With the introduction of the RF mount, Canon has entered a new realm of lens design, with some of the most cutting-edge designs ever seen for a full-frame camera. However, it seems the company is also exploring more measured and utilitarian designs, with some very interesting f/4 zoom lens designs appearing in a trio of recent patents.
Canon has recently been granted a patent for a trio of new f/4 zoom lens designs, including:
- 15-70mmf/4
- 13-60mmf/4
- 18-100mm f/4
Given the angles of view involved in the patent and their respective focal lengths, it looks like they were designed for APS-C sensors and therefore for the RF-S mount. This timing is not surprising, given Canon’s recent focus on APS-C cameras, with releases like EOS R7, EOS R50 and EOS R10, as it looks like the company is also filling the bottom of their mirrorless camera lineup. And f/4 lenses for APS-C cameras will likely be affordable and highly portable. With that said, the appearance of a patent does not guarantee a product will hit the market, although I wouldn’t be surprised to finally see one of these lenses.
