Intriguing Canon Patent Reveals More Boundary-Pushing Lenses

Alex Cookea day ago

“Hold on to your seats, because Canon may be gearing up to release more ridiculous lenses, as a new patent application details.

The patent application, numbered 2023170260 and originating from Japan, introduces optical formulas for a range of RF mount lenses, including:

• 70-200mm f/2-2.8 DS
• 70-135mm f/2.5 DS
• 28-70mm f/1.6-2 DS
• 80-150mm f/1.8 DS
• 35-70mm f/1.8-2 DS

What sets these lenses apart from the crowd is the incorporation of Defocus Smoothing (DS) technology, which uses apodization filters to produce particularly smooth bokeh, albeit at the expense of light transmission. Canon's patent application seeks to address the challenge of achieving a uniform and excellent apodization effect across the entire zoom range while effectively minimizing peripheral dimming.

The most jaw-dropping aspect of the proposed lenses, though, is the astonishingly wide maximum apertures featured in these zoom lenses. Such apertures would redefine what photographers can achieve in various shooting conditions with a zoom lens. I can personally attest how much owning the RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM has changed the way I shoot, and to see the company exploring an even wider option is truly insane. The exceptionally large apertures not only enable photographers to shoot in low light with remarkable clarity and reduced noise (though that ability may be diminished with the DS technology) but also offer unparalleled creative control over depth of field, making them versatile tools for a wide range of photographic applications.

Canon's patent application aims to address the challenge of a DS system for a zoom lens while also minimizing vignetting. This breakthrough could open up new creative possibilities for photographers, enabling them to capture stunning images with beautifully blurred backgrounds, regardless of their zoom setting.

While Canon has not officially confirmed its plans regarding these lenses and the DO technology, the patent application offers a tantalizing glimpse into the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of optical innovation. Without a doubt, such lenses would be both enormous and enormously expensive, so there's no guarantee we'll see any of them make it to the market, but it's neat to see Canon continuing to push boundaries.”