We are expecting an announcement, at the end of this week, of new bodies and lenses. In addition to the widely leaked high-megapixel EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R, we’re told by reliable sources of two new Rebel-series bodies. One of the Rebels has a top-plate LCD, as was leaked in recent product photos — we’re excited to see Canon push the Rebel line a bit more up-market.

On the glass side, the widely-anticipated EF 11-24mm f/4L USM specs and photos have been leaked, but we also hear about two new non-L lenses at the same time or shortly after: the 50mm will finally get its refresh, as will the aging 70-300mm.

As with all leaks you should take this with a grain of salt until the announcements are said and done.

To get notified the instant these items are announced and available for pre-order (we’re told availability is in late March / early April on the EOS 5Ds), you can set them up here:

• Get Notified when the EOS 5Ds is available for pre-order.
• Get Notified when the EOS 5Ds R is available for pre-order.
• Get Notified when the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM is available for pre-order.

Rebates have been so full of surprises lately. We posted earlier in the week that the new lens rebates were only going to be on the smaller set of the most popular lenses, have reduced rebate values, and require the simultaneous purchase of a body. (This was based on info that we’d seen earlier in the week, confirmed by multiple sources.)

We got two out of three right — the change is: there’s no requirement to purchase a body to get the lens rebates. The lens rebates values are indeed smaller by $50-$100, and available on fewer lenses. It was more advantageous to purchase in January (good call if you did), but a small rebate is better than no rebate!

The PIXMA PRO-100 rebate is also significantly reduced (now $250 for a bundle instead of $350). This has a new promotion id, 8191332, so you are eligible for this rebate even if you purchased the same item in the previous rebate.

See the rebate form.

• $300 Rebate on EOS 5D Mark III: Street price of $2399 AR
• $300 Rebate on EOS 5D Mark III with EF 24-105L IS Kit: Street price of $2999 AR
• $300 Rebate on EOS 6D: Street price of $1299 AR
• $300 Rebate on EOS 6D with 24-105mm f/4L Kit: Street price of $1829 AR

• $100 Rebate on EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM: Street price of $1419 AR
• $50 Rebate on EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM: Street price of $1069 AR
• $100 Rebate on EF 17-40mm f/4L USM: Street price of $659 AR
• $100 Rebate on EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: Street price of $1749 AR
• $100 Rebate on EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM: Street price of $759 AR
• $100 Rebate on EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II: Street price of $1899 AR
• $100 Rebate on EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM: MAP price of $1349 AR
• $100 Rebate on EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM: Street price of $1089 AR
• $50 Rebate on EF 70-200mm f/4L USM: Street price of $609 AR
• $200 Rebate on EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM: Street price of $1329 AR

The current mail-in rebates end tonight, and Canon is starting a new slate of mail-in rebates tomorrow, February 1st, ending on February 28th. They are also lowering the price on 1-series bodies. Here’s a summary of the changes:

• $300 mail-in rebate on EOS 5D Mark III is renewed.
  (street price: $2399 AR)

• $300 mail-in rebate on EOS 6D is renewed.
  (street price: $1299 AR)

• $800 price drop on EOS-1D X.
  This makes the current price (after $800 MIR) permanent.

• $4000 price drop on EOS-1D C to $7999.

• $50 instant rebate on 600EX-RT is back.

• Lens rebates are NOT renewed.

There will be small lens rebates available on the most popular lenses, however, it requires the simultaneous purchase of a camera body (6D/7D/7D Mark II/60D/70D) in order to be eligible. The rebate values are also reduced from the current, stand-alone rebates. e.g., 70-200 II will have a $100 rebate if purchased with a camera body. Compare to a $150 no-strings rebate today (street price of $1849 AR.)

UPDATE: Turns out the requirement for purchasing with a camera body is removed, and the lens rebates are standalone. They are smaller and on fewer lenses as described.