Which Canon lens is most in need of updating.

[JMZawodny]

Respectfully disagree. Canon doesn't have a sharp across-the-frame 50mm prime with anything resembling a modern feature set. That is not an extravagant need, and as such, I find it a gap for the world's largest imaging company.
- A

While expected and I likely agree with you, this is not where Canon will distinguish itself. Canon will dance around an improved 50mm for at least a year.

 

[rfdesigner]

Respectfully disagree. Canon doesn't have a sharp across-the-frame 50mm prime with anything resembling a modern feature set. That is not an extravagant need, and as such, I find it a gap for the world's largest imaging company.
- A

While expected and I likely agree with you, this is not where Canon will distinguish itself. Canon will dance around an improved 50mm for at least a year.

Canon has been without like for llike competition for the Sigma-ART since it came out in April 2014. The 50STM is a competent little lens, and must by now be eating sales of the 1.4, my bag contains one example of this.

From a purely commercial point of view I would expect Canon to want to update the 1.4

 

[Sabaki]

Which Canon lens is most in need of updating?

Seems it may be the Canon EF 24-105 f/4.0 IS USM mkii ;D

 

[tron]

Which Canon lens is most in need of updating?

Seems it may be the Canon EF 24-105 f/4.0 IS USM mkii ;D

Funniest entry but who knows maybe true also. Let's wait tdp to test it ;D ;D ;D

 

[koenkooi]

What's wrong with the current MP-E?

Never used it myself, but I read it did not handle dust well. I think that was less of a general dust problem so much as how unforgiving dust is at 5x. So maybe it could be better sealed?

But I defer to the macro-rail-sliding, fly's-eyeball-shooting 5x lovers on this forum. They would know where it needs improvement.

Like others said before in this thread: modern coatings would be a nice upgrade. As for the dust, my copy sucked in a fiber, which is a a pain to clone out in LR. But thankfully it has moved out of the frame now after going from 1x to 5x a few times

 

[GammyKnee]

#1 for me would be the 50 1.4. I know the current offering has its fans, but honestly I consider it to be an embarrassment. The replacement would have to be pretty decent to tempt me away from my Tamron 45 though.

#2 17-40L. Yes, I'm sure the 16-35 IS USM is wonderful, but I like having that extra 5mm on the long end. Sharpen up the corners a lot, and the centre a bit, and it'll be fine. Don't even need to give it IS.

#3 You know, I'm actually struggling to fill this slot. Maybe the 85 1.8, just a tad sharper and with less CA.

 

[JonAustin]

1. 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro (1987 design!)

Oh goodness, yes! That has to be the OLDEST. It's coming up on THIRTY years. A good lens but that focus motor is just so noisy and buzzy! Come on Canon ...

I think that's the oldest lens that's still 'current', but maybe that one should just die a natural death (like the 135mm f/2.8 SF that was released the same year). For APS-C users, the EF-S 60/2.8 macro is a better choice, and since the 50/2.5 CM needs the life size converter to achieve 1:1, the 100mm non-L macro is probably a better choice there, as well.

I just checked the B&H, Adorama and Amazon websites; the 50CM is nowhere to be found on the first two, and only on Amazon used. So I'm not sure it's still "current" ... its "natural death" may have already occurred. Interestingly, B&H still sells the 50CM's accessory Life Size Converter.

I have a 50CM in my bag; it's the oldest piece of glass in my kit -- in terms of my personal ownership, as well as release date. And it's my only 50mm prime. I now use the 100/2.8L for macro work, but since the 50CM is faster and sharper than my normal-range zoom (24-105L v1), I'll hang onto it until the AHSanford Autograph Special is released. Truth be told, I may never get rid of it; it's just so old and cute and weird and special ...

2) As for the rest of the wish list, I would trade my excellent 100-400 II for either:
-300mm f/4L IS USM + built-in 1.4x extender
- 400mm f/5.6L IS USM

3) 24-70*mm f/2.8L IS USM (* it would be great if this would extend to 85mm without an IQ hit)

 

[j-nord]

Respectfully disagree. Canon doesn't have a sharp across-the-frame 50mm prime with anything resembling a modern feature set. That is not an extravagant need, and as such, I find it a gap for the world's largest imaging company.
- A

While expected and I likely agree with you, this is not where Canon will distinguish itself. Canon will dance around an improved 50mm for at least a year.

hahahaha "at least a year"? They've been dancing around it for MANY years already.

 

[j-nord]

1. 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro (1987 design!)

Oh goodness, yes! That has to be the OLDEST. It's coming up on THIRTY years. A good lens but that focus motor is just so noisy and buzzy! Come on Canon ...

I think that's the oldest lens that's still 'current', but maybe that one should just die a natural death (like the 135mm f/2.8 SF that was released the same year). For APS-C users, the EF-S 60/2.8 macro is a better choice, and since the 50/2.5 CM needs the life size converter to achieve 1:1, the 100mm non-L macro is probably a better choice there, as well.

I just checked the B&H, Adorama and Amazon websites; the 50CM is nowhere to be found on the first two, and only on Amazon used. So I'm not sure it's still "current" ... its "natural death" may have already occurred. Interestingly, B&H still sells the 50CM's accessory Life Size Converter.

I have a 50CM in my bag; it's the oldest piece of glass in my kit -- in terms of my personal ownership, as well as release date. And it's my only 50mm prime. I now use the 100/2.8L for macro work, but since the 50CM is faster and sharper than my normal-range zoom (24-105L v1), I'll hang onto it until the AHSanford Autograph Special is released. Truth be told, I may never get rid of it; it's just so old and cute and weird and special ...

2) As for the rest of the wish list, I would trade my excellent 100-400 II for either:
-300mm f/4L IS USM + built-in 1.4x extender
- 400mm f/5.6L IS USM

3) 24-70*mm f/2.8L IS USM (* it would be great if this would extend to 85mm without an IQ hit)

To clarify, the 50mm f2.5 CM was discontinued as per Canon retailers. I don't know why Canon still lists it on their website. They are probably just waiting for stock to run out completely.

 

[j-nord]

Wait I'm confused, do you want a:
1) 50 f1.4 II
2) 50 f2 IS
3) 50 f1.4 IS (I think this is what everyone wants but seems unrealistic considering the other recent prime releases)

It goes with out saying these would be all be internal focus. None of the extending prime nonsense.

Short answer: a new 50mm with internal focusing and modern reliable USM and in a non-enormous size.

Longer answer: It depends on what Canon offers us, as many have conceded that a 50 f/1.4 IS USM could steal 50L sales and Canon may not offer us that. So here's my spectrum of Yes/No for this lens (from a prior post):

"As far as what I would / would not buy in a new 50:

EF 50mm f/1.4 USM II = Buy. Opportunity lost with no IS, but if it's this or nothing, I'll take it.

EF 50mm f/1.4 IS USM = Buy. Pricey, but if still relatively small compared to the pickle jars, I'd be in.

EF 50mm f/1.8 IS USM = Buy.

EF 50mm f/2.0 IS USM = Buy. Could be awesomely tiny and low-profile, but I imagine they'd never put this out given that the budget STM lens is still f/1.8.

EF 50mm f/anything L USM = Not buy. Presumably too big/expensive/specialized for my needs, but we'll see. If it was not a draw/bokeh specialist of a lens and was sharper across the frame, I'd maaaaybe consider it.

EF 50mm f/2.5 1:2 compact macro USM = Not buy. I think I need f/2 or quicker, and I don't need another macro (either due to a large internal focusing housing or non-internal focusing design that leans out a great deal.)

EF 50mm of any sort with STM = kill it with a hammer. Not good enough for this class of lens.

I imagine everyone's personal buy / not buy list is quite different, though."

- A

Interesting, I'd never consider anything narrower than f1.4 for such a lens. I have the 50 f1.8 STM and I find the focal length to aperture ratio is barely passable. The AF is insanely slow, focus by wire barely works, external focus is super annoying, but for $125 it's hard to argue against having one 'just because'. I want a 50 f1.4 II USM with all the specs we are expecting AND maybe IS (wishful thinking).

The 50 f1.4 II would have to have similar optical performance while being smaller and cheaper than the Sigma 50 ART. I think there in lies the problem for Canon, it's a difficult expectation to live up to while also maintaining room for a 50L II market.

 

[neuroanatomist]

1. 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro (1987 design!)

Oh goodness, yes! That has to be the OLDEST. It's coming up on THIRTY years. A good lens but that focus motor is just so noisy and buzzy! Come on Canon ...

I think that's the oldest lens that's still 'current', but maybe that one should just die a natural death (like the 135mm f/2.8 SF that was released the same year). For APS-C users, the EF-S 60/2.8 macro is a better choice, and since the 50/2.5 CM needs the life size converter to achieve 1:1, the 100mm non-L macro is probably a better choice there, as well.

I just checked the B&H, Adorama and Amazon websites; the 50CM is nowhere to be found on the first two, and only on Amazon used. So I'm not sure it's still "current" ... its "natural death" may have already occurred. Interestingly, B&H still sells the 50CM's accessory Life Size Converter.

To clarify, the 50mm f2.5 CM was discontinued as per Canon retailers. I don't know why Canon still lists it on their website. They are probably just waiting for stock to run out completely.

Thanks for clarifying. My criterion for 'current' was being listed on the Canon USA website.

 

[JonAustin]

I just checked the B&H, Adorama and Amazon websites; the 50CM is nowhere to be found on the first two, and only on Amazon used. So I'm not sure it's still "current" ... its "natural death" may have already occurred. Interestingly, B&H still sells the 50CM's accessory Life Size Converter.

To clarify, the 50mm f2.5 CM was discontinued as per Canon retailers. I don't know why Canon still lists it on their website. They are probably just waiting for stock to run out completely.

Thanks for clarifying. My criterion for 'current' was being listed on the Canon USA website.

How Canon will ever exhaust its stock of the 50CM, if none of the major retailers list it for sale?

 

[neuroanatomist]

I just checked the B&H, Adorama and Amazon websites; the 50CM is nowhere to be found on the first two, and only on Amazon used. So I'm not sure it's still "current" ... its "natural death" may have already occurred. Interestingly, B&H still sells the 50CM's accessory Life Size Converter.

To clarify, the 50mm f2.5 CM was discontinued as per Canon retailers. I don't know why Canon still lists it on their website. They are probably just waiting for stock to run out completely.

Thanks for clarifying. My criterion for 'current' was being listed on the Canon USA website.

How Canon will ever exhaust its stock of the 50CM, if none of the major retailers list it for sale?

The Canon USA online store also lists it as out of stock...

EDIT: But they do have stock of the Life Size Converter (like B&H), so maybe that's why they leave the 50CM listed in their lineup?

 

[tron]

Which Canon lens is most in need of updating?

Seems it may be the Canon EF 24-105 f/4.0 IS USM mkii ;D

Funniest entry but who knows maybe true also. Let's wait tdp to test it ;D ;D ;D

On second thought, now that 16-35 f/2.8L II is obviously discontinued may I suggest the ... 16-35 f/2.8L III for its extreme vignetting? ;D ;D ;D I was waiting to replace my 14 2.8L II and 16-35 f/4L IS with this but now I have second thoughts.... Hmmm, maybe a 14 2.8L III will do the trick. Ohhh, Canon hello, ....

 

[tcmatthews]

I just checked the B&H, Adorama and Amazon websites; the 50CM is nowhere to be found on the first two, and only on Amazon used. So I'm not sure it's still "current" ... its "natural death" may have already occurred. Interestingly, B&H still sells the 50CM's accessory Life Size Converter.

To clarify, the 50mm f2.5 CM was discontinued as per Canon retailers. I don't know why Canon still lists it on their website. They are probably just waiting for stock to run out completely.

Thanks for clarifying. My criterion for 'current' was being listed on the Canon USA website.

How Canon will ever exhaust its stock of the 50CM, if none of the major retailers list it for sale?

The Canon USA online store also lists it as out of stock...

EDIT: But they do have stock of the Life Size Converter (like B&H), so maybe that's why they leave the 50CM listed in their lineup?

I still think that Canon should replace the 50CM with a 50-58mm f2 Macro with IS. It really needs to be a true 1:1 macro without the life size converter. There are time when I would like a 50mm Macro and Canon's just does not do it for me. It could also be a hit with the video shooters.

As for it being discontinued. I think Canon is slowly replacing all non USM lenses that have normal micro motors with STM because they are cheaper to produce. If you fall that logic all lens that have the old micro motors such as the 50CM will be retired or replaced. As existing parts supplies are exhausted.

My list

• 50CM re-envisioned as a true 1:1 Macro with f2 and IS
• 50 f1.4 better USM update better rounding on blades
• 85f1.8 newer coatings rouder iris blades with IS
• 135f2 newer coatings rounder iris blades add IS (I believe newer coatings or a slight tweak to design can remove the occasional purple fringe that exists in both the 85mm and 135mm)
• 180 L macro updated with IS

I do not see how they add IS to the 50f1.4 without taking sales from the 50L. I am not really in the market for a new 50mm but if Canon releases a new 50 f1.4 or a Macro I might be tempted.

 

[SkynetTX]

Any lenses with focus by wire technology. Those lenses are good only for videographers. For still photographers the support of FullTimeManual focusing is much more important. Most of the times I take macro shots and want to focus before I turn the camera on. With FBW that's impossible, so Canon should make EF-V lenses for videographers and EF(-S) lenses for still photographers with Ring Type USM and FTM support.

 

[ahsanford]

Any lenses with focus by wire technology. Those lenses are good only for videographers. For still photographers the support of FullTimeManual focusing is much more important. Most of the times I take macro shots and want to focus before I turn the camera on. With FBW that's impossible, so Canon should make EF-V lenses for videographers and EF(-S) lenses for still photographers with Ring Type USM and FTM support.

+1. I hate FBW lenses -- I want full-time mechanical manual focusing.

That Sony thinks they'll successfully court pros with FBW lenses -- which I believe their three new G Master lenses are -- is beyond me.

- A

 

[rfdesigner]

Any lenses with focus by wire technology. Those lenses are good only for videographers. For still photographers the support of FullTimeManual focusing is much more important. Most of the times I take macro shots and want to focus before I turn the camera on. With FBW that's impossible, so Canon should make EF-V lenses for videographers and EF(-S) lenses for still photographers with Ring Type USM and FTM support.

+1. I hate FBW lenses -- I want full-time mechanical manual focusing.

That Sony thinks they'll successfully court pros with FBW lenses -- which I believe their three new G Master lenses are -- is beyond me.

- A

+1

I hate the STM focus on my 50STM, if the focus remained live or the camera woke up when you moved the focus ring it wouldn't be quite as bad, but you still end up with a detached feeling.

 

[pj1974]

Any lenses with focus by wire technology. Those lenses are good only for videographers. For still photographers the support of FullTimeManual focusing is much more important. Most of the times I take macro shots and want to focus before I turn the camera on. With FBW that's impossible, so Canon should make EF-V lenses for videographers and EF(-S) lenses for still photographers with Ring Type USM and FTM support.

+1. I hate FBW lenses -- I want full-time mechanical manual focusing.

That Sony thinks they'll successfully court pros with FBW lenses -- which I believe their three new G Master lenses are -- is beyond me.

- A

+1

I hate the STM focus on my 50STM, if the focus remained live or the camera woke up when you moved the focus ring it wouldn't be quite as bad, but you still end up with a detached feeling.

I own several USM lenses (and have sold a few of my earlier Canon USM lenses). I also currently own 3 different STM lenses (50mm STM, 18-55mm STM, and 10-18mm STM), and have owned some other STM lenses in the past (e.g. 55-250mm STM). While I definitely prefer USM to STM, I must admit that I much prefer STM to the 'non STM' versions.

The STM snaps into focus faster, and more reassuringly than the 'non STM' / older versions did. I was so frustrated with the AF from the old 50mm f/1.8 ii that I sold both copies I had. When the 50mm STM came out, I gave it a try and I am much happier with the 50mm STM's AF than that of the 50mm f/1.8 ii.

Like many others, I look forward to Canon putting together a 50mm f/nooneknows with true ring USM. The new EF-S 18-135mm's nano-USM has blazingly fast AF on the 80D, it has to be experienced to be believed. However yes, USM still has a definite advantage in terms of a tactile, responsive focus mechanism.

Actually, my ideal would be a fairly small EF 50mm f/1.6 IS USM with 58mm filter that already has great IQ wide open, and super IQ from f/2. (Just putting it out there, Canon!)

Regards,

Paul 8)

 

[SkynetTX]

The worst thing in FBW lenses is the Initial Focus Reset. This "feature" is the worst idea Canon ever had. I hope that it will not be available in any new lenses.