Info on possible upgrades to 24-105L, 100-400L and 100 macro appreciated

[cfibanez]

Dear All,

I will be soon travelling to Singapore and thought about getting some new glass. (Although the Swedish krona has plummeted recently, there still remains a small margin to profit from by purchasing in Singapore for those of us living in Sweden.) I am mostly interested in the 24-105 L, 100-400mm L and the 100mm macro.

I'd like to know the latest any of you may know on possible upgrades coming up for any of these lenses. There have been some rumors (on CR and elsewhere) about an upgrade to the 24-105 being released together with the 5DMII, but this now appears to be a cold case. Does anyone have any info to the contrary? An upgrade to the 100-400 has also been talked about. I would hate to get this lense now only to see a significant upgrade coming up in a few months that solves all the problems that some of you have had with it (!) The 100mm macro, on the other hand, appears to be pretty safe for the time being, or?

Any info you may have on possible upgrades to these lenses coming up anytime soon will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much!

CIB

[jm4ever]

I haven't really heard of any upgrades to any of the lenses you mentioned. You may want to ask in the rumor section to get more responses.

[WesternGuy]

CIB, I have the 24-105 L and the 100-400 L and they give me great image quality on my 5D. The 24-105 is my walking around lens. I have not heard or read anything about upgrades to these lenses.

I have no experience with the 100mm macro, so maybe others can give some info on this one. HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[jr_senator]

I can tell you, it does not get any better than Canon's 100mm macro.

[funhouse69]

Honestly I don't think you can go wrong with any of the lenses you mentioned. We've all heard the rumors and sure it would be nice to get some upgraded glass but at the same time in my experience the 24-105L is possibly the best walk around lens.

The 100mm Macro is a personal favorite and it also does excellent as a portrait lens. Each time I've used mine I've been thrilled with the results. It's getting used to the razor thing DOF at Macro Distances that kills me. That certainly isn't the lenses fault :-)

I can't really comment on the 100-400L but hear that is also a great lens.

Bottom line here is that if / when you buy anyone of these lenses you are going to get a great lens with equally as great Image Quality. So what if they come out with another version of any or all of them, I'm happy with the ones I have and I can't imagine that they will loose their value anytime soon.

[Thunderheart]

I have the three you've mentioned. Don't procrastinate, just get one or all of them. Truly, you won't be sorry. :)

[Andrushka]

love my 24-105 (its so convenient and the iq is great) and my 100 macro (its sharper than razors) so yeah....

[Luddify]

I can't imagine why they would ever need to monkey with the 100mm macro - it is already about as perfect as a lens can get.

[jr_senator]

I can't imagine why they would ever need to monkey with the 100mm macro - it is already about as perfect as a lens can get.

Indeed

[Blue S2]

The 24-105 was designed for full frame, it would be amazing if they gave it an update already. The 100 macro probably won't get change. (dont fix whats not broken) The 100-400 is in the works apparently. When...who knows.

The 24-105 is kinda weird on a crop camera though. Its basically a 39-168mm. 40mm is pretty tight to call a standard zoom. Having wide angle comes in quite useful for a walk around lens.

[cfibanez]

TheThe 24-105 is kinda weird on a crop camera though. Its basically a 39-168mm. 40mm is pretty tight to call a standard zoom. Having wide angle comes in quite useful for a walk around lens.

Thanks for popping in. I know what you mean about the 24-105 on crop bodies, but it all depends on your definition of "walk around lens". I do walk around with either of my three zooms. (I kind of like sometimes to go out with just one lens and concentrate my shooting on its particular range). And from the three zooms that I have, my midrange 17-85 is the weakiest. So my thinking has been to get a replacement of higher quality that could eventually be used on a full frame camera (a project for a hopefully not so distant future). The 17-85 is not great, and it is even less great below 20mm. The EF-S 17-55 f2.8 although probably an excellent lens is not an option for me: i) 55mm is far too short, ii) won't work in FF bodies. The 24-105 will give me better quality, it will complement nicely with my 10-22 and give me an extra 20mm of reach at the longer end (much appreciated sometimes!). In addition to the FF capability. Does my thinking make sense or am I totally off-track?

[Blue S2]

Oh, I wasn't paying attention! Yeah, with the 10-22 and the 24-105, thats a pretty good combo. That takes you from 16mm to almost 200mm on its own. That makes more sense.

[john-in-japan]

Greetings - Make sure you have the macro for the National Orchid Garden in Singapore. I use the 180mm macro and love it, and sometimes (indoor posed macro) the 50mm compact macro. Consider a ringlight if you don't have one. It helps immensely in stopping it down in low light circumstances. 24-105 is perfect walking around lense in Singapore. Almost always good sunlight (except in frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Always have a plastic bag stuffed in your pocket. I found no need for the 100-400l in Singapore, in general. You might, however.
Cheers,
John

[poppie guy]

I have the 24-205, 100-400, and 100m macro, shooting with a 5D. I love all three of these lenses.

[skygod44]

"I am mostly interested in the 24-105 L, 100-400mm L and the 100mm macro."

Here's my take on your questions...
I sold my 70-300 a few months ago and bought the 100-400L.
I've also got the 100mm macro, and have just sold the 17-85...and I have the 10-22, like you, for UWA. I'm also using a crop, so think we were in a similar situation.

"I kind of like sometimes to go out with just one lens and concentrate my shooting on its particular range."
"...my midrange 17-85 is the weakest."
"The 24-105 will give me better quality, it will complement nicely with my 10-22 and give me an extra 20mm of reach at the longer end (much appreciated sometimes!)."

1) The 100 macro is a winner in every way. You can't go wrong with it. It'll macro, and take an excellent portrait, full-body given the space. The sharpness is almost legendary!
2) The 100-400L: I couldn't live without mine, as I love to take bird shots in the park next door where the hawks start high (400mm!) and then swoop down to the ground (100mm)! It's an excellent lens on a 1.6x crop and my images are sharp enough for pretty much anyone! If there was an "upgrade", I really couldn't care less! Mine is perfect as it is.
3) I was wondering about the 24-105L myself but turned away at the last moment. I've just got (for Christmas from my wife!!!) the 50mm f/1.4 instead.

Why? Well, it's tiny, inconspicuous, VERY fast, sharp, light-weight, well-built (for a non-L) and it's really helping me to concentrate on my shooting - which is exactly what you mentioned!

So my lenses are now 10-22....50....100....100-400.
In that mid-range area I've found myself not missing a zoom one bit!

So, I'd recommend you consider the 100 macro and/or the 100-400L. You can then think about the 24-105L. I've heard all sorts of good things about it, but felt that if I went all the way with zooms, I'd begin to lose touch with one of my favourite aspects of photography - namely, moving my ass to get the best shot possible. Rather than zooming a lens.
Just my take, but whatever you do, all three lenses will add to your kit very nicely!

[cfibanez]

Greetings - Make sure you have the macro for the National Orchid Garden in Singapore.

Thanks John. I've been in Singapore a few times but not yet at the National Orchid Garden. That sounds like a great virgin voyage for my new macro. Where would I find the garden? Sentosa?
Cheers,
CIB

[jr_senator]

The 24-105 is kinda weird on a crop camera though. Its basically a 39-168mm. 40mm is pretty tight to call a standard zoom.

Hmmm, I do believe that "its basically" a 24-105.


...with the 10-22 and the 24-105, thats a pretty good combo. That takes you from 16mm to almost 200mm on its own.

I believe it takes one from 10mm to 105mm on its own.

[Woolburr]

Hmmm, I do believe that "its basically" a 24-105.




I believe it takes one from 10mm to 105mm on its own.

I believe you are absolutely correct....lenses do not grow on crop body cameras, they simply present a different field of view. A 10-22 is always a 10-22 and the same applies to the 24-105....for that matter, it applies to any lens. If it says 300 mm on the wrapper...then that is what you have, regardless of the body.

[Blue S2]

Yes yes, but on a 1.6 crop, you get the effective view of of the focal length multiplied by crop factor. That is what I meant.

When I use a 35L on my crop body, I certainly do not have the wide 35mm view that was intended for film. Same with my fisheye. I lose out on its view when stuck on a crop compared to full frame. This is what I meant. On a 1.6 crop, a 10mm is certainly NOT nearly like a 10mm on traditional 35mm camera.

Having a those two lenses gives the ability to capture in a range of view from 16-168 as represented on a 35mm camera. Yes it is still a 10-22 and a 24-105 lens.

[jr_senator]

Having a those two lenses gives the ability to capture in a range of view from 16-168 as represented on a 35mm camera. Yes it is still a 10-22 and a 24-105 lens.

Two points, first, you didn't say anything in your previous post about it being in relationship to the 135 format. And, second, who cares? I fail to see why even bring up the matter. Do you care what the 10-22 would be on a 110 camera? a medium format camera? It just confuses things especially for new comers.

[Blue S2]

Who said anything about medium format. I was just stating the equivalent view on a crop camera from a standard 35mm camera.

And I bring it up because the original poster was asking if the 24-105L would be a good addition to the kit currently used. And my response was between the two zooms (10-22 & 24-105) there would be an 35mm camera equivalent view and usability to the range I mentioned.

I am amazed on a photo forum this doesn't seem plainly apparent especially since people discuss this every day.

[jr_senator]

Who said anything about medium format.

Who said anything about the 135 format?

And I bring it up because the original poster was asking if the 24-105L would be a good addition to the kit currently used. And my response was between the two zooms (10-22 & 24-105) there would be an 35mm camera equivalent view and usability to the range I mentioned.

For what purpose? The OP is discussing the APS-C format. Why bring up the 135 format? Or medium format? Or any other format? What is the point of saying "the lens on another format, one you don't have, would be like so and so on such and such format?


I am amazed on a photo forum this doesn't seem plainly apparent especially since people discuss this every day.

You are asking the members to read your mind, or assume. And for the newbes it's confusing .If you are going to bring up another format (for whatever reason I don't understand) then your point should be clear.

[lensmen]

Thanks John. I've been in Singapore a few times but not yet at the National Orchid Garden. That sounds like a great virgin voyage for my new macro. Where would I find the garden? Sentosa?
Cheers,
CIB

THe National Orchid Garden is located in the Botanical Gardens of Singapore.

http://www.sbg.org.sg/centralcore/nog.asp

Best prices for camera gears is at Alan's Photo in Sim Lim Square. This box mover have good prices but terrible pre-sales service. Don't forget to get the 7% GST (Goods & Services Tax) refund forms when you make this purchase.

Have fun shopping & snapping.

[cfibanez]

THe National Orchid Garden is located in the Botanical Gardens of Singapore. http://www.sbg.org.sg/centralcore/nog.asp
Best prices for camera gears is at Alan's Photo in Sim Lim Square. This box mover have good prices but terrible pre-sales service. Don't forget to get the 7% GST (Goods & Services Tax) refund forms when you make this purchase.
Have fun shopping & snapping.

Thank you Lensmen! I got a quote from Alan's Photo from their new branch at Funan IT Mall. Do you think prices may differ from the Sim Lim Square branch?

Cheers, & Merry Xmas!

[cfibanez]

Here is the latest from CR (http://www.canonrumors.com/2008/12/ef-100-400-f4-56l-is-cr2/) on the features of a possible update to the 100-400L coming early next year:

- Push/Pull design gone
- Lens is faster at f/4
- New coating ala the 24L
- 4 stop IS
- Weather sealed
- “Sharpest zoom I’ve ever used.”
- Announcement Feb. 2009

[lowcrust]

There's no reason to update the 100 macro (as mentioned several times alread).
The 24-105 was obviously not updated along with the 5DmkII so that means it won't be updated anytime soon.
The 100-400 is long over due for an update though.

[jr_senator]

The 100-400 is long over due for an update though.

Not that I would buy/need one, but it would be nice to do away with the push-pull zoom (I never liked it).

[lowcrust]

Yeah, I've only tried it briefly but it was awkward. Some people swear by it though, I guess they could always stick to the mkI if the new version was made consistent with Canons other zooms (as good a reason as any to exchange it, in my opinion).