Canon 135 L 2.0--- Very bad news.

[hkhorn10]

Well, I have an update. Called Canon 3 different times today. Three different people. One in tech. One in general customer service. One in sales. Here's what they seem pretty sure they know.

1. The lens has definitely been pulled from their current lens lineup and is no longer in production.

2. While a lens pulled from production can be ramped up again, it is more often that it is not unless it is re-released (5d and 5dMII).

3. According to all three, distributors tend to know more than about anyone because--at least the big guys-- are the ones who get the earliest word. Those and folks in the press. That said, Canon has been very quiet about this and one said that if they had plans to release a different iteration he thinks he would have heard at least something. So if something new is coming, it's likely not coming real soon.


That's what I've dug up today. I also have a number for Canon corporate and while I don't think they'll tell me anything, I'll try to get ahold of someone.


So again, the lens has been pulled from their current lens lineup, according to Canon USA.

**********

Hey guys, long time reader, short time poster here. Great forum, great group.


Long story short-- a while ago I had the 135L lens stolen out of my bag at a wedding I was shooting. Now I have another wedding coming up next week and I need to replace the lens.


Everywhere I called was backordered. EVERYWHERE. I figured it was due to the rebate period we're in. According to Canon, however, it is not. The lens has been discontinued. I asked a guy over the phone if this was "officially discontinued" and if they were just adding IS or a new version was coming. He disclaimed that Canon sometimes does things quietly and they don't hear about it for a bit, but that as far as anyone in the company knew, it was gone for good and not coming back.

---

As a happy ending to story for a few (4 people, actually, as that's all the stock I can find), I have located what I think are the last 4 units you can find on the net. At least by googling the lens and calling shops in the larger metro areas. In the last two days I have called a total of 86 shops, not including my local camera shops in Denver, Colorado.

1. Amazon has 2 left, physically, in their warehouse. They definitely confirmed this with me. I don't do amazon for large orders, though, as they have no customer service department. IF something goes wrong, which it rarely does but I've been there with them, there is absolutely nothing they can really do and it's as close to an online nightmare as you've ever experienced.

2. I also found a shop called ephotocraft.com based out of DC. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but this shop just royally saved my *** with this lens. They have 2 more in stock. I spoke with a gentleman named Eldar and he was all class. If I can, I will buy all of my gear through these guys from now on. Great prices, I thought, but they were real people who gave personal attention. In fact, I asked Eldar if he would check the lens for me--clear photos, sharp AI points, etc-- before he shipped it me as it would land with only a day before the wedding shoot. The guy didn't even hesitate. "Absolutely. If there's any issues, I'll switch it out and I'll give it a good once over." Guy was sincere and helpful. Good luck getting Amazon or some of the other large warehouses to do that (and this was at a smaller price). Oh, and right before I called them I did the cursory "google the store name to read reviews and make sure I'm not calling some dark hole in Brooklyn" search. The net reviews on these guys were glowing everywhere I looked. So I don't think they hid the gold chains for one lucky call that happened to be mine. This shop appears to be a real class operation.

So anywho, there's the situation. It appears the 135L F/2.0 is discontinued and may very well not return in any iteration. I hope this info is wrong, but I don't work at Canon or have any secret contacts or anything so I only know what those folks tell me.

If you've been wanting this lens, now's your chance. And don't let the discontinuation discourage you... this is one amazing portrait lens and is probably one of the best pieces of glass that Canon has ever made. But I imagine the economy and other factors will do this with more of the primes that don't sell with anything near the gusto of the zoom lenses.

[clint0914]

Hey guys, long time reader, short time poster here. Great forum, great group.


Long story short-- a while ago I had the 135L lens stolen out of my bag at a wedding I was shooting. Now I have another wedding coming up next week and I need to replace the lens.


Everywhere I called was backordered. EVERYWHERE. I figured it was due to the rebate period we're in. According to Canon, however, it is not. The lens has been discontinued. I asked a guy over the phone if this was "officially discontinued" and if they were just adding IS or a new version was coming. He disclaimed that Canon sometimes does things quietly and they don't hear about it for a bit, but that as far as anyone in the company knew, it was gone for good and not coming back.

---

As a happy ending to story for a few (4 people, actually, as that's all the stock I can find), I have located what I think are the last 4 units you can find on the net. At least by googling the lens and calling shops in the larger metro areas. In the last two days I have called a total of 86 shops, not including my local camera shops in Denver, Colorado.

1. Amazon has 2 left, physically, in their warehouse. They definitely confirmed this with me. I don't do amazon for large orders, though, as they have no customer service department. IF something goes wrong, which it rarely does but I've been there with them, there is absolutely nothing they can really do and it's as close to an online nightmare as you've ever experienced.

2. I also found a shop called ephotocraft.com based out of DC. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but this shop just royally saved my *** with this lens. They have 2 more in stock. I spoke with a gentleman named Eldar and he was all class. If I can, I will buy all of my gear through these guys from now on. Great prices, I thought, but they were real people who gave personal attention. In fact, I asked Eldar if he would check the lens for me--clear photos, sharp AI points, etc-- before he shipped it me as it would land with only a day before the wedding shoot. The guy didn't even hesitate. "Absolutely. If there's any issues, I'll switch it out and I'll give it a good once over." Guy was sincere and helpful. Good luck getting Amazon or some of the other large warehouses to do that (and this was at a smaller price). Oh, and right before I called them I did the cursory "google the store name to read reviews and make sure I'm not calling some dark hole in Brooklyn" search. The net reviews on these guys were glowing everywhere I looked. So I don't think they hid the gold chains for one lucky call that happened to be mine. This shop appears to be a real class operation.

So anywho, there's the situation. It appears the 135L F/2.0 is discontinued and may very well not return in any iteration. I hope this info is wrong, but I don't work at Canon or have any secret contacts or anything so I only know what those folks tell me.

If you've been wanting this lens, now's your chance. And don't let the discontinuation discourage you... this is one amazing portrait lens and is probably one of the best pieces of glass that Canon has ever made. But I imagine the economy and other factors will do this with more of the primes that don't sell with anything near the gusto of the zoom lenses.


What? Really? Well here in Toronto I see a few on sale. I own one myself and yes I can vouch for it as a great lens.

[hkhorn10]

I've been through this with other sorts of gear and if you, or anyone posting here knows of a local shop with some stock, it would be good to post it here. I'll edit my post at the top to create a list of the shops people name and the approximate stock (if you know it).

The bright spot here is that this lens has been out for a while and sells pretty slowly (as many primes do) so there's bound to be local stock that's been sitting around for a while. However, if it's really discontinued, the price is likely to rise and one of the best parts of this lens has always been the secret that while it's one of the finest quality lenses (really is amazing) it's also one of the cheapest among the "L" glass at a about $1k or below.

[jd1538]

the ephotocraft website looks pretty comprehensive and their prices seem reasonable. I'll keep'em in mind since I 'm in Maryland. It would be sad to see the 135L go the way of the dinosaur, makes me glad I have(and love) one already.

[ed rader]

Hey guys, long time reader, short time poster here. Great forum, great group.


Long story short-- a while ago I had the 135L lens stolen out of my bag at a wedding I was shooting. Now I have another wedding coming up next week and I need to replace the lens.


Everywhere I called was backordered. EVERYWHERE. I figured it was due to the rebate period we're in. According to Canon, however, it is not. The lens has been discontinued. I asked a guy over the phone if this was "officially discontinued" and if they were just adding IS or a new version was coming. He disclaimed that Canon sometimes does things quietly and they don't hear about it for a bit, but that as far as anyone in the company knew, it was gone for good and not coming back.

---

As a happy ending to story for a few (4 people, actually, as that's all the stock I can find), I have located what I think are the last 4 units you can find on the net. At least by googling the lens and calling shops in the larger metro areas. In the last two days I have called a total of 86 shops, not including my local camera shops in Denver, Colorado.

1. Amazon has 2 left, physically, in their warehouse. They definitely confirmed this with me. I don't do amazon for large orders, though, as they have no customer service department. IF something goes wrong, which it rarely does but I've been there with them, there is absolutely nothing they can really do and it's as close to an online nightmare as you've ever experienced.

2. I also found a shop called ephotocraft.com based out of DC. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but this shop just royally saved my *** with this lens. They have 2 more in stock. I spoke with a gentleman named Eldar and he was all class. If I can, I will buy all of my gear through these guys from now on. Great prices, I thought, but they were real people who gave personal attention. In fact, I asked Eldar if he would check the lens for me--clear photos, sharp AI points, etc-- before he shipped it me as it would land with only a day before the wedding shoot. The guy didn't even hesitate. "Absolutely. If there's any issues, I'll switch it out and I'll give it a good once over." Guy was sincere and helpful. Good luck getting Amazon or some of the other large warehouses to do that (and this was at a smaller price). Oh, and right before I called them I did the cursory "google the store name to read reviews and make sure I'm not calling some dark hole in Brooklyn" search. The net reviews on these guys were glowing everywhere I looked. So I don't think they hid the gold chains for one lucky call that happened to be mine. This shop appears to be a real class operation.

So anywho, there's the situation. It appears the 135L F/2.0 is discontinued and may very well not return in any iteration. I hope this info is wrong, but I don't work at Canon or have any secret contacts or anything so I only know what those folks tell me.

If you've been wanting this lens, now's your chance. And don't let the discontinuation discourage you... this is one amazing portrait lens and is probably one of the best pieces of glass that Canon has ever made. But I imagine the economy and other factors will do this with more of the primes that don't sell with anything near the gusto of the zoom lenses.


i think the info is wrong. alot of canon gear is in short supply these days.

ed rader

[EdZep]

It's been seen before that left hand at Canon doesn't know what right hand is doing. Beyond that, your take on Amazon is so far wrong, it calls everything else in this post into question. Amazon is one of the easiest returns/exchanges on the planet, even for lenses.

1. Amazon has 2 left, physically, in their warehouse. They definitely confirmed this with me. I don't do amazon for large orders, though, as they have no customer service department. IF something goes wrong, which it rarely does but I've been there with them, there is absolutely nothing they can really do and it's as close to an online nightmare as you've ever experienced.

[gasrocks]

Oh boy, another "It isn't on the shelf so it must be discontinued..." thread.

[MatthewK]

Photocraft is a great store. I bought a few things from them during the rebates a few months back. The people working there are very friendly, knowledgeable, and they match prices. I am actually stopping in there today...

[randomlinh]

So anywho, there's the situation. It appears the 135L F/2.0 is discontinued and may very well not return in any iteration. I hope this info is wrong, but I don't work at Canon or have any secret contacts or anything so I only know what those folks tell me.
the notion they'd kill off such a great lens right now seems ridiculous. if they are ending it, they are going to replace it. Hopefully not with something more expensive.. but that is how it will likely go, especially if they add IS.

[ed rader]

the notion they'd kill off such a great lens right now seems ridiculous. if they are ending it, they are going to replace it. Hopefully not with something more expensive.. but that is how it will likely go, especially if they add IS.

did you see what IS and a redesign did to the 200L's price :D?

ed rader

[MelisaP]

Meh, a lot is backordered right now in terms of Canon lenses. the 50L, the 85L... I doubt that they're just up and getting rid of all of them. ;)

That being said, I have one of these for sale in the forum right now!

[randomlinh]

did you see what IS and a redesign did to the 200L's price :D?

ed rader
yeah, I cried. hahahaha. i should push off my e-p1 and get the 135L now

[MaliCali]

hmmm, i had no issue picking mine up from Samy's here in Los Angeles about a month and a half ago..

[CyberDyneSystems]

Oh boy, another "It isn't on the shelf so it must be discontinued..." thread.

Which makes the post a "Rumor" more than anything lenses, and thus, off we go to the rumor forum.

[nureality]

If in fact it IS discontinued, it would only be to make room for its replacement. If you believe the folks over at canonrumors.com, Canon has 3-4 prime updates coming in the next 6-12 months.

[bric-a-brac]

there were a four 135 L's in stock at J&R when I called a week or two ago...

I wouldn't stress. this lens is far too popular for it to disappear completely in any iteration. And if "not being able to find it anywhere" truly does mean discontinuation, well, I think that's half of canon's lens line up right now.

there are always some good pieces of glass moving around the forum. post an ad in the "Wanted to Buy Section," that's how I got my (like new in box with all accessories and paper) 135mm L a week ago. :)

[hkhorn10]

Well, I have an update. Called Canon 3 different times today. Three different people. One in tech. One in general customer service. One in sales. Here's what they seem pretty sure they know.

1. The lens has definitely been pulled from their current lens lineup and is no longer in production.

2. While a lens pulled from production can be ramped up again, it is more often that it is not unless it is re-released (5d and 5dMII).

3. According to all three, distributors tend to know more than about anyone because--at least the big guys-- are the ones who get the earliest word. Those and folks in the press. That said, Canon has been very quiet about this and one said that if they had plans to release a different iteration he thinks he would have heard at least something. So if something new is coming, it's likely not coming real soon.


That's what I've dug up today. I also have a number for Canon corporate and while I don't think they'll tell me anything, I'll try to get ahold of someone.


So again, the lens has been pulled from their current lens lineup, according to Canon USA.

[hkhorn10]

there were a four 135 L's in stock at J&R when I called a week or two ago...

I wouldn't stress. this lens is far too popular for it to disappear completely in any iteration. And if "not being able to find it anywhere" truly does mean discontinuation, well, I think that's half of canon's lens line up right now.

there are always some good pieces of glass moving around the forum. post an ad in the "Wanted to Buy Section," that's how I got my (like new in box with all accessories and paper) 135mm L a week ago. :)


As of yesterday and today, when I checked, JR is definitely out of stock.

[advaitin]

So, if I go out and get what everyone says is a classic, then in a month or so, a new lens will be announced that makes this miracle lens look like crap--or is it all just marketing?

[hkhorn10]

IS on this 2.0 135L could be a pretty amazing thing... however, it could also be rereleased and not quite be the same lens. I don't know what all goes into a lens, but different iterations of the same lenses, plus updates, can be both better or worse.

I happen to find this lens to be one of Canon's best L series, thus my interest in the continuation of the lens. If they were discontinuing or monkeying with the 24-105 or etc I wouldn't care nearly as much as that one could stand to get a little sharper, IMO.

[FJ LOVE]

you can find this lens for $900. cdn on craigslist toronto. the only reason canon would pull it is because it is the cheapest sharpest prime and they know the could sell it for $2000.with IS. buy one today and sleep tonight

[sfinkernagel]

I have no insight into whether this is discontinued, but I will weigh in on 2 other themes in this thread-

1. This is a great lens. I shoot a lot of indoor sports with mine (volleyball, basketball etc. on a 40D) If it is gone, I'll feel bad for those without it.

2. Ephotocraft is a great store. I have only dealt with them online, but I usually end up calling them to work out an order. As others have said- they are helpful, reasonably priced and very personable. Every new piece of equipment that I buy, I look for it there first.

[40d]

Amazon have 3 in stock http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000053HC5?tag=interwebby-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B000053HC5&adid=1BT2DW2Z4A3M84TBCEEE

[Moogle Pepper]

I'd just buy it used, if I could find it.

[LostShootingStar]

there were a four 135 L's in stock at J&R when I called a week or two ago...

I wouldn't stress. this lens is far too popular for it to disappear completely in any iteration. And if "not being able to find it anywhere" truly does mean discontinuation, well, I think that's half of canon's lens line up right now.

there are always some good pieces of glass moving around the forum. post an ad in the "Wanted to Buy Section," that's how I got my (like new in box with all accessories and paper) 135mm L a week ago. http://entertainment-place.info/smile/img/4234/o09a0208gstn/POTNsmile.gifhttp://www.entertainment-place.info/smile/img/3200/n08d1214eybr/1by1.gif

Yeah, exactly. This lens is not going anywhere.

[hkhorn10]

I'm not sure, Lost.

I hope you're right.


But one thing has continued to come up with the folks at Canon and some other distributors.... while it's an amazing lens, it's not a big seller. At all. They mentioned that shops just don't move them. I don't know if Canon would keep it based on merits alone if it's really been a poor seller for the last few years.

Perhaps some of the shop oweners or distributors could fill this in better.

[bric-a-brac]

I'm not sure, Lost.

I hope you're right.


But one thing has continued to come up with the folks at Canon and some other distributors.... while it's an amazing lens, it's not a big seller. At all. They mentioned that shops just don't move them. I don't know if Canon would keep it based on merits alone if it's really been a poor seller for the last few years.

Perhaps some of the shop oweners or distributors could fill this in better.

well, either way, I guess I'm just happy to have mine already. :p

[lukeCui]

So a new IS version is coming? That will be a great upgrade for this lens. I'm also very curious to know the price tag though, hope canon won't be too greedy on this one.

[Jim G]

An IS version would be awesome - particularly if the non-IS continued production alongside.

No supply issues here in Australia and no word of it being discontinued around here, though. Given how closely Canon plays its cards - much to the dismay of sites like DPReview - I seriously doubt anyone has any information as to their future plans that is going to spill the beans.

[MR do little]

I'm not sure, Lost.

I hope you're right.


But one thing has continued to come up with the folks at Canon and some other distributors.... while it's an amazing lens, it's not a big seller. At all. They mentioned that shops just don't move them. I don't know if Canon would keep it based on merits alone if it's really been a poor seller for the last few years.

Perhaps some of the shop oweners or distributors could fill this in better.

Well of course its not a big seller, none of Nikons and Canons pro gear is..

The masses buy entry level stuff, and is where both Canon and Nikon makes a big chunk of money.

135/2 L is and should be considered a niche lens .Dosent mean it dont have a place in the lineup, it certainly do!

It's however a lens that appeals to a certain group of the market, and that group is ALOT smaller then average Joe.



You get the idea.:D

[Stealthy Ninja]

I want to get this lens one day.... so I hope it's not true (unless they're bringing out a Mark II I suppose).

While IS would be pretty cool. It would suck if it boosted the price too much. I wouldn't care too much about IS if they keep the price reasonable though.

[GMCPhotographics]

Why all this interest in an IS version? It just adds complexity to an already stunning lens. It will only devalue the IQ not enhance it. Does and f2.0 lens really need an Image Stabiliser? Especially considering the high iso ability of modern DSLR's?

[cdifoto]

They were probably all in customer service, sitting right next to each other, and having a go at you. Techs don't have time to take calls & customer service gets creative when time hangs heavy. I was in telemarketing once and one of the callers near me pissed off someone mid-supper and they demanded to speak to a supervisor. We bounced the guy around from phone to phone, telemarketer to telemarketer, while the real supervisor laughed his ass off at the front of the room.

[hkhorn10]

Could be, cdifoto, but I doubt it. I got numbers to different departments and called, but anything is possible.

Also confirmed with Canon Corporate today that "that lens is removed from our current lineup". I've left messages with some in communications and PR to see if there's an announcement list or any other company press-line info on it. I doubt they'll call back.

At this point, I know what is happening. The lens is out of the current lineup. As far as what WILL HAPPEN, that's a different matter. Only a few at Canon likely know and they're not telling anyone.

However, if I get a call back from their Communications/PR office I'll certainly post whatever they say here.

[Dave__C]

Isn't it obvious? This is the first lens that will get the news IS system they just revealed; http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09072207canonhybridIS.asp

And while they're at it, they'll give it macro capability ;-)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Not a bog seller, so lets spend the time and dollars to design a new one that does the same thing and will cost more and hope THAT sells better?

Does not compute to me.

FYI the "Other" canon 135mm used to be popular too, but in the last 5 year or so it's literally dropped off the face of the planet.

[rvdw98]

Not a bog seller, so lets spend the time and dollars to design a new one that does the same thing and will cost more and hope THAT sells better?

Does not compute to me.


I would imagine that the 200/1.8L wasn't a big seller either, and yet it was discontinued and eventually replaced with the 200/2L IS.

[alt4852]

a few canon authorized dealers on ebay have just restocked with more inventory of the 135L as of today (august 4th).

[GMCPhotographics]

I can think of a lot of other lenses in Canon's line up that need a make over more than the 135L. 300mm f4 IS L II would be nice. Or even a 400mm f5.6 IS L (with a shorter min focus distance). Or a 100-400 IS L II with a new 4-5 stop IS? A newer 180L macro that's sharp at f3.5. So many lenses in dire need of a make over.

[symbolphoto]

This dude has 20 posts total. I bet he's under a different username trying to push his 135L on the for sale forum or contemplating it for the near future, citing 'soon to be discontinued' :)

[hkhorn10]

Not at all. I'm just a new poster. No need to start attacking the messenger, especially the new guys. Will never sell my 135L. I've been tracking this for the good of the forum and folks are welcome to take it or leave it.


Called again today to check for the first time in a week. Same song. Retailers will get some here and there as they have access to inventory, but it's not "in the current lens lineup" so it not currently in this production cycle.

Don't take my word for it. Make the calls yourself.

[DDCSD]

Called again today to check for the first time in a week. Same song. Retailers will get some here and there as they have access to inventory, but it's not "in the current lens lineup" so it not currently in this production cycle.



That's a very normal thing for manufacturers. They can't afford to have a production line for every product, so they will make one product for a week, then switch to something else and so on.

I'd bet that there will be plenty of 135L's in stock everywhere by September.

[hkhorn10]

perhaps, and I hope you're right DDCSD. However, I will convey part of a conversation I had with someone in Tech. He wouldn't tell me much, but I asked him how often this happens. "Every now and again". Well, what was the last lens to be handled in this manner? "The 17-35L". Before that? "something like the the 85L mark I". The way I read it, he was saying that it doesn't happen with Canon often, and if it does if it's a popular lense it will either be toyed with or given a new Mark line. If it's not, then it could be gone.

I was told that it is not a great selling lens. However, perhaps it could be one of their best with a few edits? Who the hell knows. I sure don't, But I didn't get the impression it was just "sitting on the bench" for a few plays.


However, I must say with emphasis that I only know what I'm told, and that Canon doesn't say much. This one feels like something is up because of what I'm hearing from a few. I remember when the 17-35 was pulled and it happened much like this. I tracked it for a bit as well. However, if you look, Cannon Telephoto and Super Teles have the greatest discontinuation rate in the good chunk of time.

[BEEEsH]

The 135 is not discontinued. I've made a few calls. Short Supply? Yes. Discontinued? No.

[jetcode]

Not at all. I'm just a new poster. No need to start attacking the messenger, especially the new guys. Will never sell my 135L. I've been tracking this for the good of the forum and folks are welcome to take it or leave it.


Called again today to check for the first time in a week. Same song. Retailers will get some here and there as they have access to inventory, but it's not "in the current lens lineup" so it not currently in this production cycle.

Don't take my word for it. Make the calls yourself.


If you haven't already wait 'till you see what the 135 can do with a 5DMKII.

[GMCPhotographics]

From what I've read and heard, Canon aren't actually making much gear at the moment. Most of what is on the shelves is fairly old stock from Canon's warehouse. In a bud to keep costs down, Canon have wound down their manufacturing so that supply is less than the demand....which puts up the prices and desirability. It doesn't indicate a replacement model. Some Canon lenses just aren't available anywhere at the moment, this is becuase Canon have run out of stock and they aren't making any more until the economy picks up.

[bubba zanetti]

Quite a few currently on ebay (australia) ex hong kong. I may add that when the music starts to play & im going through the curtain head first and they light the gas burners...the bastards will need a pair of secateurs to get my 135 out of my hand.

[Reminisce]

Of course its in low supply and I can't find it ANYWHERE right when I'm ready to buy one RIGHT NOW! ARGH!
Even worse, I can't find the 35L in stock either :(

[cnsconnor84]

Hunt's photo in massachusetts has them in stock.

[Stealthy Ninja]

New rumour.

EVERY Canon lens is being replaced. That's why they're all so hard to get.

;) :p :lol:

[GMCPhotographics]

New rumour.

EVERY Canon lens is being replaced. That's why they're all so hard to get.

;) :p :lol:

Ha! Like it bud!

[dmstraton]

I bought mine no issue at Competitive Camera in Dallas, TX about two months back.

[sebr]

Seems from the latest rumors that the 135L is not going to be replaced in the nearest future :)

[GMCPhotographics]

I think that was said in the first page of this thread....

[sebr]

I think that was said in the first page of this thread....

Agreed, but there has been some new rumors since the first page and these confirm that a new 135L is not likely.

[Oteck]

here im hopping for a revamp like 135 1.8L w/ IS :)

[GMCPhotographics]

It's just not going to happen bud....soz but it isn't

[Jannie]

Adorama and BH have the lens in stock for $1049 and Amazon has it for $1339, and earlier this week Adorama was out of stock so they must still be able to get them in. I've decided to put mine up for sale on my local craigslist for $875, knowing that people always want to bargain and because it's such an extremely good lens or else I have an exceptional copy but the 135L tends to always get tons of accolades from everyone here.

I can't imagine Canon would discontinue and not make a newer version, especially with the new Hybrid IS. It's been my impression that this lens sells well.

[GMCPhotographics]

The Hybrid IS technology is set aside for macro lenses only. The two Ef-s lenses launched with the new 7D have just the standard 4 stop normal IS units.
Maybe we'll see a 200mm f4 macro IS L at some point....but who knows. I seriously doubt that we'll see a 135IIL with in a few years though. Maybe a 35IIL is coming, but who knows.

[Jannie]

They already make a fabulous 200L f2.8 that is incredibly sharp, everything that the 135L is but it also does not have IS, so if they make that with IS as well, it would be wonderful but I do not think it is nearly as popular nor sells as much as the 135L.

[LostShootingStar]

here im hopping for a revamp like 135 1.8L w/ IS http://entertainment-place.info/smile/img/4628/o09a0208gstn/POTNsmile.gifhttp://entertainment-place.info/smile/img/4629/n08d1214eybr/1by1.gif

That would be awesome!

[Stealthy Ninja]

You know what they should replace it with?! A 100mm 2.8L IS macro!

Yeah! That would be totally awesome dudes....I'd buy that...yep...

Wait-a-minnit!!1 :shock:

:lol:

[device01]

crap. now imgonna save up for the 85 1.2

[archiescat]

I think the latest bundling of the 28-135mm with the 7D also has a part in this:

"Canon U.S.A. on Tuesday introduced the EOS 7D (http://pcworld.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=19356) digital SLR camera. It will be available at the end of September for $1,699, or packaged as a kit with an EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens for $1,899."

Here is the latest news on lenses just posted this week:

New lenses
Canon used the occasion of a new DSLR introduction to also introduce three new EF and EF-S lenses for users of its APS-C-equipped digital SLR cameras.
The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS ISM (http://pcworld.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=155&modelid=19091) lens is Canon's first to feature "Hybrid Image Stabilization" (Hybrid IS) technology, which Canon says compensates for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake, up to four shutter speed steps. It ships at the end of September and will cost $1,049.
The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (http://pcworld.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=19085) features shake correction up to four shutter speed steps, and is the equivalent of a 29-216mm lens on a full-frame camera. It goes on sale at the end of September for $500.
The EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (http://pcworld.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=19196) is a multipurpose wide-angle zoom that has three aspherical elements and one UD glass element. It is the equivalent to a 24-136mm zoom on a full-frame camera. It's coming in late October for $800.

the new 18-135mm maybe the competitor or are they waiting to see how the EF100mm f2.8L with hybrid IS takes off? I would like the think that technology goes into the 135mm f2L.

[BillP]

The 135L is back in stock at B&H.
I ordered one a couple days ago...

[sebr]

It is also back in stock at some stores here in Sweden. I will get one as soon as my favorite store has it.

[Joaaso]

It is also back in stock at some stores here in Sweden. I will get one as soon as my favorite store has it.
seems to be back in some stores in norway also.. the 200 f2.8 (which I now have decided to get instead of the 135) was also out of stock everywhere at the same time as the 135, but now its back as well, in the same stores..

[sinitry23]

I just picked up one and I love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW_LiLa1RKM

[Reminisce]

Just got mine and mad at myself for not getting this lens sooner.

[sinitry23]

Just got mine and mad at myself for not getting this lens sooner.

same here, I wish this lens was part of my collection sooner. Are you using this lens with any filters? I just installed a new b+w f-pro uv filter. I'll do some test shots later this week.

[Reminisce]

same here, I wish this lens was part of my collection sooner. Are you using this lens with any filters? I just installed a new b+w f-pro uv filter. I'll do some test shots later this week.

Yep I have a Hoya HMC Super UV filter on it. I actually got mine from a member here who'd just bought it but didnt have a need for it, so it came with the filter. I've taken some test shots around the house but can't wait for my next event next week to use it :)

[Jannie]

For event shooting it's especially nice, very fast focus and right on sharp wide open. I'm struggling, I'd put mine up on craigslist for sale so I can buy the new 100 IS macro, partially because I'm shooting a whole bunch of product stuff. Well my 24-70 and 85L are doing that work like a dream with extension tubes so I may keep the 135L f2.

[snowboarder]

Looks like another rumor, the same stuff is being told about 35L
every year and it's still being sold...
The same about 100-400L...

[MatthewK]

I just got one from J&R for my trip to Florida this weekend... seems like Adorma and B&H have it in stock too at the moment. Amazon, not in stock. The thing is, I could have waited for somewhere a little cheaper to get it in stock, but my savings would be canceled out by the Oct. 1 Canon 10% price increase. So I ripped the bandaid off and got the thing 2 day shipped :)

[DBJ]

I just received one with a UX 0812 date code, still making them.