so I can buy the new version.

    I already have the 24-70 & 70-200 2.8 IS….my luck that Canon would upgrade 2 I already have.

  • If you look in the product archive, you will see the 50mm f/1.8 II and the 180mm L macro lens…

  • Actually, a lot of the “missing” lenses can be found in the product archives now… All of hte missing macro lenses, the 45 and 90 T/S lenses,

  • Interestingly enough, the list includes a number of lenses people have been hoping to see replaced.

    I will really like to see ring USM versions of 35 f/2 and 50 f/1.4. Many are hoping for IS + USM replacements for 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8, 100-400 and 400 f/5.6L.

    But it’s nearly impossible for Canon to replace so many lenses in one go. There is NO WAY the factory can cope.

  • Those using such a beast should be a bit more rational then going after some designations. :)

    Hybrid-IS seems pretty useless on a lens you don’t want to use without a support. Also the 800/5,6 is a financial commitment, you don’t buy a new one unless you really see a difference that translates into lots of additional income.

  • Are they just not renewing photos and specs for the lenses – seems bazaar they would remove with nothing to replace it with, but perhaps they have a problematic webpage designer employee?

  • I do hope they replace the 50mm 1.8 II though to one with a decent focus ring – a nice solid construction one like the good old lenses of yester year.

  • If it isn’t a glitch, the only real possibility is a major system announcement.

    Wonder if those rumors about the 1Ds replacement having a square, or otherwise larger than standard 35mm, sensor are true. If so, Canon would HAVE TO replace any EF lenses that had an image circle too small to cover it.

  • 24-70mm f2.8 IS & 70-200mm f2.8 IS II look to be updated soon judging by the overwhelming amount of “rumors” past & present. Plus Nikon just updated their 70-200mm. What I like to see Canon update is the 300mm f4, 400mm f5.6 for us advanced amateurs. Get rid of that built-in hoods. 35mm f2 with USM will be nice too. And how about a new fast ultra-wide angle 20mm f1.4?

  • I like this suggestion. The 100mm 2.8L macro was a most recent lens released. Is it’s image circle greater than the standard sensor? Would it make this larger sensor suggestion more plausible?

  • The EOS 1v 35mm body is also missing; with all these rumors that refreshes are the only logical explanation for the disappearance of all these lenses, I guess that means an EOS 1v Mark II must be coming out! ;)

  • dang… wht the? this is weird. anyone believe the new “updated” rumor that an announcement will be on the 5th? where did that even come from.

  • Couldn’t it be that these were the lenses with rebates and the rebates are ending? Too lazy to verify this. Just asking.

  • Last quarter the USD took a big hit against the Yen. Last month it recovered a bit, but likely not before Canon USA had to place orders.

    YAY! PRICE INCREASES!!!

  • I don’t think this is the reason. As Kevin points out, there are better ways to accomplish this. Also, the dollar is strengthening. No need to raise lens prices right now.

  • On the main EOS product line page, scroll down to the bottom and click Supplies and Accessories. In the dropdowns, select EOS and Lenses and you’ll get links to all the missing lens product pages.

  • I do not think that Jan 9th would be too weird as the ImagingUSA convention starts on the 10th-12th. I do not know if that is a big enough show for Canon to announce new products, but it is an even either way.

  • I don’t know if they will be producing lenses at this plant,
    http://www.canon.com/news/2008/jul07e.html

    I believe this is the news you speak of.
    http://www.canon.com/news/2008/sep05e.html

    “Canon Taiwan to boost lens production capability

    TOKYO, September 5, 2008—Canon Inc. announced today plans to construct new production facilities on the premises of Canon Inc., Taiwan with the aim of expanding production of interchangeable EF lenses for single-lens reflex cameras.

    Canon currently manufactures EF lenses at: the Canon Inc. Utsunomiya Plant; Oita Canon Inc.; Canon Inc., Taiwan; and Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

    The continued growth of the global digital SLR camera market has led to a rapidly increasing demand for interchangeable lenses, which has created a pressing need for Canon to expand production capacity for its EF lenses. In response to these market conditions, Canon has been actively working toward the selection of a site for the establishment of new production facilities. As a result, upon taking into consideration such factors as the advanced levels of technology required for lens production based on many years of experience and securing a stable workforce, the company decided on Canon Inc., Taiwan.

    Construction of the new facilities is scheduled to begin in September 2008 with the expanded production operations expected to commence in July 2009. “

  • “anuary 11, 2006 – Continuing with the trend of manufacturing plants being opened in the East, Canon has announced a new plant in Japan that will concentrate on manufacturing replacement lenses for their digital single-lens reflex cameras.

    The plant is opening in conjunction with Oita Canon in the town of Aki-machi and projected to be ready to run at full capacity by May of 2007. Construction will start in March of 2006 with an initial starting cost of $122 million.”

  • That was the old Canon f/2.8 UWA lens.

    EF 20-35 f/2.8L
    EF 17-35 f/2.8L
    EF 16-35 f/2.8L
    EF 16-35 f/2.8L II

  • if they are to replace all those lenses, I would hope better QC on all L glasses I’m careless about manufactured country, we don’t want “made in Japan” gimcrack.

  • Just a question: all these comments hoping for Hybrid IS on new lenses, I was under the impression that it only made a difference at macro distances?

  • The most exciting rumor in a while! It has been a day and the CanonUSA page is still like this, it has to be intentional!

    They cant do a major redesign that many lenses at once. Hybrid IS or a larger image circle are not realistic.

    My guess is an update to the firmware to support a new feature in a new or recent camera body(s).

    I will guess it is autofocus related. I then guess that the lenses that are still on the page do fall into groups:
    1) Older cheep lenses that wont get the upgrade
    (..ok I have the 70-300 I am cheep.)
    2) Newer lenses that already have the improvement
    3) And the most interesting those that dont need the
    the update because they are about to be replaced!
    – 100-400 (obviously needs replace, new IS)
    – 24-105 (There was a rumor a while ago..)
    – 70-200 F4 (???)

  • you meen the 70-200 f2.8 IS II and the 24-70 f2.8 IS instead of those… (ok, i agree with the 100-400)

  • I sent Canon an e-mail and here is the response:

    Thank you for your inquiry regarding the lens line up on the Canon USA website. We value you as a Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

    Canon continuously reviews its product lineup, and as new products are introduced, existing models are often taken out of production. Normally the removal of a lens from the main lens page means that it will be ceasing production in the near future. Typically the lens will still be

    available through retailers, as they have stock that will last for a little while.

    The product pages for those lenses will still be available for viewing on the Canon website by either going to http://canontechsupport.com and selecting a specific lens from the drop down menu, or by going to the EOS product archive at: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ArchiveAct&fcategoryid=2091.

    Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

    Thank you for choosing Canon.

  • Well, if that’s true, then all the lenses in my camera bag have been discontinued. Can’t believe it…

    If they really did it, I am wondering how they can cope with the huge request for lens upgrades.
    I don’t see it possible also for their production sites to produce so many different types of lenses.

    What will happen then on the used market? Probably the amount of used material that will appear on the used market will make the prices drop considerably.

    Personally I don’t care, the lineup of lenses in my bag is still valid and producing great results.

    I hope the next days we will receive better clarifications from Canon.

  • That’s a pathetic automated response, Canon. There’s no way all those lenses are getting discontinued or updated.

  • I was trying to indicate the 3 lenses still appearing on the web page that arent super new and not likely to already include any firmware update that might occur. The 70-200 F4 is there but I cant see them replacing it? This one confused me?

    …it should be noted that the 24-70 is not listed on the CanonUSA page at the moment, so according to my theory above it is not about to be replaced. Though I have to admit my theory is completely made up.

    …If it is a firmware update it could also be video related… A mode to allow smoother control of the focus by the body perhaps?

  • i can almost all those lenses get a upgraded version but the MP-E 65 is lonely at the top why would that need upgrade and i cant really see IS being usefull on that lens and opticly its great.

  • Lens firmware upgrades sound good, but if they’re going to add a number/letter on each of these that likely means the price is going up. (boooo)

  • Has anyone noticed that all the lenses are still shown as available on the Canon UK website?

    Does anyone speak Japanese? If that website is also unaltered, it would seem likely to just be a US situation, implying a price change/rebate offer.

  • Tilt Shift
    TS-E 45mm f2.8
    TS-E 90mm f2.8

    I need those! That would be great if they do update them but I haear theTS-E 90mm is one of sharpest Canons already…so what he heck now…

  • the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II is already II the 17 is brand new so I guess what’s lets is indeed the TS-E 45mm f2.8 and TS-E 90mm f2.8 OMG!!!

  • Recently Wolf Camera stopped carrying Canon. I was told Canon is acting strange….not attending PMA and has been experiencing large loss of DSLR marketshare to Nikon and Sony.
    This is not good. Even if they were updating all these lenses there is no need to take them off till the new data is ready. Can’t figure this out.

  • I think all of this speculation that we’re going to get 20+ new lenses is silly, but I got giddy at the thought of IS on my 135mm f/2 :)

  • If I recall, Canon dropped Wolf Camera, not the other way around. I believe that Wolf was on serious credit hold.

  • I don’t know why everyone goes on about wanting IS, it’s good on the side of hand holding at slower shutter speeds, but it also means more glass… heavier and sometimes even a softer lens.

    I could be wrong about this but wasn’t the 70-200 f/2.8l Sharper then the IS version? (ignoring that the f/4 was arguably sharper then the 2.8l is)

  • Hm, the 3 70-200 have all NO, or OUTDATES IS’s. The Only only one with a more or less up2date IS is the 70-200f/4IS.

    Maybe they spend a big (innovative) “IS” Update to most of the lenses.

  • Weren’t Wolf connected to Ritz? Ritz no longer carries Canon, but I believe that’s because of the bankruptcy proceedings not because of anything to do with Canon’s products or concerns about Canon.

  • Some of you have noticed that a significant number of lenses are missing from the Canon USA website at this moment.

    You can rest assured that your favorite lens has not been discontinued – Canon USA has “… identified the issue and will have it fixed as soon as possible”.
    Posted Jan 04 2010, 11:42 AM by Bryan Carnathan
    Filed under: Canon USA

    http://community.the-digital-picture.com/blogs/news/archive/2010/01/04/lenses-missing-from-the-canon-usa-website.aspx

  • Canon’s email reply to my inquiry about the missing lenses:

    We are sorry to hear that you
    have noticed lenses missing from the Canon EF lenses support site.
    At this moment there is no information available regarding new product
    changes in the lens category. Please keep in mind, however, that Canon
    continuously reviews its product lineup, and as new products are
    introduced, existing models are often taken out of production. We
    recommend you check our website (www.canoneos.com) from time to time to
    learn of new product announcements in the U.S. market.

    Our EOS cameras use EF series lenses. To view our current lens lineup,
    please visit the following Web site:

    http://www.usa.canon.com/eflenses

    We hope this information is helpful to you. Please let us know if we
    can be of any further assistance with Canon EF Lenses.

    Thank you for choosing Canon.

  • This is a logical and well written response but I am still not 100% convinced.

    My reasoning is:

    – It posted in a forum not on an official Canon Web Page

    – This should be a VERY easy to fix but has existed for several days

    – The web pages where not deleted but where moved into the archive area

  • ….sure, within an hour they are back…

    Though there was obviously an update included, it wasnt as big as I had hoped.

Leave a Reply