Canon Patent P2026-088009: RF 16-35mm f/4 IS, 20-50mm f/4 IS, and 20-60mm f/4 IS
A new Canon patent application (P2026-088009) has been published in Japan, detailing the optical formulas for three full-frame, constant-aperture standard and ultra-wide zoom lenses. The patent outlines designs for a Canon RF 16-35mm f/4 IS, an RF 20-50mm f/4 IS, and an RF 20-60mm f/4 IS.
These optical layouts suggest Canon is continuing to explore compact, high-performance wide-to-standard zooms for the full-frame RF mount, prioritizing a constant f/4 aperture and in-lens image stabilization across the board. The 20-50mm and 20-60mm formulas are particularly interesting, presenting versatile alternatives to the traditional 24-70mm standard zoom range.
Patent Details: P2026-088009
- Applicant: Canon Inc.
- Publication Number: P2026-088009
- Description: Optical system and imaging apparatus
Example 1: Canon RF 16-35mm f/4 IS
- Focal Length: 16.48 – 33.98mm
- F-Number: 4.12
- Half Angle of View: 52.68° – 32.45°
- Image Height: 21.64mm
- Overall Length: 112.50mm
- Back Focus: 14.20mm
Example 2: Canon RF 20-50mm f/4 IS
- Focal Length: 20.60 – 48.50mm
- F-Number: 4.12
- Half Angle of View: 46.41° – 24.23°
- Image Height: 21.64mm
- Overall Length: 118.30mm
- Back Focus: 15.10mm
Example 3: Canon RF 20-60mm f/4 IS
- Focal Length: 20.60 – 58.20mm
- F-Number: 4.12
- Half Angle of View: 46.41° – 20.45°
- Image Height: 21.64mm
- Overall Length: 125.40mm
- Back Focus: 16.05mm
While the RF 20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ has recently made waves as a power zoom geared toward video creators, this patent shows that Canon has thoroughly researched this unconventional focal range for standard optical zooms as well. The 16-35mm f/4 IS embodiment also hints at potential future expansions to Canon’s wide-angle f/4 L-series lineup, offering a modern mirrorless update to the beloved EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM.
As with all patents, this represents Canon’s ongoing research and development. While these exact optical formulas may not become consumer products immediately, they provide an exciting glimpse into the focal ranges and aperture combinations Canon’s engineers are prioritizing.
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via j-platpat