Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II and EF 50mm f/1.4 II Lens Coming

Two of Canon's most popular and venerable lenses are in for an upgrade. The EF 50mm f/1.4 and EF 70-200mm f/4L IS glass were announced back in 1993 and 2006 respectively.

The new lens will feature the latest coatings, fluorite elements and technologies but the 50mm will not have IS. I expect the announcement dates to be very late 2017 or early 2018. Canon has its hands full this year with new product announcements. See what new camera gear to expect from them this year. Keep checking back for the latest info on the expected replacements.

Wildlife Photography - Costa Rica Photo Tour, Day 5

Luck is beginning to turn for me on my Costa Rican Photo Tour, as well as the weather. Less rain and humidity in the last few days. Little time to write my blog but a quick note to let you know my sources informed me Canon may announce a replacement to their EF 50mm lens soon, perhaps before the end of Q2.

Although I do not use the 50mm lens much and own the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, it sorely needs an upgrade and the EF 50mm f/1.2L is not much of a performer either. The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art lens has an edge over the Canon 'L' lens in sharpness.

A few more photos processed in a hurry on my laptop for quick perusal. Keep checking back for more images and see more of my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Have you seen my Blackberry?

Green Hermit Hummingbird

Pura Vida

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 and EF 50mm f/1.2L Upgrades Coming

Canon EF 50mm lens lineup

The 50mm lens is one of the most basic, must have lens in many photographers' equipment bag. One can spend anywhere from about $100 to $4,000 on one, depending on one's budget and need.

Sigma, the independent lens manufacturer has been coming on strong lately, building on their successful ART line of lens. Read my post on an interview with their CEO. Canon will be updating their EF 50mm f/1.4 and EF 50mm f/1.2L lens some time in 2016. Their designs date back to 1993 and 2006 respectively and can benefit from a Series II upgrade. 

Below is a good video comparing ten 50mm lens from various manufacturers. They all come in mounts for Canon, Nikon and a few other camera brands. By the way, the most expensive 50mm brand, Zeiss, has just announced a 'cheaper' Milvus line to try and compete with other lens makers.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 II Lens Coming Soon?

It is no secret in the last couple of years, the Sigma ART line of lens have given companies like Canon, Nikon and Zeiss quite a competition with photographers looking for a high quality lens without shelling out premium prices for high performing glass.

Canon has been redesigning its entire line of shorter focal length prime lens. Starting with the EF 85mm f/1.2L II and the EF 50mm f/1.4 II and EF 50mm f/1.2L II lens. The new design will include a floating element similar to the upcoming EF 85mm f/1.2L III with improved focus shift. The new lens will be lighter, faster and may come with the latest Blue Spectrum Refractive Optical technology.

Canon UK has actually listed the EF 50mm f/1.4 as a discontinued item. See their website link. If that is not a mistake, we should expect its replacement fairly soon, perhaps in Q1, 2016.