Will Canon Create Smarter, Faster Autofocus Lenses

Canon has some exceptional cameras that have been perfect for fast-paced photography. Models such as the 5D series, the R3, and the R5 have been recommended for a variety of photographers. These cameras offer great autofocus, and with them, lenses such as the 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM, the RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM, and the RF 24-105mm f4-7.1 IS STM also perform quite effectively. To continue the tradition of fast autofocus lenses that can meet the demands of the mirrorless cameras, Canon has been working to create compact autofocus lenses. Here’s a look at what the new patent suggests.

According to Canon Rumors, the company published patent P2025080717 on May 26, which showcases how Canon is focused on creating these lenses without impacting image quality. The report explains the challenges that fast autofocus lenses face. For instance, zoom lenses, with a longer focal length and fast autofocus, come with a cost. Either these lenses have a powerful motor, which increases the size, or you work around the vibrations and tilting. This affects the quality of the images, as well as videos. Similarly, older lenses, too, with a fast motor, ended up causing soft images due to barrel shift.

What Can The New Canon Patent Do?

In simpler terms, the new design by Canon showcases the use of two or more linear motors. that are placed equally around the lens barrel at a 360° distance. The claim states that each motor has two coils, and one of the coils is bent on purpose. Canon will use a Halbach array, a special magnetic setup, which will help to deliver efficiency while keeping the size of the lens small. In addition, the coils will also remove side forces, which will reduce the movement of the barrel.

The second design of the lens also showcases a flat coil and a bent one. This imbalance, the report states, will reduce the interference of the system with the magnetic walls.

What Will Photographers Get?

Canon’s new design is a boon. They are not only giving us better coils and their placement, but are aiming to make lenses that could be travel-friendly. Most zoom lenses are bigger, often heavy to carry, and also feature slower apertures, which is a task for some shooters. However, with this new patent, photographers get a chance to get smaller lenses with faster autofocus and better tolerance, which can help one with a more compact setup.

Although the focal range has not yet been revealed, this could be ideal for 100-500mm or even the anticipated 200-500mm. The company is said to launch newer lenses in a few months, so it remains to be seen whether this patent is already in application on those optics.

However, what must be seen is the price. Tamron already has some wonderful lenses, and with Nikon, they offer fast autofocus, a decent size, and a great price point. For instance, the 150-500mm f5-6.7 Di III and the 28-300mm f4-7.1 Di III VC VXD are some exceptions. If Tamron can achieve this feat, Canon can too. But the latter will likely achieve this for a much higher MRP. I do hope Canon proves us wrong.