Canon in development of 1.2x wide-angle super macro RF lenses, potentially introducing a premium lens category?

Canon, a leading name in the photography industry, is considering the development of new wide-angle macro lenses for its RF mount, according to patent application 2025-124117. If these lenses come to fruition, they could revolutionise the RF mount ecosystem by offering ultra-wide full-frame coverage, autofocus, and image stabilization with true macro and potentially super macro magnification levels.

The patent application includes details for two lenses with focal lengths of 21.00mm and 23.00mm. If developed, these lenses are expected to be in the 21mm and 24mm range, providing a unique perspective for macro photography. With 1.0x magnification, subjects would appear life-size on the sensor, a feature referred to as "true macro." At 1.2x magnification, we're moving into "super macro" territory, offering even more detail and scale.

Currently, wide-angle macro lenses with full-frame coverage, autofocus, and image stabilization are rare. Nikon offers a true 1.0x macro lens, the Z MC 50mm f/2.8, but it's not wide. Canon already has two wide-angle macro options in the RF lens lineup, but they max out at 0.5x magnification. If Canon introduces a full-featured, autofocus, stabilized, ultra-wide macro lens for full-frame mirrorless, it would be a first in the RF mount ecosystem.

Laowa offers ultra-wide manual focus macro lenses (15mm and 25mm), but they cater more to niche use. If developed, the new Canon lenses could potentially surpass the quality of current Canon STM offerings and even surpass the magnification of existing Canon macro lenses.

Kim Bunermann, a photographer, editor, and writer with work published internationally, focuses on the art and science of photography. When asked about the potential development of these new lenses, Bunermann stated, "A wide-angle macro lens like a 21mm or 24mm allows for getting close to subjects while capturing a lot of the surrounding environment. This could open up a world of creative possibilities for photographers."

It's important to note that there's no official announcement, no release date, and no guarantee that the new lenses will ever make it to production. However, the potential benefits of these lenses are undeniably exciting for the photography community. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

Canon in development of 1.2x wide-angle super macro RF lenses, potentially introducing a premium lens category?