[Gear] Canon Releases 24-70mm f2.8 L II, New Wide Angle Primes

After many years of speculation and countless false rumors, Canon has released a replacement for the venerable 24-70mm 2.8 L, along with a few new wide-angle primes: the 24mm f2.8 IS and the 28mm f2.8 IS.

Coming in at an MSRP of roughly $2300 USD, it’s a significant jump from the $1300 of the old version. Canon claims new and improved elements throughout (both Super UD and UD) and a large reduction in weight, which will be great news for anyone who regularly uses the 24-70 and is familiar with it’s current weight. Filter size will increase from 77 to 82mm, and the lens will be fully extended at 70mm, as opposed to the current lens, which is unique in that it is fully extended at 24mm. Unfortunately, there will be no Image Stabilization, a feature that many expected and were looking forward to in this upgraded version. Expect thousands of angry photographers to march on the Canon Headquarters for this oversight.

In addition to the new 24-70, Canon also announced a 24mm f2.8 IS and 28mm f2.8IS, which will be released at $849.99 and $799.99, respectively. Both of these lenses will feature Image Stabilization (Canon claims 4 stops worth!) and upgraded aspherical elements. These appear to be targeted at landscape, architectural and street shooters who may be on a budget. I’m sure the 4-stop Image Stabilization will be of great appeal, but I’m interested to know if photographers are willing to spend nearly $1000 on a 24mm or 28mm prime lens that are, relatively speaking, rather slow compared to other primes in that focal length range (24 f1.4L and 35 f1.4L, I’m looking at you!).

As for me? I’m certainly interested, though not entirely sold. At $2300 I would have loved to see Image Stabilization in the new 24-70. However, if they have fixed the obscene barrel distortion of the current 24-70L, it may pique my interest. What are your thoughts on the new lenses? Will you be lining up outside B&H or Adorama to get your shiny new lens, or are you content with the current iteration of these lenses?

Update: Both lenses are now available for preorder through B&H and Adorama.

The full press release from Canon can be seen here.