Canon’s mirrorless cameras have been gradually achieving the fame they deserve. However, their lenses are not too far behind. The company has introduced some exceptional models over the years, but the portfolio is not yet complete. It appears to fill the gap; the company is researching newer focal ranges, and this time, it includes a look at broadening the wide-angle range.
According to Asobinet, the company has filed patent number 2026043301, which looks at different focal ranges from 14mm to 35mm. The aperture, too, ranges from f1.4 to f1.8. Here’s what the examples are like:
Example 1
- Focal length 14.42
- F-stop 1.46
- Half angle of view 52.34
- Image height 18.68
- Total length 118.50
- Back focus 14.00
Example 2
- Focal length 20.60
- F-stop 1.46
- Half angle of view: 42.54
- Image height 18.90
- Total length 117.50
- Back focus 18.44
Example 3
- Focal length 24.72
- F-stop 1.46
- Angle of view 37.40
- Image height 18.90
- Lens length 117.50
- Back focus 15.00
Example 4
- Focal length 18.45
- F-stop 1.46
- Angle of view: 45.46
- Image height 18.75
- Lens length 121.17
- Back Focal Length 17.78
Example 5
- Focal length 34.00
- F-number 1.85
- Angle of view 30.41
- Image height 19.96
- Lens length 98.50
- Back focus 14.00
The bright aperture will be important for photographers who want to shoot in low light, while the focal range will be helpful for street, documentary, architecture, and astrophotography. The lenses also seem to be designed for full-frame sensors, which means APS-C users will have to rely on Sigma.
Over the years, we have seen many third-party lens makers, both Japanese and Chinese, launch wide-angle primes, which makes one wonder whether Canon is aware of how competitive the market is. Sigma has already launched the 14mm f1.8 Art lens, along with 35mm f1.4 and 20mm f1.4, all of which perform really well. For instance, in the review of the 14mm, we said:
In a market where technical superiority is placed on a pedestal, this lens can still add some character with beautiful flare and perspective distortion. And then, of course, there’s the bokeh boost of that wider aperture, which is further bolstered by the ability to focus a foot from the front of the lens.
This also marks the second time Canon has been working on a new 14mm patent, after publishing something similar back in January. There also seems to be no major difference in design for the 14mm, but they have certainly added 35mm as part of the new research.
Other than Sigma, Samyang, Viltrox, TTArtisan, and 7Artisans, there are other companies that offer wide-angle primes, but the major challenge is that none offer autofocus compatibility, since Canon doesn’t officially allow them to create lenses for the RF mount.
At the moment, Canon already has 14mm f1.4L VCM, 20mm f1.4L, 24mm f1.4L, and 35mm f1.4L, with a newly launched 45mm f1.4L as well. This could mean that this new patent signals a cheaper variant of these lenses, or just that Canon is keen to launch something in the 20-24mm focal range. For instance, the 18mm f1.4L, which will be an odd focal length to keep. There is also a chance we may get a 35mm f1.8 STM lens, which could come at a lower price than usual.
It remains to be seen what Canon plans, but the way they are launching newer lenses suggests serious business. If Canon introduces these variants priced under $1000, perhaps more users will be interested in purchasing them. One thing is clear: the wide-angle prime race is certainly on.