Canon has filled out the RF mount lens library at an aggressive pace, with many options that offer impressive performance and push the boundaries of lens design. Nonetheless, there are still some missing lenses. Some new patents have emerged that indicate Canon is working on filling those holes, and they might do so with some fairly extreme designs.
Canon Rumors has uncovered two new patents for RF mount lenses: an RF 14mm f/1.4L IS USM and RF 24mm f/1.4L IS USM. The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM was long one of the company's most popular lenses, as its wide focal length and very wide maximum aperture made it useful for a range of applications. I'm sure an RF version would be equally popular.
On the other hand, Canon's premium 14mm prime, the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM, maxed out at f/2.8. This patent is for a lens a full two stops faster. There have been some fairly fast 14mm lenses; for example, I was such a fan of the experience of shooting with the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art that I ended up purchasing one for myself. However, no full frame 14mm DSLR or mirrorless lens has reached f/1.4. Surely, such a lens would capture the attention of a lot of astrophotographers and would be unique in its focal length and aperture combination. All that being said, just because a patent is filed doesn't mean a lens will actually be brought to market. I am sure we will see an RF 24mm f/1.4 at some point, but I also hope we see the 14mm f/1.4, as it would likely be one heck of a fun lens.
