Canon has a variety of exceptional lenses in its massive portfolio. In fact, some of its telephoto lenses continue to be favourites of many photographers. For instance, Canon 100-400mm L IS II, the 300mm f2.8 L, or the 800mm f5.6 are some lenses that many wildlife and bird photographers absolutely adore. Since Canon moved to mirrorless mount, they have been engineering newer lenses, with some still in the research stage. Joining this portfolio are patents for two new telephoto lenses, which will excite many users.
According to Asobinet, patent P2025091080 was published on June 18, showcasing different designs of two full frame lenses: 100-500mm f4.5-6.3 IS and 100-600mm f4.5-6.3 IS. Per the patent, Canon wants to create a zoom lens that is not just compact and lightweight but also has “less variation in optical performance during focusing.” Here is a look at the designs:
Example 1
- Focal length: 103.18-484.84
- F-number: 4.63-6.43
- Half angle of view: 11.84-2.56
- Image height: 21.64
- Total length: 238.21-337.21
- Back focus: 57.29-91.05
Example 2
- Focal length: 103.31-584.79
- F-number: 4.63-6.49
- Half angle of view: 11.83-2.12
- Image height: 21.64
- Total length: 284.16-389.09
- Back focus: 37.71-78.98
Canon already has a 100-400mm f5.6-8 IS USM lens in its portfolio, which was launched in 2021. While the lens itself was quite affordable, it offered great image quality, it lacked smarts, subject recognition, and weather sealing. That could be due to the lens’ price, which was $649, which was far cheaper than the 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM. The latter, an L series lens, in that regard, had all the bells and whistles, but also three times the MRP, at $2,699.
With the two 100-400mm and the 100-500mm, we are likely to see a better zooming system, which means only the front of the lens will move, and not the entire barrel. But since the new patents do not seem to be for L-series, our hope is that it features weather sealing and better animal and bird recognition features, while keeping the price tag the same as the older version.
If the patent does come true, many full-frame users will have the opportunity to buy extra lenses. There is also plenty of room for budding and serious enthusiasts to buy one without having to rely on third-party lenses like Sigma or Tamron. A first-party lens is always an ideal choice, with people turning to third-party makers to increase their arsenal of gear. So, we do hope Canon helps users with this predicament.