I find the direction of Canon, i.e. introducing low cost FF systems instead of crop systems, highly interesting.
They might be onto something because FF sensors surely came down in cost over the last 20y as waver sizes and yield improved. Also, APS-C is more or less on a dead end because you cannot significantly increase pixel density anymore without diffraction becoming a problem between f4-f5.6 (new systems live for decades...). To mitigate this, they seem to take a direction of introducing lower end FF bodies and lenses (f7.1 is better than f5.6 on APS-C).
This might kill the entire APS-C lineup outside of compact formats like EF-M if they are able to introduce an FF body around the $500 price point. Also, Canon wins because they don't have to introduce RF-S lenses (the EF-S lens lineup was never really good), and the consumer wins because you don't have to use RF lenses on a RF-S body.
This idea would also justify the f11 teles. These lenses will likely give better IQ at the same equivalent focal length than for example a Sigma 150-600 5-6.3mm on APS-C (that is not that much brighter either).
Though I agree. You will get push back from people. Some simply want continual gains.
Like a sensor with increased high ISO performance coupled with a f7.1 lens might perform on par with a previous gen sensor with a f6.3 lens. This gain and loss might irritate some who just want f6.3 lenses. So to speak.
The same goes for a lot of other gear that will be introduced. However I think I see and get what canon is doing.As usual it will irritate people and they will complain, but in the end canon will probably achieve the balancing act.
Take this 24-105 with the f7.1 on the long end vs the f4. Some will complain about the f7.1, and the fact that the aperture ring doubles as the focus ring. I get what they are saying but I would practically point out they can get the f4, RIGHT? But then they will complain about the price, size, weight of the f4. They would almost go as far as suggest canon should produce a third, to their liking and price. As silly as that actually is.
The fact though is that in the end it is canon that will have these options. They are masters at market differentiation as far as I am concerned.
Though Sony has pushed MILC tech, I always say that canon will catch up in a split second when unleashed from the DSLR chains and they will differentiate. While Sony essentially did the same ol’ same ol‘. It you look at their lenses they are just DSLR equivalents with whatever gains MILC allows. Gains that nikon and canon stated they would also have right out the gate.
So ya... we will see it. Market and price differentiation. Gear differentiation, and a new take on everything.