Canon seems to be quite focused on getting the best ultimate zoom lens for its users. From the recently launched 70-200 F2.8L IS USM Z to the rumored 200-500mm f4 L, Canon is simply working to provide the innovations that they’ve been known for in the lens world. It could also be true as the company’s latest cameras, the EOS R5 II and EOS R1, are supposed to be the best in class and specifically targeted for fast-paced photography. Perhaps these lenses could really be the perfect companion for sports, wildlife, events photography, and photography. And now, a new report notes that the company will continue to advance this with a new patent.
According to Canon Rumors, the company has filed for a new patent application, 2024-154138, which the report notes will be both expensive and heavy. Per the patent, the description of the lens reveals that Canon aims to design to meet “the number of pixels” in recent CMOS sensors, and therefore, the lenses also need to “have high optical performance.”
One of the variations is the RF 70-130mm f2 L IS USM. It is bulky and certainly will be expensive, and it will be slightly under the 2x zoom range. The focus distance at the rear is pretty close, so this is likely to work with the RF mount. (Specs below.)
It’s also not too far off from the older Canon 70-150mm f4.5 FD lens.
| Wide | Middle | Tele | |
| Focal Length | 72.10 | 97.26 | 130.95 |
| F-Number | 2.05 | 2.05 | 2.05 |
| Angle of View | 16.70 | 12.54 | 9.38 |
| Half Image Height | 21.64 | 21.64 | 21.64 |
| Total Lens Length | 198.00 | 198.00 | 198.00 |
| Back Focus Distance | 13.90 | 13.90 | 13.90 |
The other one is the RF 70-150mm f2L IS USM, which Canon Rumors believe could become a reality soon. This comes at a time when the publication’s sources said that the company is working on “wild” lenses for the first half of the next year. By that token, this could be one of them. (Specs below.)
| Wide | Middle | Tele | |
| Focal Length | 72.10 | 101.30 | 145.50 |
| F-Number | 2.05 | 2.05 | 2.05 |
| Angle of View | 16.70 | 12.06 | 8.46 |
| Half Image Height | 21.64 | 21.64 | 21.64 |
| Total Lens Length | 227.00 | 227.00 | 227.00 |
| Back Focus Distance | 13.90 | 13.90 | 13.90 |
The patent also features a few more designs of 70-140mm and a 70-200mm f2.8. The report states that this would be well in addition to the existing, popular RF 28-70mm f2L.
The 70-150mm is one of the few lenses Canon fans are eagerly waiting for, especially since the company produced one in 1979 for their film cameras. Since then, no such lens has been produced for the DSLR or digital cameras. Getting the same for the mirrorless will certainly be surprising. However, the older version topped out at f4, so to see a f2 version will be great. Furthermore, considering no other company has launched this focal length at the time of writing this article, it makes one even more excited.
The same goes for the 200-500mm, which is already an offering from Nikon and Sigma. The Sigma lens is humongous and weighs about 15,700g. Many users will want to see a smaller lens in the same focal range, so it would be great if Canon users also got a variant.
While patents do not necessarily translate into end products, it is good to know that the company is looking at reviving lenses that are now part of its museum. If you look up some lenses in the FD and FL lenses, you will see some exciting focal lengths, which we don’t see anymore. Perhaps bringing them back to life could really help Canon to reach new heights.