[font color=\'#000000\']I have concerns as well. . .but my concerns are based upon the trend that is being established by the last five lens releases after the 17-40/4L. (the 17-40/4L is a great lens)
we have. . .
. . .18-55/EF-S which is now released at $169 or so (a decent kit lens)
. . .the 70-300/DO-IS which carries a $1300 "L" price tag, but image quality that is somewhat middle of the road.
. . the 28-300/L, which being a 10x zoom no one expects to be stellar image wise, but no one expected it to be $1000+ over the previous 35-300/L.
. . the 10-22/EF-S. A much anticipated lens. But slow as molassas and. . .$800. For this cost, you would expect this to be a "L" lens.
. . .the 17-85/EF-S IS. A non-anticipated lens, but very ing rational from a marketing perspective. But $600?
The EF-S lenses are smaller and should be cheaper to make than full frame EF lenses. Although the lenses are wider, one would not expect the result to be more expensive than traditional EF offerings.
I am eagerly awaiting lens reviews of the two new offerings. I am concerned that Canon lenses are making a step change in cost and a (negative) step change in quality.
Time will tell.[/font]