70-200 2.8 IS II is here

This thing would need to have fantastic IQ across the focal lengths from near to wide open to hold its value (at the price point Canon is putting it out). It does have a lot of higher quality glass in it though, should be interesting.

The current MkI version has fantastic IQ across most of it's focal range at f2.8, it's just a wee bit softer at 200mm f2.8. But rack it back a bit to 180ish mm or drop a stop to f4 and and it's nice and sharp again. Also it gets sharper at 200mm at the infinity focus point than at MFD. A bit like my 50L, but the results are still very usable but not pixel perfect.

I think you are confusing price with ability, this lens will cost more because it is new and shiny. There's a R&D cost that Canon need to claw back, hence the new lens price premium and there's also been an across the board price hike due to the global recession. Prices go up and not down in a recession because money becomes worth less due to quantitive easing. So a higher price is charged for the same goods. Add this to the new lens premium and you have the price.
This newer lens will be better in most aspects due to a more modern design, but we will have to see how much better and if it's worth paying the extra for it. Considering how much value the current version is against the new version's predicted price, probably not. but I'm sure that this new lens will be very very good. I guess that's the law of diminushing returns.

GMCPhotographics wrote in post #9503185
Prices go up and not down in a recession because money becomes worth less due to quantitive easing.

The government printing money you mean. Boy are we going to be paying for this for many years to come.

Back on topic - I can't believe that they will be on sale in France this weekend. Let me see an unboxing video and shots first.

I've been browsing some French forums and most of them aren't ready to buy it yet since the cost is just ridiculous.

Mk1 versions costs 1649 euros and the MkII is 2399 euros.

Omaru wrote in post #9503329
I've been browsing some French forums and most of them aren't ready to buy it yet since the cost is just ridiculous.

Mk1 versions costs 1649 euros and the MkII is 2399 euros.

Omaru - has anyone actually bought one though (as proof that they are on sale in France)?

I just hope that it's not like the Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR II where they messed with the focal length and is no longer a true 70-200. I'm happy with my f/4L IS.

Except it is a 70-200mm, at infinity, like every other 70-200mm ever made.

You can hope it's as good as the Nikkor, because that lens is absolutely spectacular and as of today the reference for 70-200mm glass.

I'm certaintly not going to buy this lens in Belgium, but on a holliday in the US or from ebay and benefit from the currency. Waiting till they can keep up with manufacturing for the demand, so the prices will drop. I hope I'll have this lens in september max.

I'm still waiting for Omaru to give us proof that it's shipping in France.

Surely if it is someone will have posted shots & thoughts by now.

The USA site finally changed the month from February to April

And they'll all be saying that it's delayed as the first copies are going to the Olympics' photographers.

I went to a store today. There were other photographers who were also waiting for it today and unfortunately it will be delayed. Even the owner of the shop was disappointed. I think there were 20 photographers who were waiting to get one today.

The store also said that Canon France has refused to tell when they will be shipping the lens to retailers. Well it was supposed to be today, so I guess error on CF's part.

I guessed so as no-one in the UK is giving a shipping date (as far as I know anyway).

Going to be a few months I think.

I was going to say I'll start looking for the Mark II lens on the credentialed media as they start arriving in town soon, but there isn't any real visible difference to the Mark I, is there... just the little II on the rim.

Get some powerful binoculars Hoff.