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

Overview

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

A patent application reveals a slew of f/1.4 zooms being explored by Canon

Details

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Canon's range of hybrid VCM f/1.4 primes (above) could soon be joined by an innovative zoom lens with maximum f/1.4 aperture — a world-first (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

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.

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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 Power Shot 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 Power Shot 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)

A full-frame zoom lens with a constant f/1.4 maximum aperture would be a world-first. Naturally, there will be design compromises.

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.

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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 Tech Radar'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.

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Tim is the Cameras editor at Tech Radar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.

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Key Takeaways

• Canon could launch a game-changing f/1

• A patent application reveals a slew of f/1

• When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

• Canon's range of hybrid VCM f/1

• Patent application reveals multiple exciting Canon optical designs