Is Canon Bringing IS to the 24-70mm 2.8 Lens?
Many photographers have been asking whether Canon will introduce an image stabilization (IS) version of their popular 24-70mm f/2.8 L lens. The rumor has been circling for quite some time, with some guesses extending back to 2012 or 2013. However, there are several factors that make such an upgrade unlikely in the near future.
The Dilemma of Adding IS to a 2.8 Lens
The decision to add image stabilization to a lens with an f/2.8 aperture is a complex one. IS (Image Stabilization) works by adding an additional F-stop. This is achieved through a mechanism that compensates for camera shake, allowing for sharper photos and videos. However, this additional functionality comes with a price in terms of complexity, bulk, and cost.
Most photographers agree that the f/2.8 aperture is already 'fast enough' for most photographic needs. The 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is already large and expensive. Adding even more size, weight, and cost to the lens solely to bring its F-stop to the equivalent of f/2.0 is not a justified move. If a photographer requires a faster lens, they can opt for a specialty lens such as an f/2.0 or f/1.4 prime lens.
Rumors and Recent Developments
There were rumors of an IS version of the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens back in 2012 or 2013. However, Canon has just released the 24-70mm f/2.8 USM MK II, indicating that any IS version is unlikely to be developed soon. Canon lenses are generally not significantly upgraded very often. The previous version of the 24-70mm lens (not the MK II) was released almost 15 years ago. Canon also offers a 24-70mm f/4 IS USM lens, which is more affordable.
Another reason for the lack of an IS version is the significant cost. The current 24-70mm f/2.8 USM MK II is already extremely expensive. Adding IS to a new model would likely bring the price close to $3000, making it even less feasible for most photographers.
Conclusion
While the idea of a 24-70mm f/2.8 IS lens is enticing, it is unlikely that Canon will introduce such a model in the near future. The balance between added functionality and increased cost and size makes it a questionable move. If you need a fast and portable wide–to–telephoto lens, the current 24-70mm f/2.8 USM MK II remains a solid choice. For a more budget-friendly option, the 24-70mm f/4 IS USM is a worthy alternative.