Canon Patents a RF 24mm f/1.2L and a RF 35mm f/1.2L

Canon continues its pace in the development of ultra-fast prime lenses for its RF mount. A recent patent application filing suggests that Canon is pursuing lens designs for its Canon RF 35mm f/1.2L and Canon RF 24mm f/1.2L lenses. This has sparked interest among photography enthusiasts regarding the possible imminent release of the much-anticipated "halo" lenses.

Canon's latest patent application (2026-013481, filed with the Japanese Patent Office) outlines the intricate lens designs for the aforementioned lenses. Some of the notable features include:

• Dual focus groups: An innovative design that is meant to improve the lens's autofocus capabilities without compromising the lens's focus breathing, which is critical for video recording and photography.
• Image circle coverage: This ensures the lenses have the capability to cover the entire image sensor, which is critical for full-frame cameras.
• intricate lens designs typical of Canon's L-series lenses.

Some of the detailed specifications of the lenses, according to the patent application, include:

RF 35mm f/1.2L Embodiment

RF 35mm f/1.2 Characteristics 

RF 24mm f/1.2L Embodiment

RF 24mm f/1.2 Characteristics 

Thoughts

The short back focus distances of the lens embodiments, with the lens elements extending into the 20mm flange depth of the camera mount, may be problematic. 

It is interesting to note that while the patent documents show Canon's research efforts and significant engineering work going into the lens embodiments, they do not guarantee the production of the lenses or their imminent introduction into the market. Nevertheless, the repeated appearance of the 35mm f/1.2 and 24mm f/1.2 lens embodiments in Canon's patent documents suggests that the company is still committed to addressing the gap in its flagship lineup of f/1.2 prime lenses.

• Japan Patent Office