Canon could launch a game-changing f/1.4 zoom lens this year but with one likely catch

Date:
Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:53:22 +0000

Description:
A patent application in Japan reveals a range of fast aperture zoom lenses that Canon is exploring, covering full-frame, APS-C, and PowerShot. Here's what we might see

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now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter Patent application reveals multiple exciting Canon optical designs There are several f/1.4 zooms in the application, for full-frame and APS-C Rumors suggest an RF 24-45mm f/1.4L as one possible product f/2.8 zoom lenses have long been the trusted armory of working photographers, but then Canon and
Sony levelled up with f/2 zooms, namely the RF 28-70mm F2L USM , FE 28-70mm
F2 GM, and FE 50-150mm F2 GM .

For me, the formidable trio is the pinnacle of lens design, especially for wedding and event photography. I might soon have to think again, however, if anything comes from a recent patent application, uncovered by the folks at Canon Rumors . The Canon patent application filed in Japan highlights several zoom lenses, many of which boast a constant f/1.4 aperture across the zoom range, and cover a range of sensor sizes, including full-frame. You may like Canons RF 14mm F1.4L VCM Is an astrophotographers dream at a premium Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC | C review: a perfectly portable prime with a fast aperture for city and night shots Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC | Art review: prime lens killer

Why's this a big deal? If any of these lenses were to be realized, whether
for Canon full-frame or APS-C mirrorless cameras, or PowerShot compacts, we would be looking at world-first optics.

The f/1.4 aperture is typically seen in pricey prime lenses and not versatile zooms, meaning we could get the best of both worlds in one lens.

There's a fair bit of technical language in a previous post by Canon Rumors , but the long and short of it is that we might see a game-changing full-frame f/1.4 zoom, the most likely of which could be something like a RF 24-45mm F1.4L. There could be new PowerShot compacts with cutting-edge lenses on the horizon, too. This is me with the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM lens a truly innovative zoom lens with constant f/2 aperture and my dream events photography lens. (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Is there a catch? A full-frame zoom lens with a constant f/1.4 maximum aperture would be a world-first. Naturally, there will be design compromises. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Based on the patent, Canon Rumors suggests that a would-be RF 24-45mm f/1.4L lens would measure around 220mm that's around twice the length of Canon's RF 85mm F1.2L , which is a chunky lens already and would presumably also be a heavyweight.

We've seen that weight / performance compromise before in the Canon RF
28-70mm F2L lens, which is a full stop brighter but much bigger than the
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM (even if Sony has consequently been able to
make a much smaller and lighter 28-70mm f/2 than Canon's).

Put simply, if you want the versatility of a (constant) fast aperture and
zoom capabilities in a single lens, it'll cost you in size and weight versus simply picking up a lighter prime lens with the same maximum aperture. An f/1.4 zoom would literally cost you extra, too. What to read next 2025 was such a strong year for new lenses these were my 5 favorites Sigmas 135mm f/1.4 DG | Art review: the ultimate portrait lens? My dream Nikon lens has finally landed an affordable 35mm f/1.2 prime

If the above lens materializes, it represents the equivalent of three or four f/1.4 primes in one optic, in a much larger and presumably pricier zoom a compromise some could be willing to make, even if the zoom range on the
likely candidate is hardly expansive.

Canon Rumors predicts that we'll see such a zoom lens in 2026, but we should remember that such patent applications only reveal optical designs that are being explored, not confirming those that will come to market Canon is prolific with patent applications.

I've personally reviewed the Sony 50-150mm F2 GM lens, and it consequently took TechRadar's Lens of the Year 2025 award, and needless to say, a
five-star rating. An f/1.4 zoom would no doubt be in the running for such
high praise, so we can only hope that one of these patents becomes a reality. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the
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