Fluorine coating has long been a staple of premium camera lenses, prized for its ability to repel water droplets and resist oils and fingerprints. However, the camera industry is currently facing a significant shift due to impending global environmental regulations. As European agencies and other international bodies crack down on PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances, often referred to as “forever chemicals”), the traditional coatings used on optical elements are expected to face strict manufacturing and sales restrictions in the future.
In response to these regulatory changes, Canon’s optical material subsidiary, Canon Optron, is developing a completely fluorine-free lens coating. Currently designated as “Dev-02-003,” this new material aims to provide an environmentally sustainable alternative without sacrificing the performance or durability required by professional photographers.
Overcoming Durability Challenges: Historically, fluorine-free alternatives have struggled heavily with wear and tear. Canon Optron’s previous PFAS-free material, “OR-510,” retained only about 23% of its performance after standard friction testing, making it unsuitable for the rigorous demands of field photography.
The newly developed Dev-02-003 material represents a significant technical breakthrough in overcoming these limitations. According to recent reports, laboratory testing indicates that Dev-02-003 offers exceptional resilience:
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High Abrasion Resistance: The coating successfully withstands 10,000 abrasive wipe tests with a cloth without peeling or losing its high water-repellent contact angle.
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Chemical Resilience: It has passed alcohol (ethanol) wipe tests, ensuring it can endure the routine, rigorous cleaning methods utilized by working professionals.
The Future of RF Lenses: As mass production processes are refined, and the coating receives its official commercial designation, Dev-02-003 is expected to become a core feature in next-generation RF lenses. Given the extreme environments encountered in sports, wildlife, and photojournalism, it is highly likely that this sustainable, ultra-durable coating will debut on Canon’s flagship L-series lenses, particularly the professional super-telephoto line.
Much like Canon’s historical success in artificially crystallizing fluorite for high-end optics, successfully pioneering a high-performance, eco-friendly coating represents a proactive technological victory. It allows the brand to navigate upcoming environmental regulations while maintaining the rugged reliability associated with its premium L-series optics.
Canon RF Lenses That Currently Use Fluorine
Zoom Lenses
- Canon RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS STM
- Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z
- Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM
- Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Prime Lenses
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
- Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM
- Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS (Defocus Smoothing)
- Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM
Macro Lenses
Super-Telephoto Lenses
- Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM
- Canon RF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM
- Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM
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via DCLife