Canon patents new superzoom lenses for EF and RF mounts

Canon patents new superzoom lenses for EF and RF mounts

Canon is gearing up to unleash four new superzoom lenses, two EF-mount for its DSLR bodies and two RF-mount for its full-frame mirrorless Canon EOS R. 

Perhaps the most exciting lens in the Japanese patent is the Canon RF 25-300mm f/3.5-5.6, which would offer an impressive native focal range for the EOS R.

The other lenses, as spotted by Canon News, offer even greater reach – and, in the case of the RF 30-350mm f/2.8-4.5, even greater speed as well. 

EF mount lenses:
Canon EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6
Canon EF 35-400mm f/4.5-5.6

RF mount lenses:
Canon RF 25-300mm f/3.5-5.6
Canon RF 30-350mm f/2.8-4.5

While we can't say when these optics will find their way onto shelves, the patent shows that Canon is true to its word in developing RF lenses for its new mirrorless foray – and remains committed to EF glass for its DSLR systems, too.

Update: So far, the only RF mount superzoom to arrive is the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM. It doesn't match the specs of the RF lens patents above, but as we always say, patents don't always turn into products. Often, a manufacturer will patent a clever design to stop anyone else using it, well ahead of any decision about whether to make it or not.


Read more:

The best superzoom lenses for Canon in November 2018

The best Canon telephoto lenses in 2018

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.