Canon has today announced an new lens - an update to the much admired EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. The new lens, identical in name save for the addition of a "II" at the end, is more than just a simple update. It aims to improve on the previous lens in every area, including image quality, build quality and Image Stabiliser functions.

Using Fluorite and UD lens elements keeps the image quality high and the Image Stabiliser is now  a four stop version to help hand holding a low shutter speeds.

The closest focusing distance has been reduced as well - now down to 1.2m compared to the 1.4m of the previous version, while the weight has gone up, but only by an almost unnoticeable 20g. 

We'll bring you more news as we get, most notably the price, but for now, here's the specs and a link to the Canon Europe site to read a bit more about it. Availability is stated as being Feb 2010. 

Product page

Specifications