Canon has been working on multiple patents in recent weeks, which reveal lenses that range from wide angles to standard telephoto prime. While there is no confirmation of what may come next, a new report reveals that the company may introduce a super telephoto lens soon. What could it be? Let’s have a look.
In a new article, Canon Rumors has revealed that the company is likely to introduce a new Big White telephoto lens. The lenses are likely to be a replacement or update for the RF 400mm f2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f4L IS USM, which will also be released in late May, ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, what’s new this time is that the telephoto lenses will feature 1.4x and an extender, which would allow more reach without external teleconverters. The report also says that Canon may include a 1.4x and 2x teleconverter together in a 600mm as well. So far, Nikon offers a 600mm with a teleconverters, which, while expensive, is perfect for a good deal of professional wildlife, bird, and sports photographers.
What must be remembered is that there is yet no revelation about what exactly lenses may feature in terms of their specs. If we look at our previous coverage of patents for this focal range, we find that Canon is working on 300mm, 400mm, and 500mm lenses that are meant to be smaller and faster. As we had wrote:
This system is unique in its floating focus mechanism, which uses the movement of two lens groups while focusing. This dual-group focusing will also reduce aberration fluctuations, which are common when you move the focus between your shots. There is also the spacing of internal elements, which can further reduce the size and weight of the lenses.
At the same time, in another patent, we revealed how Canon may launch a 300mm lens instead of a 400mm, which comes with a 1.4x teleconverters. Thus, it is hard to commit whether the 400mm will indeed feature a TC.
At the same time, the reactions online have been mixed. While the RF super telephoto will be convenient with a TC, there is also skepticism about having both 1.4 and 2 x teleconverters together, since no lens in recent memory had that. Moreover, if this design does come true, the challenge will be the expense and the size. Even if Canon launches one 400mm or 600mm with a 1.4x converter, that will be more than enough.
In the past, Canon did send photographers to the World Cup or Olympics to test their latest gear. Thus, it is possible that one may see leaked photographs of the same soon. However, it is also possible that the updated version lacks a TC to keep the price low. If Canon does move ahead, the first sign may be a development announcement rather than an immediate product launch.