Post by USM on Mar 23, 2011 0:53:26 GMT 8
The EF 300mm f4L IS USM was launched in 1997. It is using the first generation IS technology with effective 2-stops faster. There is no tripod detection mechanism.
It is long over due for a replacement. Currently, almost all the L lenses have been replaced by the mark II except the EF 35mm f1.4L USM, EF 180mm f3.5L Macro USM, EF 300mm f4L IS US and EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM.
Therefore, the EF 300mm f4L IS USM II will incorporate the latest 4-stops IS technology, tripod detection, new lens coating and so forth. Canon had already patented the lens.
Next is the most interesting lens that Canon had patented, i.e. the EF 16-35mm f2-2.8L USM. It becomes a non-constant aperture zoom lens comparing to the EF 16-35mm f2.8L USM II. However, do note that the variant aperture is from f2 to f2.8.
That's something that some of us may looking at - an f2 zoom lens.We shall wait and see for the official announcement from Canon. I do not foresee that they will be launching this year given the current crisis in Japan.