Time has passed since the article below was originally written back in March 09, it now seems this rumour was true as recent reports from England confirm that the launch date will be late August early September 09. Australian stock would then be estimated to arrive before Christmas. This would be the norm for Canon who repeatedly launch at this time then short supply in the lead up to Christmas leaving customers waiting for stock early into the new year.

The NEW IS system though sounds ground breaking so we would expect there to be a huge interest in Version II.
read more about the NEW IS system here

Original Article:

The word is out. Canon, after seeing a downturn in global sales of its venerable 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM, is soon to discontinue its production.

This is a lens that has prompted many an owner to affirm their allegiance to their precious 70-200s, despite their loved ones packing their things and vanishing in a trail of dust. After all, dust won’t stick to a Canon 70-200 L IS USM.

The 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM has been a favourite with photographers since its release in September 2001 and deservedly, so say all of us. It produces sublime images over an entirely useful focal range. It can probably withstand a meteorite shower. And it gives the bearer an instant badge of merit among the congoscenti.

Why discontinue the 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM? Glad you asked. Well, Canon can be expected to go ahead and reinvent the wheel to release a new and improved Mark II version.

Now we all know about the law “if it’s not broke why fix it?” What on earth could Canon do to improve a Legend that carries aloft a reputation for being the best zoom telephoto bar none?

Well they could somehow make it lighter in weight. The IS version weighs in at almost 1.5 kilograms. They could change its attention-grabbing colour scheme. They could provide a lanyard so you could have it around your neck always. They could build in an MP3 player.

But more seriously, we’re going to keep our ears to the ground because this is a subject of more than little interest and we’ll keep you posted.

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