New Canon 24-105 f/4 "L" IS USM lens (rumor)

[photobug]

Per the Bob Atkins Canon rumor page (http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/rumors.html) 8/15/05 posting, there's a strong rumor of a new Canon 24-105 f/4 "L" IS USM lens.

This isn't "too" far off from the lens I wished for in another DGrin thread (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=15922) .

If indeed it's real, I can't wait to hear the specs and (gulp) price....

The text of Bob's posting is:
[08/15/05] - More pretty solid rumors about what's coming from Canon. A leaked preview of the Canon Europe CPS newsletter (now withdrawn from the Canon website) appears to have articles on a a new EF 24-105/4L IS USM lens, 430 EX speedlite and an EOS 1D Mk II N. As yet there are no clues as to the specifications of the 430EX or the 1D Mk II N, though I suspect they may be relatively minor tweaks of existing products. Again, the existence of these items has NOT been confirmed by Canon, so it's just speculation at this point whether or not they are real. I suspect they are, but we'll probably know for sure early next week.

[Richard S]

There is a lot of overheated speculation going on in the other forums
but the truth appears to be that there are five new products that will
be announced next Monday 8/22:

- EOS 5D

- EOS 1D Mark II N

- EF 24-105 F/4 L IS USM Lens

- Speedlite 430EX Flash

- BG-E4 Grip (which goes with the 5D)

IMHO it's pretty sad that Canon can't control their information better.

[photobug]

IMHO it's pretty sad that Canon can't control their information better. .......Who says that Canon is not controlling it exactly the way it wants to? "Controlled leaks" of "secret" products generate lots of buzz on the street, which Canon knows very well. It ensures that lots of people will be tuned in and listening when they do make an announcement next week.

I don't know that it's deliberate, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least. This is perfect timing for those types of "leaks", if they wanted to maximize the buzz.

[Richard S]

I just don't think Canon works that way. Japanese companies in
general don't work that way.

Let's agree to disagree. Let's not bring the overheated debate from
the other forums here.

[Andy]

There is a lot of overheated speculation going on in the other forums
but the truth appears to be that there are five new products that will
be announced next Monday 8/22:

- EOS 5D

- EOS 1D Mark II N

- EF 24-105 F/4 L IS USM Lens

- Speedlite 430EX Flash

- BG-E4 Grip (which goes with the 5D)

IMHO it's pretty sad that Canon can't control their information better.

probably more, too (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=12027&highlight=rumor)

[Richard S]

If the 50mm f/1.2 L is a "true" USM (unlike the 1.4 and 1.8) then I'll
probably have to break down and get myself one.

[Andy]

If the 50mm f/1.2 L is a "true" USM (unlike the 1.4 and 1.8) then I'll
probably have to break down and get myself one.

the fifty 1.4 isn't usm? :ear i use one and love it. it's uber-fast on the focusing imo.

[Richard S]

The 50mm f/1.4 has "Micro USM" which is not as good as "Ring USM".

I assume the new lens will have Ring USM. I've been waiting for a
fast "normal" prime with Ring USM. Right now I use the 28mm f/1.8
on my 10D and it's "pretty good". A 50mm on a 5D would give me
the same coverage.

Take a look here:

http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/lens-motors

The 50mm f/1.4 is an exception among all of Canon's lenses in that it
uses Micro USM but it's been modified in such a way that FTM
(full-time manual focusing) still works.

Back when I had a D30 I really struggled with the 50mm f/1.4 since it
seemed to hunt more than it should have. With the 10D it's nowhere
near as bad. But a 50mm f/1.2L with a Ring USM might just be too
sweet for me to pass up.

[gluwater]

Since the rumors are flying how about a Canon 75-300 f/4 USM? Has anyone else heard about it? I have no sites to back it up, I just thought I'd throw out the rumor I've heard and see if anyone else has heard it too.

Nick

[mercphoto]

the fifty 1.4 isn't usm? :ear i use one and love it. it's uber-fast on the focusing imo.
Mine is not. And likes to hunt in low light. Hmmm...

[ziggy53]

Did anyone see this link posted on DPReview?

http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras_lenses_accessories/standard_zoom_lenses/ef24-105mm_f4l_usm.html

[Richard]

Did anyone see this link posted on DPReview?

http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras_lenses_accessories/standard_zoom_lenses/ef24-105mm_f4l_usm.html Well, that looks real to me.

Price????

[ziggy53]

This page shows retail prices in Australian dollars.


http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras_lenses_accessories/standard_zoom_lenses.html

[pathfinder]

This page shows retail prices in Australian dollars.


http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras_lenses_accessories/standard_zoom_lenses.html About 80% of the price of a 24-70 f2.8 L Maybe?? That would be less than USD $1k

Looks like the walk around lens many of us have been hankering for. Does anyone have an expected availablity date? Fall sometime? Very intriguing.

[Richard]

About 80% of the price of a 24-70 f2.8 L Maybe?? That would be less than USD $1k

Looks like the walk around lens many of us have been hankering for. Does anyone have an expected availablity date? Fall sometime? Very intriguing. The link that Ziggy53 provided shows 1999 Australian dollars, recommended retail price. That's about 1500 USD.

[pathfinder]

The link that Ziggy53 provided shows 1999 Australian dollars, recommended retail price. That's about 1500 USD. That would be the rec'd list price. But the street price that B&H offers the 24-70 f2.8 L for is about $1200 USD ($1139.95 USD actually) - I figured 80% of that figure as the AU site listed the 24-70 L at AU$2500 and the 24-105 at AU $1999 or about 4/5ths.

Does that seem about right?:dunno Be a sweet lens for that price. I might have to sell something else to buy it.

[mercphoto]

Does that seem about right?:dunno Be a sweet lens for that price. I might have to sell something else to buy it.
I was guessing a grand as well. Puts it at 2X the 28-135/IS. One stop faster, L-quality, presumably weather-sealed. Now I need to ask myself do I really want the 2.8L, or is 4 fast enough?

[photobug]

This page shows retail prices in Australian dollars.
http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras_lenses_accessories/standard_zoom_lenses.html I was about to post that, too, but Ziggy53 beat me to it :-). I was going to say that it looks like a US$1000 street-price lens, based on the Aussie price of the 24-105mm "L" being about double that of the 28-135mm. I won't hold my breath for any discounted prices on this baby for at least several months!


Here's a page with the technical specs for the 24-105:
http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras_lenses_accessories/standard_zoom_lenses/ef28_135mmf3556isusm_specs.html
(http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras_lenses_accessories/standard_zoom_lenses/ef28_135mmf3556isusm_specs.html)

The 24-105 "L" is just a little bigger than the 28-135 IS USM, in all measures:Filter diameter: 77mm vs. 72mm
Outside diameter: 83.5mm vs. 78.4mm
Max length: 107mm vs. 96.8mm
Weight: 670 g vs. 540 g
I expect that this will be my first "L" glass. Just don't know if I'll get one early, or will have patience enough to wait until the price drops slightly!

[Andy]

Does anyone have an expected availablity date? Fall sometime?

:nod :nod :nod

:deal

[Andy]

The 50mm f/1.4 has "Micro USM" which is not as good as "Ring USM".

I assume the new lens will have Ring USM. I've been waiting for a
fast "normal" prime with Ring USM. Right now I use the 28mm f/1.8
on my 10D and it's "pretty good". A 50mm on a 5D would give me
the same coverage.

Take a look here:

http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/lens-motors

The 50mm f/1.4 is an exception among all of Canon's lenses in that it
uses Micro USM but it's been modified in such a way that FTM
(full-time manual focusing) still works.

Back when I had a D30 I really struggled with the 50mm f/1.4 since it
seemed to hunt more than it should have. With the 10D it's nowhere
near as bad. But a 50mm f/1.2L with a Ring USM might just be too
sweet for me to pass up.


if this is keeping you from using a 50 f/1.4 i must say, don't let it... i own thousands of dollars of glass - and my most used lens is the 50 f/1.4 the focusing is perfect for me, and i do lots of street work with it, need fast focusing..

cheers

[photobug]

Does anyone have an expected availablity date? Fall sometime? I seem to recall reading "October" somewhere ... but at this point, that's still a "rumor".

[Richard S]

> If this is keeping you from using a 50 f/1.4 i must say, don't let it...

Oh I'm not... I'm just saying a 50mm f1.2L with Ring USM is a lens I
would absolutely want to take out for a spin... That's all.

Also it appears that the Australian page for the 24-105 was taken
down. I feel bad for the employee of Canon in Sydney who had to come
in on their weekend just to do that.

[photobug]

It's now officially announced.

Canon USA web page: http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=11924

Article: http://www.cameratown.com/news/news.cfm?id=1602


...But oddly, there is no mention of pricing or availability :huh.

[Red Bull]

I like the look of the lens. I have a feeling that it will be pretty expensive, though.http://dgrin.com/images/smilies/bncry.gif

[photobug]

I like the look of the lens. That lil' red stripe shur is purty, ain't it? :D

I have a feeling that it will be pretty expensive, though.http://dgrin.com/images/smilies/bncry.gif See earlier posts ... in Australia, its list price was right at 2x the list price of the 28-135 IS USM lens, so the best guesses making the rounds are that we'll see a USA list price in the $1200-$1300 range and a street price of $999 ... possibly edging down slightly after a few months before settling in at its final level.

[photobug]

Per Rob Gailbraith's site (http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-7885-7974 (http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-7885-7974)), here are more rumored details of the 24-105mm f/4 "L" IS USM lens:



"Chuck Westfall, Canon USA's Director of Media and Customer Relationship, says that based on a brief look at the EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM by Canon USA staff, he's expecting that it will be optically as good, if not better, than the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM." That would be high praise, as the 24-70 produces some impressive test results (ref: PopPhoto's SQF test on 24-70 "L" (http://www.popphoto.com/assets/download/782003105411.pdf)). If true, then my 28-135 is "history" and I'll probably have to sell myself into slavery so I can get this 24-105 "L" baby.
In the USA, the 24-105 is slated to ship later this month (which would mean August).
The MAP (minimum advertised price) in the USA will be $1249. I'd infer that $1249 will end up as the initial street price ... later, after there is plenty of supply, we might see somewhat better deals (but sellers won't be able to openly advertise those prices).

[mercphoto]

"Chuck Westfall, Canon USA's Director of Media and Customer Relationship, says that based on a brief look at the EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM by Canon USA staff, he's expecting that it will be optically as good, if not better, than the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM." That would be high praise, as the 24-70 produces some impressive test results (ref: PopPhoto's SQF test on 24-70 "L" (http://www.popphoto.com/assets/download/782003105411.pdf)).
So I went to Canon's site and the two MTF charts look rather similar to my untrained eye. And they appear not-so-good at the edges. It is, however, a consideration of mine. Like you I have a 28-135, would like a better, faster lens. Just trying to decide if f/4 is fast enough, or if I want the f/2.8. Fast glass is an addiction.

[luckyrwe]

...Fast glass is an addiction.
Oh I can say it is. 35/1.4, 85/1.2, and a lead on a 200/1.8....

[mercphoto]

Oh I can say it is. 35/1.4, 85/1.2, and a lead on a 200/1.8....

50/1.4. 70-200/2.8L/IS. And my latest: 300/2.8/IS. Man, this has gotta stop...

[luckyrwe]

50/1.4. 70-200/2.8L/IS. And my latest: 300/2.8/IS. Man, this has gotta stop...
I may trade my 70-200IS when I find something faster. And now the 5D, holy cow Canon!

[photobug]

So I went to Canon's site and the two MTF charts look rather similar to my untrained eye. And they appear not-so-good at the edges. So, anyone have a URL handy that can educate me on how to read MTF charts? (ahh, Google just answered that question for me: article on MTF at Luminous Landscape (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-mtf.shtml))

Like you I have a 28-135, would like a better, faster lens. Just trying to decide if f/4 is fast enough, or if I want the f/2.8. Fast glass is an addiction. I'd like faster, for sure. But even 105mm on the long end is getting a bit "short" for me, as I don't want to have to change lenses while in the middle of the action. (There have been times when the 28-135 didn't have as much range as I would have liked, esp on the long end) I'm especially hesistant to change lenses on a digital SLR, since it's a big opportunity to introduce dust to get lodged on the sensor.

Anyway, I need the range first (at least out to 105mm, so for example the f/2.8 24-70mm "L" isn't an option). After that I'll look for more speed. (of course, a tradeoff of more speed is also more weight). So the 24-105 "L" is the first "L" zoom that I can reasonably consider. [yes, there's the $2500 28-300 "L", but I said reasonably consider ;-) ... also, the 28-300 is a lot heavier -- fine for tripod work but not so practical for carry-around.]

[Matthew Saville]

So, anyone have a URL handy that can educate me on how to read MTF charts? (ahh, Google just answered that question for me: article on MTF at Luminous Landscape (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-mtf.shtml))

I'd like faster, for sure. But even 105mm on the long end is getting a bit "short" for me, as I don't want to have to change lenses while in the middle of the action. (There have been times when the 28-135 didn't have as much range as I would have liked, esp on the long end) I'm especially hesistant to change lenses on a digital SLR, since it's a big opportunity to introduce dust to get lodged on the sensor.
Nice link, thanks for posting it!

LOL, you should see me photograph a play/wedding- I change from 17-35mm to 150mm in 3 seconds flat, back and forth like a madman... Sometimes if I'm crouching in an aisle I'll even put the not-in-use lens underneath someone's chair for a second. Now THAT takes guts! To get the shot, you gotta do what you gotta do!

-Matt-

[photobug]

Orders are now being taken for the Canon 24-105 f/4 "L" IS USM lens!

$1249 everywhere, online. Available mostly in October.

I've moved this detailed posting to a new DGrin thread:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=153633#post153633


.

[luckyrwe]

That price is the MAP, or Minimum Adverised Price. I wonder if it will decrease once volume is addressed?

[photobug]

That price is the MAP, or Minimum Adverised Price. I wonder if it will decrease once volume is addressed? First, keep in mind that the MSRP (Mfr's Suggested Retail Price) is considerably higher, probably $1700-2000 for this lens.

The MAP, Minimum Adverised Price, is exactly that. No authorized dealer can place public ads stating a price lower than that. They can sell it for less, saying "see our web site for a fabulous deal", but can't state the actual price until you at least put it in your shopping cart , or (how antiquated!) call them on the phone for a quote.

If you walk into a brick-and-mortar store (once the lens is available), chances are high that you'll pay somewhere between MAP and MSRP for it (not to mention, sales tax :cry).

Being a new, hot lens, initial demand for the 24-105 "L" will probably outstrip supply for a while. During that time, I'd be very surprised to see it available for less than $1249. In fact, the street price could even edge up a little.

After a few months (4? 6? 8?), initial demand will be statisfied, plenty of supply will be available, and we're likely to see a few below-MAP deals, but with most dealers still sticking to MAP (does Canon ever adjust MAP prices? Probably, but I don't know).

As an example (a lens example would be better, but I'm more familiar with this one) -- look what happened when the 20D was announced. Dealers could sell all the 20D bodies they could get their hands on at $1499 a pop. Now you can find new 20D bodies under $1300, if you look around a bit. Not a huge drop, but a drop nonetheless.