Canon has been quite aggressive in developing and releasing RF mount lenses, and it looks like they intend to keep pressing forward, with over a dozen new patents showing plans for some pretty incredible options.
The patents, filed across several applications and uncovered by Canon Rumors, show a huge range of supertelephoto zoom options:
- RF 200-800mm f/5.6-9.0
- RF 200-1000mm f/5.6-11.0
- RF 200-800mm f/5.6-8.0
- RF 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3
- RF 200-800mm f/5.6-9.0
- RF 300-1000mm f/6.3-9.0
- RF 300-800mm f/5.6-9.0
- RF 200-500mm f/5.6-6.3
- RF 200-400mm f/4.0
- RF 200-800mm f/5.6-9.0 IS
- RF 200-1000mm f/5.6-9.0 IS
- RF 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS
- RF 200-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS
- RF 200-400mm f/4.0 IS
There a few things to note here. First, of course, is that there is no way Canon is planning on releasing 14 supertelephoto zoom lenses with such overlapping ranges. In fact, just because a patent application is filed, it does not mean a lens will eventually make it to the market, so there's a chance we won't see any of these. That being said, supertelephoto zooms have pushed well past the traditional 400mm upper limit in recent years, reaching to 500mm and even 600mm. Canon has already shown an interest in more consumer-oriented ultra-long focal length lenses, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one or even two of these designs, perhaps one with image stabilization, meant for advanced hobbyists and professionals, and one with a narrower set of maximum apertures, meant to be a bit more portable. Hopefully, we will hear more soon!
Looks interesting.
I do want some ultrawide zooms as well. Especially for APS-C in RF mount.
Not sure how much size and weigt savings is there in long telephotos ,for APS-C, likely none, but in wide angle there definitely is and cost as well.
Hint hint. I wish Canon would patent a 12-200mm micro four thirds power zoom lens.