In this patent application (2024-154138), Canon hits the ground running on some downright jaw-dropping lovely zooms. Will we see any? I hope so, but I’m sure someone out there will complain about them being too expensive and too heavy. Going by the embodiments, these will be both.
Canon sets up the problem domain that this application addresses as;
In recent years, in digital still cameras and video cameras, the number of pixels in solid-state imaging elements such as CCD and CMOS sensors has increased, and therefore optical systems used in imaging devices using imaging elements are required to have high optical performance. Furthermore, a large-diameter zoom lens is required to take pictures that make the most of the blur effect.
Canon RF 70-130mm f/2.0L IS USM
This embodiment oozes expensive. Just count the elements and complexity of the zoom for a lens around the 2x zoom range. With its slightly under 2x zoom range, we should expect nothing but greatness from this lens.
The back focus distance is pretty tight, but we have seen actual production lenses around 14mm in back focus, so this would seem to fit with the RF mount.
| Wide | Middle | Telephoto | |
| Focal Length | 72.10 | 97.26 | 130.95 |
| F-Number | 2.05 | 2.05 | 2.05 |
| Angle of View | 16.70 | 12.54 | 9.38 |
| Half Image Height | 21.64 | 21.64 | 21.64 |
| Total Lens Length | 198.00 | 198.00 | 198.00 |
| Back Focus Distance | 13.90 | 13.90 | 13.90 |
Canon RF 70-150mm F2.0L IS USM
This one is “cheating” a bit but since the long focal is 145.5 – it really wouldn’t surprise me to see Canon call this a 170-150mm length lens. This just isn’t a Canon thing, they all “fudge” a bit on the focal lengths. I don’t make the rules. This lens takes the complexity of the first embodiment and says “Hold my beer”.
Big and heavy, this is.
| Wide | Middle | Telephoto | |
| Focal Length | 72.10 | 101.30 | 145.50 |
| F-Number | 2.05 | 2.05 | 2.05 |
| Angle of View | 16.70 | 12.06 | 8.46 |
| Half Image Height | 21.64 | 21.64 | 21.64 |
| Total Lens Length | 227.00 | 227.00 | 227.00 |
| Back Focus Distance | 13.90 | 13.90 | 13.90 |
There are more variations of 70-140mm lenses in the embodiments as well as a 70-200mm f/2.8. Will Canon do this lens? it would be the perfect companion to the near-legendary RF 28-70mm f/2.0L.
Canon RF 70-150mm F1.8L IS USM
Next up, though, is the mother of all 70-200 variants of lenses, first in their name; you know the titles. Thanks to the forum for pointing out that I missed this one.
I think that if Canon does any of the embodiments, they’ll cut it back a bit and do an F2.0L because it’s cheaper, the front element is smaller, and thus, the lens is less front-heavy.
However, we dare to dream!
| Wide | Middle | Telephoto | |
| Focal Length | 72.10 | 102.62 | 145.50 |
| F-Number | 1.89 | 1.89 | 1.89 |
| Angle of View | 16.70 | 11.90 | 8.46 |
| Half Image Height | 21.64 | 21.64 | 21.64 |
| Total Lens Length | 240.00 | 240.00 | 240.00 |
| Back Focus Distance | 14.34 | 14.34 | 14.34 |
As with all patent applications, this is a look into Canon’s research. While it may not ultimately end up in a product, it’s a sign that Canon is at least looking at these types of esoteric lens designs.
Japan Patent Application 2024-154138
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Yeah, I mean Leica has had one for like 10 years... hurry up Canon.
I am hoping Canon finds a way to reduce weight. Wasn’t there a possible RF 28-70mm F2 mkii mentioned that focused on reducing its weight?
I'll ask around though. You usually see the patent application for the final design after announcement. We do see variation beforehand though.
The ability to cover the 85mm, 100mm and 135mm focal lengths @ f2 would be amazing. The extra 10mm @ 145/150mm would be a great "nearly 200mm" focal length. I find with my 135L that the framing difference between a head and shoulders portrait @ 135mm and 200mm is usually just a step closer.
This and a 24-35mm f2 and I'm in a giddy portait / wedding photographer's heaven.
Ok, I'd be ok with that for my 28 f/1.4L obsession. Just put the ability to lock it at 28. If not, Gorilla Glue should do the trick. Or make it a tri-elmar design...
.... I'm clearly off the rails.
And I won't start thinking about the price either... :p
But I'd love to see the photos taken with it from @GMCPhotographics
That would throw that "other" company launch into chaos.
Not my style of lens (I'm generally either side of it), but this would be an absolute beast.
Edit to correct spelling. Oops.
Yeah, I love halo products. They really are great for marketing even if you don't sell a lot of them.
The design is 7"/18cm long (after flange distance removed from design). That's crazy.
It's certainly a lens that I would easily choose over a 70-200/2.8 for a lot of assignments. Probably not a lot of use for my landscape or wildlife work.
Canon Patent Application: Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8
That stuff makes me sad.
There's something I'm going to see if I can correlate betwen pateent apps and products that actually get released
Yeah, you'd have to be in the "high-end professional" price range, not get into the "big white" prices.
Harryfilm said that (Apologies to Bob Dylan Talkin' World War III Blues).
Then I checked, and even the largest lighthouse lens would be too small. :oops:
Thx