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Canon has released a series of new patents, which showcase a range of zoom lenses. This is not the first time that we have seen multiple filings from the company, but it surely proves they want to grow their RF lineup with a more versatile focal range. While the company has multiple zoom lenses, the new patents showcase a series of odd ranges. Let’s take a peek.
According to Asobinet, the company has filed three new patents: P2025148062, P2025149060, and P2025147826. Each of them showcased mid-range, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses. Launched on October 7 and 8, the designs are for both APS-C and full-frame cameras.
Zooms for APS-C Camera
Patent number P2025148062 showcases three lens designs: 20–50mm f4, 20–40mm f2.8, 10–30mm f4. These are inner zoom lenses, and the focal ranges will work better with APS-C RF-S cameras. The zoom won’t extend, which also means they are easier to pack.
Example 1
- Focal length: 20.63-48.50
- F-number: 4.10-4.12
- Half angle of view: 42.23-24.04
- Image height: 21.64
- Total length: 118.10
- Back focus: 11.49
Example 2
- Focal length: 20.61-38.72
- F-number: 2.90
- Half angle of view: 43.64-29.19
- Image height: 19.65-21.64
- Total length: 130.70
- Back focus: 31.45-40.28
Example 5
- Focal length: 10.31-29.40
- F-number: 4.10-4.12
- Half angle of view: 48.96-24.92
- Image height: 13.66
- Total length: 111.48
- Back focal length: 11.62
The lenses are f4, which means they are slow. With Tamron offering 20–40mm f2.8 Di III VXD and Sigma 18–50mm f2.8 DC DN (which is an old lens), there is a need for more APS-C lenses. These will certainly be hybrid lenses, designed for videography use, but they certainly have to have a brighter aperture. And priced better.
Fast Telephoto Zooms for Full-Frame
Asobinet said the new patent showcases two lenses: 50–150mm f2.8 and 70–180mm f2.8. These lenses are designed to meet the needs of professionals, as they have large apertures. But unlike the APS-C lenses, these lenses will have an extending zoom mechanism, which is said to help with a smaller barrel design and compact design.
Example 1
- Focal length: 51.50-145.50
- F-number: 2.89-2.91
- Half angle of view: 22.79-8.28
- Image height: 20.53-21.63
- Total length: 176.15-234.55
- Back focal length: 41.56
Example 2
- Focal length: 66.97-174.59
- F-number: 2.89-2.91
- Half angle of view: 17.90-6.90
- Image height: 20.50-21.63
- Total length: 197.87-262.87
- Back focal length: 37.71
Sony has a 50-150mm G-series lens, and it appears that Canon’s patent wants to follow in its footsteps. Sony’s G series is expensive, and so, the company may launch its own L series version. However, Tamron offers a spectacular 70–180mm f2.8 Di III VC VXD G2, and it costs barely $1200. Keeping this in mind, Canon will have to compete with Tamron, largely due to the price, as the colors from Canon lenses are already spectacular. And perhaps, an inner zoom mechanism.
All-in-One Superzoom
The third patent, P2025147826, showcases the design of two lenses: 28–400mm f3.5–6.3 IS, 28–400mm f4-8 IS. The lenses offer high magnification and are all-in-one lenses for travel photographers. In addition, they are said to be compact.
Example 1
- Focal length: 28.90-388.10
- F-number: 3.37-6.49
- Half angle of view: 33.71-3.16
- Image height: 19.28-21.39
- Total length: 173.50-282.93
- Back focus: 14.73-45.07
Example 2
- Focal length: 28.85-388.00
- F-number: 4.12-8.24
- Half angle of view: 34.34-3.15
- Image height: 19.71-21.38
- Total length: 161.50-259.50
- Back focus: 12.32-47.08
Nikon already has a Z 28-400mm f4-8 VR. If Canon develops the same, it can be useful for its users. While there are third-party lenses such as Tamron’s 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 and Sigma’s 18-300mm f3.5-6.3, both of which still have a smaller focal range. There is also the Tamron 50-400mm f4.5-6.3, but again, the focal range is slightly taller.
Overall, Canon’s strategy to offer different focal ranges can truly benefit RF users. These lenses must be compact and perform in a way that justifies the price. For instance, most L series are worth the money. However, sometimes people still opt for cost-effective options as their second choice. Whether these lenses reach the development stage or not, it proves that Canon is rethinking its strategy for the better.
