Does This New Canon Patent Point to an New 45mm Variant?

Canon has some of the best lenses in the world. The company has iconic models such as 50mm f0.95, FD 85mm f1.2L, and EF 200mm f1.8L, which are revered by people even today. As part of their growing lineup, Canon is working on a new patent that can be of help. Have a look.

According to Asobinet, patent number 2026119945 showcases a new design of the already existing RF 45mm f1.2 STM. However, the specs do not match, which raises whether a variant design, an early-stage prototype, or a hint at what comes next.

The lens is addressing a familiar problem: one where a large aperture in a compact body while still correcting chromatic aberration. The Canon lens is also said to have a double-Gaussian style design. The formula also features 20 to 30° half-field-of-view. However, there is also a trade-off, where correcting image curvature means using higher-refractive-index glass, which in turn makes chromatic aberration difficult to control. The patent’s specs are:

• Focal length: 46.35
• F-number: 1.22
• Half-angle angle: 23.62
• Likeness Height: 20.27
• Length: 55.45
• Back focus: 25.28

Compared to the existing lens, the new lens will be lighter, under 400g, and will be an inexpensive offering for those who are on a budget. The current lens costs about $469. Naturally, the next lens should cost the same or less.

The patent’s focal range is close to the original but not the same. The new lens showcases a 46.35mm range, along with a compact length of 55.45mm. Often with such patents, Canon lenses are described as an alternative to existing lenses and have small differences which are really common. It also describes the following:

• An early design stage of the RF 45mm f1.2 STM before final tuning.
• A closely related but distinct lens Canon considered alongside it.
• Work for a future variant (an L-series version) since there is already a budget variant existing for users.

The existing 45mm is no slouch. The lens has been great at a bright aperture, but the lack of weather-resistance makes it a challenge. There is some lack of sharpness if you shoot at f1.2. But it is really lightweight, and easy to use if you are looking at an everyday lens. As we added:

In reality, I’ll never take this lens out into a harsh environment, and I don’t think it was ever intended for that purpose. But it also means that it won’t last as long either because it will eventually weather away. This lens adds lots of character to Canon RF-mount cameras and, more importantly, offers starting professionals a shortcut to a portfolio with images that could’ve been shot with an L-series lens for under the $2600 that they’d need for an RF 50mm f1.2 L USM.

It is also possible that the patent remains just a patent and nothing else. Until the lens makes it to the final stages, and we see more concrete evidence, it is safe to assume that it is only for research purposes.