Canon to focus on Canon RF lenses, not EF

Canon has stated this before, but in a recent interview with DCW, DigitalCameraWorld, Richard Shepherd, pro product marketing senior manager at Canon Europe stated;

As you know, last year we launched the RF mount and EOS R system. To date we’ve launched ten critically acclaimed lenses, and as it’s a new system we plan to continue this, launching more RF lenses while still fully supporting the EF lens system. And of course, should the market demand it, we are ready to create new EF lenses. But for now, our focus is on RF.

I don't think this is much of a surprise.  But we have still seen patent applications since the RF Mount has appeared, it's not as if Canon has suddenly stopped researching new optical designs for EF lenses.

Canon, like any other camera manufacturer, has the ability to produce a certain number of new lenses a year.  This involves mostly the effort in design and also readying for manufacturing.  With the RF mount conservatively needing at least 20-30 new lenses, there's no doubt that the RF system is the priority right now.

We have seen reports that Canon canceled development projects (ie: the 150-600mm lens).  Also, some lenses that they were showing off at tradeshows such as this one, the 600mm DO lens.

So it's obvious that priorities have shifted at Canon Inc for the development of new lenses, and has since probably before the RF mount was officially announced.

What does this bode for the EF mount? Canon will continue to support the EF mount, and manufacture lenses for it - but for a time.  As the RF mount matures, Canon will expect you to switch over to it.