New Neutral White L Lenses

Per canon "Photographers will immediately notice that the latest Canon L-series telephoto lenses and extenders have a more neutral white tone compared to earlier models. This new shade of white will be used with all L-series telephoto lenses and extenders beginning in the second half of 2010"

Anyone know when this color change will hit stores? I'm about to purchase the 70-200 f/4L IS and would prefer the new white vs the beige...although I'm debating if it will be worth the wait or if I should just order now.

They wont use it on the 70-200. It will be used on the new long telephotos and extenders.

That's interesting - surprised they're changing the existing lenses.

FWIW, if you need it now, I would buy now. That's just me though.

canonnoob wrote in post #10920353
They wont use it on the 70-200. It will be used on the new long telephotos and extenders.

I would think that they would produce all future "white" lenses in the same shade. It doesn't make much sense to try and stock two different colors. I'm interested to see a side by side comparison if anyone gets their hands on a new lens.

canonnoob wrote in post #10920353
They wont use it on the 70-200. It will be used on the new long telephotos and extenders.

Btw. This is speculation, going off of what was posted... just" telephoto" does not really include the zooms. Who knows

canonnoob wrote in post #10920353
They wont use it on the 70-200. It will be used on the new long telephotos and extenders.

But didn't Canon say they're using the new white for all L-series telephotos?

http://usa.canon.com …il&docId=0901e0​24801e8289

JLai81 wrote in post #10920380
But didn't Canon say they're using the new white for all L-series telephotos?

http://usa.canon.com …il&docId=0901e0​24801e8289

Even so, are you willing to wait for a particular lens to completely be depleted in the distribution chain just so you can have a different color paint on the outside?

BenJohnson wrote in post #10920374
I would think that they would produce all future "white" lenses in the same shade. It doesn't make much sense to try and stock two different colors. I'm interested to see a side by side comparison if anyone gets their hands on a new lens.

I would agree to an extent. But, i am referring to those on the production line to be finished within the next few months.

JLai81 wrote in post #10920380
But didn't Canon say they're using the new white for all L-series telephotos?

http://usa.canon.com …il&docId=0901e0​24801e8289

So the 851.2, 135 2.0, 200 2.8, 100 macro, and others will be white according to that definition then.

gonzogolf wrote in post #10920394
Even so, are you willing to wait for a particular lens to completely be depleted in the distribution chain just so you can have a different color paint on the outside?

I guess that really depends on how quickly the distribution chain can get depleted. For a large retailer like B&H or Adorama, are we talking about a few weeks or months? Do you know?

I tried calling Canon, but the rep I got sounded clueless.

canonnoob wrote in post #10920415
So the 851.2, 135 2.0, 200 2.8, 100 macro, and others will be white according to that definition then.

I have no idea. Logic would dictate that Canon was only talking about changing the shade of white used on lenses that already use white.

As previously mentioned, it would not make sense to produce two different shades of white.

canonnoob wrote in post #10920353
They wont use it on the 70-200. It will be used on the new long telephotos and extenders.

I just sent an e-mail to Canon to verify. I'll post what they say.

JLai81 wrote in post #10920425
I guess that really depends on how quickly the distribution chain can get depleted. For a large retailer like B&H or Adorama, are we talking about a few weeks or months? Do you know?

I tried calling Canon, but the rep I got sounded clueless.

Depending on the model it could take years. Because of the intricacies of the manufacturing process not all lenses are made all the time. If the demand is low they may make and warehouse a batch of a particular lens and then not make it again until that particular production run is depleted. You will find threads here where someone has purchased a brand new lens with a date code that is a couple of years old. If a lens sits in a canon warehouse for a few months, then shipped to B&H or Adorama, and then sits in their warehouse for an undetermined time, then off to the shelf it could be a while. But I think you miss my bigger point. Its a different shade of white, why would you wait an extra day let alone months? It has no effect on the image, and given the date code system probably little or no effect on future resale value.

canonnoob wrote in post #10920415
So the 851.2, 135 2.0, 200 2.8, 100 macro, and others will be white according to that definition then.

i think common sense can lead you to safely assume that they implied the new white to only be applicable to lenses that are already white.

gonzogolf wrote in post #10920533
Depending on the model it could take years. Because of the intricacies of the manufacturing process not all lenses are made all the time. If the demand is low they may make and warehouse a batch of a particular lens and then not make it again until that particular production run is depleted. You will find threads here where someone has purchased a brand new lens with a date code that is a couple of years old. If a lens sits in a canon warehouse for a few months, then shipped to B&H or Adorama, and then sits in their warehouse for an undetermined time, then off to the shelf it could be a while. But I think you miss my bigger point. Its a different shade of white, why would you wait an extra day let alone months? It has no effect on the image, and given the date code system probably little or no effect on future resale value.

Wow. Had no idea it could take years. Guess that answers my question.

I do understand your point, but I'm not a pro. Photography is a hobby for me (granted an expensive one). So whether I have the lens today or 2 weeks from now would be of little difference to me since I don't need it to get paid. With that in mind, if I'm paying the same price, I'd rather wait a week or so and have my choice.

However, it would be absurd to wait months or even years. So I guess the order will be placed today. Thanks for your help.

Edit:
Lens ordered.