Which Canon lenses DON'T need an update?

[dirtcastle]

Is there any Canon lens that DOESN'T need an update. Or at least, for which it is unlikely that an update will make significant improvements.

1. IQ and sharpness
2. Great AF
3. Reasonable weight
4. IS, if appropriate

From what I hear, it sounds like the following lenses are pretty damn close to perfect (given current technology)...

TS-E 24mm f/ 3.5 L II
24mm f/1.4 L II
100mm f/2.8 L macro
200mm f/2 L
300mm f/2.8 L II
400 f/2.8 L II

And maybe the new 24-70 f/2.8 L II will be added to this list??

 

[Marsu42]

100mm f/2.8 L macro

I want a L macro with a metal body that fits the high price tag instead of the plastic on the current 100L ... because I'm frequently crawling though the woods, I've decided I'll either get very cheap, replaceable lenses or expensive sturdy ones - but not something like the 17-55. But as Ken Rockwell always says: "That's just me."

 

[akiskev]

Lenses that don't need an update in my oppinion:
70-200 f/4L USM IS
70-200mm f/2.8L USM IS II

 

[keithfullermusic]

100mm non L. Nothing bad to say about it.

 

[iaind]

You can add 8-15L fisheye zoom

 

[prestonpalmer]

All the lenses that were updated in the last 2 years

 

[unruled]

canon 85mm f1/.8

its old, but great AF, great IQ.

 

[tron]

TS-E 17mm f/4L

 

[tron]

And maybe the new 24-70 f/2.8 L II will be added to this list??

The funny thing is that this lens although new it might be considered as being eligible for
an update due to the lack of IS ;D

Whether it will be updated with an IS version soon is a totally different matter...

 

[Canon-F1]

70-200mm f4 USM IS
70-200mm f2.8 USM II IS
300mm 2.8 USM IS II
400mm f/2.8 USM IS II

i think most older lenses could be improved with better coatings.
some could need more aperture blades or circular blades for better bokeh.

the mentioned 85mm f1.8 is an example.

that it is a good lens does not mean it could not be better with todays technology/materials.

 

[JRS]

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

 

[Jamesy]

50 1.4..... I kid, I kid

 

[squarebox]

I thought the 24L had all kinds of IQ issues and is inferior to the 35L design?

And just because the EF-S always get ignored, the 10-22 ef-s is pretty good.

 

[pj1974]

For the price, build quality, size / weight and awesome image quality, I'll add the following two lenses (which I have) to the list of 'not needing an update'. They are pretty much 'spot on' in my humble opinion, and do not need to have a version II:

Canon EF 70-300mm L USM IS
Canon EF-S 15-85mm USM IS

I like having options (eg smaller lenses - usually not as fast glass - with still very high IQ). The above two are ideal as a two lens travel combination. 8)

Jamesy.... I almost cliked the "Report to moderator" link... about your post of the 50mm f1.4 ;D Ha ha.. I know you were joking!! That's the one lens I do hope gets an update soon - with true ring type / full time USM focussing, and very good image quality wide open... in fact if it is f1.8 that would also suit me). IS would be a bonus (but not necessary)....

Regards

Paul

 

[nickbj05]

one of my favorite lenses to use is my 135mm F/2L. Not sure why no one mentioned that, but I think it is one of the best lenses they make.

 

[Marsu42]

Canon EF 70-300mm L USM IS

I've got this lens, and while I don't think it'd justify an "update": They left out the focus limiter switch to make sure there was a difference to the 70-200L (thanks, Canon!). But I'm dual-using it for walk-around/macro and tele, so I'd really like to be able to pre-set it to 2.5m+ if don't want the af to hunt once it misses on tele shots.

 

[Canon-F1]

one of my favorite lenses to use is my 135mm F/2L. Not sure why no one mentioned that, but I think it is one of the best lenses they make.

maybe because some think it could benefit from IS.
some people want IS in any lens.

 

[Axilrod]

I thought the 24L had all kinds of IQ issues and is inferior to the 35L design?

And just because the EF-S always get ignored, the 10-22 ef-s is pretty good.

Maybe the original 24L, but the 24L II is a friggin outstanding lens and as good or better than the 35L in my opinion.

 

[squarebox]

I thought the 24L had all kinds of IQ issues and is inferior to the 35L design?

And just because the EF-S always get ignored, the 10-22 ef-s is pretty good.

Maybe the original 24L, but the 24L II is a friggin outstanding lens and as good or better than the 35L in my opinion.

Ah, i stand corrected... Kept looking at the mk1 for some reason.

 

[tron]

one of my favorite lenses to use is my 135mm F/2L. Not sure why no one mentioned that, but I think it is one of the best lenses they make.

maybe because some think it could benefit from IS.
some people want IS in any lens.

I agree, it is a very good lens. Even if Canon made an IS version (which I assume it would cost double) I would hesitate to upgrade it.