Canon announced a new Canon 70-200L2.8IS lens today. Rumors of this update must have been a hot topic for the last 3-4 years, out lived only by the rumors of the 24-70L2.8IS. While it is not the most useful lens for videographers, it is the central item of most photographers gear list.

This new incarnation benefits from a new IS system for an additional stop of stability (for a total of 4 stops, like the F4IS version), reduces the minimal focus distance by a few inches and improves durability and focus speed. All of this while increasing its weight by about 1% (20mg).

Optical elements have been changed to increase image quality, which is the key point for me. Ever since I saw sample images from the new Nikon 70-200VR2.8, I was jealous and wondering how Canon would react. Of course, no one has seen any sample pics taken with this lens yet so we cant really comment about it. We can only hope they are on par with those from its Nikon nemesis.

Will it be worth an upgrade? I don’t think so but it will surely be a nice acquisition for anyone who does not already own a 70-200IS (either model).

On the minus side, the lens will only be available in April and I guess Canon will take the opportunity to increase the price, as they did with the 24TS-E.

Note: thanks to Scott Bourne at Photofocus for pointing this news out. The press release  is not yet on Canon US /CAN website.