At PMA 2004 Canon announced a new lens, the EF 28-300/3.5-5.6L IS USM. It's very similar to the current EF35-350/3.5-5.6L in size and shape and is its logical successor. Going from 35mm to 28mm at the wide end is well worth the loss of the 300mm - 350mm range for most users, especially those using small sensor DSLRs like the 10D or 300D where wideangle ability is compromised by the 1.6 crop factor. On a 10D this lens would give the same angle of view as a 45-480mm zoom (the 35-350 equates to a 56-560). Canon have also added their IS (Image Stabilization) technology to the lens with improved IS performance. The first generation of IS allowed hand held shutter speeds 2 stops slower than without IS. Canon now claim a 3 stop advantage. The IS on this lens is dual mode, meaning seperate setting for static use (including use on a tripod) and for panning. The only real downside of the new lens is the price, Estimated selling price is $2500. The current selling price for the EF35-350/3/6-5.6L is around $1400. I haven't seen any comments from Canon on whether the EF35-350/3.5-5.6L will continue in production, but given the difference in price and range they may well keep around for a while.
The following information is from the Canon Press Release:
The new EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM is an entirely new L-series design lens (and a significantly enhanced successor to Canon's EF35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM zoom introduced 11 years ago). Though it offers 11x zoom capabilities (compared with the 10x capability of its predecessor), this newly designed, 22-element L-series lens combines Canon's newest optical glass advances, faster autofocus and a groundbreaking Image Stabilization system that makes capturing incredible images a snap, even when the zoom is at max, the shutter speed is slow and the camera is handheld.
The EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens that features three ultra low dispersion (UD) glass elements that reduce chromatic aberration, and three Aspherical elements that reduce linear distortion and correct spherical aberration during zooming (keeping image resolution and contrast high), together with superior lens coatings that minimize reflection, especially when used with digital SLRs. The shorter minimum focal length of the new lens versus the previous 35-350mm model also makes the EF 28-300mm L zoom more suitable for digital SLRs with image sensors smaller than 35mm format.
Among this lens' most significant enhancements is its highly refined Image Stabilization (IS) system with new shake-detecting gyro sensors. IS is now effective for correction of up to three shutter speed steps for handheld photography, 50% better than the original EF75-300mm IS lens. Additionally, IS remains effective with the new EF 28-300mm L lens even when it used on a tripod, improving image quality by helping to eliminate the effects of reflex mirror vibration at slow shutter speeds that are typically required in low light. The lens features an IS mode switch that allows the user to select Mode 1 for general stabilization or Mode 2 for deliberate panning. IS is activated within 0.5 seconds of depressing the shutter halfway.
Additionally, the EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens features a new, faster autofocus drive thanks to a new AF CPU and revised in-lens software (that accelerates the transmission of data between lens and camera), a powerful, quick and silent ring-type Ultrasonic Motor and an inner focus system that moves only the lens' lighter elements during AF while keeping the front elements stationary.
Because of its extended zoom range, the new EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens features push-pull zooming operation (unlike most other EF lenses that utilize a ring-type zoom) though it does have a zoom adjustment ring that allows a user to loosen, tighten or lock the zoom control. The lens also permits closer minimum focus than previously available — from 2.3 feet at all focal lengths — and is capable of filling the frame with a subject as small as 3.2 x 4.8 inches at the 300mm zoom setting.
The lens is compatible with optional EF12/EF12II Extension Tubes at all focal lengths and EF25/EF25II at mid-range and telephoto zoom settings. The EF25 provides a maximum magnification of 0.5x, effectively filling the frame with a subject approximately 2 x 3 inches at the 300mm zoom setting. It is also compatible with the 77mm 500D and 500 Close-up lenses for a maximum magnification of 0.58x.
The EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens kit includes a newly designed bayonet mount lens hood, a detachable tripod collar and a soft lens case.
