Canon’s EF 16-35 f/2.8 L II is a very popular lens, particularly for landscape and architectural photography. It has remained out of the reach of many enthusiast photographers due to its very high price ($1700, but at the time of this writing there is a $200 mail-in rebate). The lens is also not image stabilized, though at 16mm it doesn’t really need it for most applications. Canon has recently announced the arrival of a more competitively priced version of this flagship lens – the EF 16-35 f/4 IS! Some subtle differences include the new lens having image stabilization, which helps to overcome the one-stop difference in aperture in low-light situations; a 77-mm filter thread (as opposed to the 82mm thread size of the f/2.8 variant), which is a size you are much more likely to have a filter for; and the price, which is coming in at $1200. This lens is due out this June, with preorders already underway at B&H Photo and Video.
Update 12/10/14
I bought one as soon as it became available. I can tell you, this is my most-used lens now. It absolutely rocked the house when photographing storms this past summer. I liked the 17-40L but this just blows the doors off any other lens I’ve used. The Fujifilm 10-24 is also an AMAZING lens if you are into the XF system camera.
Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
I love a few things about this lens. First it has a 16mm on the wide end instead of 17 ( for interiors ). Second the IS will come in handy using a lower ISO at times and can add creativity with moving subjects like people. Third I like the build looking like my 100L and the new 24-70 ii. Forth, not even mentioning the Optics as of yet, with its MTF chart showings looking lovely. 2 UD and coatings plus if I read correctly, internal focusing. All lovely things to expect from a lens of this price.
The lens is out. I haven’t given it much of a workout so far but my storm chase is coming up and it will be my main lens.
@Mark I’m looking forward to seeing your storm chasing pics on Facebook 🙂