Canon could be developing something new once more. A new patent has just dropped, revealing that Canon is researching novel optical systems for Canon RF lenses. The patent became available on May 29, 2025. It contains two lens designs: one is for a full-frame Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 lens, and the other is for an 18-50mm f/4 lens designed for APS-C cameras.
Currently, Canon has already got a Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 IS USM. So why would the company develop another lens with the same aperture and focal length? That is a query many are raising, and it leaves room for a couple of possibilities.
A Video Shooter’s Dream?
The existing RF 70-200mm f/4L is widely renowned for how light and portable it is. It is, in fact, one of the smallest lenses of its type and incorporates a collapsing design. There are some drawbacks, however. Because the lens extends as you zoom in, it can be more difficult to balance when shooting video or employing a gimbal. This is where this new patent gets interesting.
The design illustrated in the patent does not extend or fold when you zoom. That would imply that it could employ an internal zoom mechanism, where the lens does not change size regardless of the focal length. This is a feature video shooters frequently like, since it keeps the camera smooth and balanced.
Canon already took a similar approach with the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM Z. That lens is designed for both photography and video shooting and features special modes such as Power Zoom and improved control of focus. However, it is very expensive and more than what a lot of casual or hobby shooters need.
If new Canon RF lenses design actually come to life, then it might be Canon’s means of delivering a more compact and perhaps less expensive model that nevertheless retains video-friendly features. Maintaining the lens’s compactness and stability would suit individuals who produce content consistently, whether they take pictures or videos.
Of course, we also cannot forget that Canon applies for many patents annually. Some never even make it onto store shelves. The company has a history of guarding designs that may or may not be released. Nevertheless, with how popular the 70-200mm range is, and how competitive the marketplace has gotten, it would not be surprising to have another RF lens join the ranks soon.
Final Thoughts
When I first came across the news, I was thinking to myself, “Another 70-200mm lens? Come on.” But reading more about the internal zoom concept made more and more sense. As a user of gimbals, being able to use a lens without changing its weight as it zooms would be such a big assistance. I do hope that Canon does not just mothball this concept. Despite the fact that the RF lineup already has some excellent options, a small and video-capable f/4 lens would be a good addition.
[via digitalcameraworld; Image credits: Asobinet]
