A recent Canon patent application, JP 2026-130227, reveals some of the wide-angle optical designs currently being evaluated by Canon’s engineering team. The patent explores several full-frame optical formulas featuring a fast F1.4 aperture, specifically for 20mm, 24mm, and a rather unusual 26mm focal length.
As with all optical patent applications, these documents represent ongoing research and development rather than guaranteed future products. Canon regularly patents a wide array of optical formulas to protect their intellectual property, and many never make it to full production. However, these filings do provide insight into the company’s current R&D focus—in this case, expanding the fast-aperture, wide-angle options for the RF mount.
The Embodiments Included in JP 2026-130227:
-
Canon RF 20mm F1.4: This formula outlines a highly requested ultra-wide focal length. A 20mm F1.4 would be an excellent addition for astrophotography, architecture, and environmental portraiture on the RF mount.
-
Canon RF 24mm F1.4: A staple focal length for many professionals. We have been waiting for an RF-native successor to the classic EF 24mm f/1.4L II, and this embodiment indicates Canon is actively designing and refining potential RF updates.
-
Canon RF 26mm F1.4: This is the most unique embodiment in the application. A 26mm prime sits right between the traditional 24mm and 28mm focal lengths. Historically, manufacturers have sometimes filed patents with exact focal lengths that are eventually rounded to more standard numbers (such as 28mm) for the retail market. Alternatively, this could be designed with specific video and cine-lens applications in mind, where focal lengths in the 25mm-26mm range are slightly more common.
While we wait to see if any of these optical formulas are realized into physical RF L-series lenses, it is promising to see Canon continuing to iterate on high-speed wide-angle primes. We will keep you updated if more information about these potential lenses surfaces.
Follow Canonaddict on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
via j-platpat