Canon has rapidly replenished its library of RF mount lenses, with a wide range of options that deliver impressive performance and push the boundaries of lens design. However, there are still some missing lenses. Several new patents have surfaced that suggest Canon is working to fill those holes, and that they may be able to do so with some pretty extreme designs.
Canon rumors have unconcealed two new patents for RF mount lenses: RF 14mm f/1.4L IS USM and RF 24mm f/1.4L IS USM. The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM has long been one of the company’s most popular lenses, as its wide focal length and very wide maximum aperture make it useful for a wide 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, maxes out at f/2.8. This patent is for a lens that is faster than two apertures. There are already some pretty fast 14mm lenses; for example, I am a fan of the experience of Shot with Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art which I ended up buying one for myself. However, no 14mm full-frame DSLR or mirrorless lens can achieve f/1.4. Certainly, such a lens will attract the attention of many astrophysicists and will 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 hit the market. I’m sure we’ll see the RF 24mm f/1.4 at some point, but I also hope we’ll see the 14mm f/1.4, as it will likely be an interesting lens.
