Another Mention of a New EF 70-200mm Lens [CR2]

[Canon Rumors]

We’re told again that Canon is developing a follow-up to the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II. The new lens design is said to be a little bit lighter, a new IS system and optical upgrades as well.</p>
<p>While we weren’t given a timeframe on when we could expect an announcement, the source did say that the new lens appeared on an “internal roadmap”, which usually means the product is coming within 12 months. As with all things lenses, there can sometimes be significant delays (i.e. EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x).</p>
<p>The latest EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II was announced in March of 2010, which would make a 2017 announcement 18-24 months quicker than the previous update, as the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS was announced in September of 2001.</p>
<p>I will note that this is the first time we’ve seen the aperture mentioned, we’ve been wondering if it was going to be a new f/4 or a new f/2.8.</p>
<p><em>More to come…</em></p>
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[BigShooter]

I'll stick with the 200mm f/2 IS USM thank you.

 

[Big_Ant_TV_Media]

sports/action and wildlife shooters will be happy
just need too know when this will be announced/released

 

[mitchel2002]

just pray it does not cost 3000

 

[tron]

Just like the 300 2.8 it is not a lens in urgent need of update. More probably a CR0 rumor 8)

 

[StudentOfLight]

They should add focus preset buttons like on the great whites

 

[willchao]

the current version is still class leading in terms of performance, it doesn't need an upgrade as much as the 50 F1.2L and 85 F1.2L II, those two really suck optically especially the 50

 

[ScottyP]

This cannot be the lens they think most needs updating. It is a great lens no one criticises. Not like their 50mm offerings.

 

[steliosk]

whats wrong with the older one?

any word mentioning about a new 50L and 85L?

 

[Hellish]

This lens doesn't need an update how about the 50mm f/1.2L!!

 

[JMZawodny]

Given my history with this lens, this is probably a CR3. I bought the original 70-200 f/2.8 about 6 months before the II version came out. I finally broke down and got that one a bit over a year ago, so this newest one is sure to be released very soon.

I find it difficult to imagine there is much room for improvement, but if it is better I certainly won't wait that long again to buy one.

 

[tron]

Given my history with this lens, this is probably a CR3. I bought the original 70-200 f/2.8 about 6 months before the II version came out. I finally broke down and got that one a bit over a year ago, so this newest one is sure to be released very soon.

I find it difficult to imagine there is much room for improvement, but if it is better I certainly won't wait that long again to buy one.

I get it! The same happened with me and the 16-35 2.8L (first version)...

 

[AUGS]

I agree, the current lens is an outstanding performer and probably doesn't "need" an update just yet from a photographers perspective.

But it also sells in strong numbers. It could be that the manufacturing tools are now requiring replacement or ongoing maintenance to keep going, so a replacement lens could be just as cost effective as maintaining the current design with some newer technology in the areas of IS and some optical improvement opportunities. It isn't necessarily about optical performance.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

 

[timmy_650]

I sure hope this is sure. I have been wanting to upgrade my 70-200 f4 and if there is a new 70-200 I can get the old one for a few $100 less.

 

[ahsanford]

As I'm sitting on my 5D3 this cycle, I see very little reason to replace my 70-200 F/2.8L IS II. I'm not sure I can fare much better on a 22 MP canvas. The Mk II version is nearly without fault.

Any guess on what might be improved with this new version? A small bump in resolution? A new hood with a CPL window like with the 100-400L II? Lighter would also be nice.

- A

 

[unfocused]

I'd be surprised to see this in 2017, maybe 2018 or 2019. I'm also guessing that the biggest changes will be in weight and IS (including adding a third IS mode) and possibly focusing speed, although it's already really fast. It will be hard to improve on the optical performance. One thing that would be interesting would be if Canon followed Sigma's lead and allowed users to select custom modes that prioritize either speed or accuracy.

Since the II version used to sell for around $2,500, I expect it will be several years after introduction before I even look at the III version.

 

[MaxFoto]

When are they updating the 35L II and 100-400L II?? ;D

 

[ahsanford]

Just looking at DXO [throw up in mouth noise] as they are one of the very few places that tests lenses on the 22, 30 and 50 MP format, and strictly from a resolution perspective, they peg the 70-200 F/2.8L IS II as:

5D3: 21 P-Mpix (out of a max possible 22)
5D4: 26 out of 30
5DS R: 33 out of 50

So, in that light, there is room to improve. On my 5D3, as I said before, I'm hard pressed to want more sharpness. Perhaps if I made the jump to 50 MP I'd see more room for improvement, but that is quite literally splitting pixels at that point.

- A

 

[ahsanford]

When are they updating the 35L II and 100-400L II?? ;D

Everyone's a comedian.

We presently have a staple tool of a 50mm f/1.4 that dates back to the earliest parts of the Clinton administration and here goes Canon, updating its f/2.8 zooms every 8-10 years with the regularity of Old Faithful.

Give me a damn sharp 50 prime with modern USM that is smaller than a pickle jar. Take my money.

- A

 

[GMCPhotographics]

Just looking at DXO [throw up in mouth noise] as they are one of the very few places that tests lenses on the 22, 30 and 50 MP format, and strictly from a resolution perspective, they peg the 70-200 F/2.8L IS II as:

5D3: 21 P-Mpix (out of a max possible 22)
5D4: 26 out of 30
5DS R: 33 out of 50

So, in that light, there is room to improve. On my 5D3, as I said before, I'm hard pressed to want more sharpness. Perhaps if I made the jump to 50 MP I'd see more room for improvement, but that is quite literally splitting pixels at that point.

- A

While the current model is excellent, there is some room for improvement. Sun stars are really not nice with this lens and flare control isn't in the same league as the 70-300 LIS. It's also heavier than earlier models...and the coatings are quite old. It was launched just before the newer Flourine and SWC coatings became available.
The 100-400 LIS II set a new standard for IS smoothness and it's the only lens I've used where the viewfinder is completely wobble free when shaking the lens...it's really quite something. So I'm guessing the IS system could do with an upgrade.