Canon cameras and lenses have been at the forefront of technological innovations in the industry. With the launch of the mirrorless cameras, the company has been reinventing its lineup, especially its lenses. Per new reports, Canon has worked on multiple patents, including the likes of 35mm f1.2L, which has high hopes from users. It now appears that Canon intends not only to broaden the horizon of wide-angle lenses but also super-telephotos, the latter of which can truly be of use to many photographers.
Per a new report by Asobinet, the company has published patent 2026004766, which showcases a highly versatile super-telephoto lens concept. This design showcases a 300mm f2.8 lens with a new built-in 1.4x extender, which can help to increase the focal range to 400mm.
Example 1
- Focal length: 290.94
- F-number: 2.90
- Half angle of view: 4.25
- Image height: 21.64
- Total length: 274.02
- Back focal length: 41.47
Example 2
- Focal length: 407.40
- F-number: 4.12
- Half angle of view: 3.04
- Image height: 21.64
- Total length: 296.72
- Back focal length: 38.43
Canon states that it will reduce the size and weight of the lens, and the camera will also perform aberration corrections. However, the biggest point here is the inclusion of the extender, which will help achieve greater reach, a boon for sports and wildlife photographers. The built-in converter can help one get more from a single focal range.
At the moment, Canon has a 300mm f2.8, a 400mm, and a 600mm lens, each of which ranges between $6000 to $13,000. In that regard, if Canon does launch a new 300mm lens with a 1.4x converter, they must also keep it at a price that is affordable.
However, keeping that Nikin has two lenses with teleconverters (the 400mm and the 600mm), Canon could be trying to appeal to photographers who want two focal lengths in one body. By using a 300mm base, the company may focus more on portability, flexibility, and lower costs. Sigma offers a 300-600mm f4 lens, which can be an ideal competitor given the price and focal range. However, the drawback is the aperture. Similarly, Tamron offers 50-400mm f4.5-6.3, but that may not be chosen by professionals.
A 300mm f2.8 with built-in teleconverter can be a fast lens, and wth weather sealing, it can appeal to many. However, given the rising prices of lenses, a lot of people would rather opt for the 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS. It remains to be seen whether Canon launches something like this anytime soon. But for now, it is safe to say that lenses with teleconverters is where the industry is headed.