I wouldn't say it was lost, just a lot less interest. This is the third generation of the 100 Macro from Canon and it's not nearly as important in the market as the 7D.
Perhaps. But I would beg to differ on the issue of importance. The fact is, camera bodies change with much more frequency than do lenses, so the advent of a "new camera" is a yearly thing, while the advent of a new generation
lens can sometimes take more than a decade. More than this, Canon invented image stabilization to begin with, and now they have launched a "new generation" of image stabilization again, which means they are once again leading the way with innovation while everyone else plays catch-up.
Further still, with the sensor technology of camera bodies getting to a point that older-generation lenses are starting to get exposed as "flawed," the fact that Canon is now backing-up their incredible new-generation cameras with new-generation
glass to go with it is exciting news for those invested in Canon. The 100mm USM IS macro is the first step in this new technology, which quite frankly I feel is every bit as important (arguably more so) than a new body.
I am willing to bet that a new-age Canon 100-400 zoom (long overdue) is soon to come out also, with this latest technology, which is something I too have been waiting for.
The previous generation 100M is a standard for sharpness and quality, though also known for slow focus that often 'hunts.' It's widely used as a portrait lens.
Agreed. I love my copy.
Adding L glass and IS will be mute points if the auto focus hasn't been improved.
I disagree. I seldom use autofocus for macro, if ever. The only exception to this would be species identification, where I want to first "document" seeing a new species of insect with a quick (and halfway decent) shot ... before I settle in and really try to nail it with a manual focus attempt.
Better than Zeiss ? That'll be subjective, both are great lenses.
Well, it will be better than Zeiss on many levels: (1) Autofocus, of which Zeiss has none; (2) true 1:1 macro ability, of which Zeiss has none; and (3) the new image stabilization, of which no other company has a peer. Whether the actual sharpness and bokeh can equal a Zeiss remains to be seen, but if the Canon is on a par with Zeiss here, then it will be by far the better lens, for less money too.
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IS in a macro lens! I guess my Tokina 100mm Macro is up for sale! Hope the Canon has good Bokeh.
Marc
Mine are already up for sale Marc
Jack
.