My Theroy: Canon's New Prime Lens Offerings

[rixtix]

As someone who has shot EOS since the first model, I offer a potential answer to the question why IS in 24 and 28mm lenses.  The first plausible reason I can think of is video applications. Since all the new DSLR cameras are now also video cameras the need for a lower light capable, wide angle lens for interior videos is evident.  IS may greatly improve the results in hand-held videos.  The second plausible reason is simple...Canon will be adding IS to all prime lenses in the next couple of years and they have started with the focal lengths that have not seen an update since introduction.  Just my two cents.

[Bob Atkins]

The video theory is plausible, but I've rarely seen anyone shoot serious video with a prime lens. Since Video resolution, even HD resolution is low compared to still digital images you don't need a prime lens. Almost all video is shot with a zoom, so a 24-70/2.8 IS or even a 16-35/2.8 IS would make much more sense for video work.

The 24/2.8 and 28/2.8 IS lenses make very little sense at all for crop sensor cameras since the EF-S 17-55/2.8 IS USM is an excellent lens.  For full frame they make more sense I guess but I suspect that serious users of prime lenses will still gravitate to the 24/1.4 and 24/1.8.

As for putting IS in all the prime lenses, it's possible I guess. But I'd have started where it would be most in demand, which from my sense of what Canon users are looking for would have been a 50/1.4 IS USM with a real ring USM motor.

I'm sure Canon have their reasons for what they did and I'm sure they did some market research on the subject. However I really don't get leaving IS out of the new 24-70/2.8L II USM. That one just seems to make no sense to me.

[rixtix]

Let's say that Canon does hove something up their sleeve and they are paving the way with these new lenses. What focal length would a 24mm lens be on a 4/3 sensor?

[Bob Atkins]

24mm on 4/3 is equivalent to a 48mm lens on full frame.

Canon won't actually go with a true four-thirds sensor though.  They didn't invent that format and they won't buy into it now. They might go with a sensor the same size as in the new G1X, which is between 4/3 and APS-C.

If Canon do come out with a MILC (mirrorless interchangeable lens camera) though, I'm sure it will have a line of dedicated lenses which are smaller and have a shorter back focus distance then current EF lenses. There's little point in using a larger and more expensive lens with full frame coverage on a camera which is designed to be small and light, especially if you also need to use an adapter to do it.

So I doubt the new IS primes are a pointer to anything Canon has up their sleeve. Of course anything is possible...

[Johnny]

Bob, what do you think about these two new lenses? MTF looks a lot better than my 28mm f:1.8. I do not understand the techie part but wide open both should perform better. But how much sharper I don't know.

Do you plan to get samples and test them at some point? I use my 28mm a lot but sometimes wish I had IS.


PS! How do you insert images? I have not figured it out yet.

[Bob Atkins]

I'd like to get hold of the new 24/2.8 IS since I have the old 24/2.8 to compare it against. It's on my list of lenses to request from Canon when it becomes available.

Sounds like it should be good, but at $850 it ought to be!