So I was wondering the other night about why I didn't see anyone talking about the new 24 L II on this forum. It seems to me that there should be a lot of hype. Isn't the original reasoning behind alternative lenses based on the fact that canon hasn't been making any decent wide angles? I know that now the alternative choice is based on more than just that, like creativity and creating interesting images based on a wide variety of lens choice, however I would think that people here would have gotten more hyped about this. It seems Canon is at least attempting to do better in the lens department.
The 24L's always been one of the bright points in Canon's wide line, so a new one doesn't really change things. It's still going to be the way to go if you need the speed, but there's other, better options if you don't (since even most 24/2's are much smaller, lighter and cheaper)
Actually, I was at the Henry's Imaging and Photographic Show on the weekend and Canon had several there. I tried one on my 5D and took a few shots. I'm not interested in buying one so didn't inquire as to the release date. They did say the 5D Mark II will be in stores Nov. 28th so the 24L should be around the same time.
I did try a 5D Mark II with grip and 85L Mark II. Very nice but about the same weight as a Buick!
Currently J&R seems to be the only company even accepting preorders for it, I don't think Canon expect to ship it until next year, so there's not too much to get excited about currently. But come January, I expect to get quite excited about it.