New Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM patent spotted

New Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM patent spotted
(Image credit: Canon)

According to reports, Canon has applied for patent for a new Canon RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM lens – an ideal telephoto zoom lens for enthusiast Canon mirrorless photographers!

Canon has registered a new Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM mirrorless lens in Russia (SKU 4318C005). This is exciting news for all R-mount users, but could prove particularly interesting for those who have just invested in the new Canon EOS R6. A new Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens would make a great partner with the R6, whether you're shooting portraits, wildlife or long-distance landscapes.

• Read more: Best Canon RF lenses

As reported on by rumor website PhotoRumors, a Nokishita report revealed the existence of this exciting new lens. PhotoRumors predicts that an official announcement could come within the next one to three months, as Canon usually announces a product 30-90 days after it's been registered. 

As well as being likely to be lighter and smaller than its big brother, the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM should also be significantly more affordable, making the RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM a very attractive fast zoom lens for enthusiasts around the world.

In addition, while it might 'only' be f/4, the AF and ISO performance of all of the EOS R cameras means focusing and low-light indoor portraits shouldn't be a problem with this upcoming lens, especially if using the new IBIS-enabled Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6.

We envisage that this rumor could potentially be the start of a new RF f/4L unholy triumvirate of lenses (f/4 versions of the f/2.8 "holy trinity" pro zooms). So keep your eyes peeled for news revealing an RF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and RF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM to join the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM!

We've always been big fans of the smaller, lighter and cheaper EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM when shooting with our Canon DSLRs, as it's so sharp and also has IS for low-light hand-held scenic shots – so the DCW team would especially look forward to a potential RF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM!

However, even if the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM stands alone in Canon's RF lenses line-up, it's still a very exciting prospect.

Read more

Canon RF lens roadmap: current and future lenses for the Canon EOS R
Best Canon RF lenses: the best lens for Canon EOS R and EOS RP
Best Canon camera: Canon's DSLR, mirrorless and compact cameras

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Peter Travers

The former editor of PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, Peter has 18 years of experience as both a journalist and professional photographer. He is a hands-on photographer with a passion and expertise for sharing his practical shooting skills. Equally adept at turning his hand to portraits, landscapes, sports and wildlife, he has a fantastic knowledge of camera technique and principles. 


He is the author of several published photography books including Portrait Photographer's Style Guide, and The Complete Guide to Organising and Styling Professional Photo Shoots with fellow portrait pro Brett Harkness.


Pete remains a devout Canon user and can often be found reeling off shots with his trusty EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR.