Canon EF 10mm f/2.8L USM lens patented

Canon has patented an EF 10mm f/2.8L USM wide-angle prime lens that would become the lens with the widest focal length available for EOS DSLRs with full-frame image sensors.

A new and interesting patent has emerged from Japan. It is describing a prime lens made by Canon for the company’s own EOS-series DSLR cameras with image sensors. If this lens becomes a reality, then it will also become the widest prime lens for EF-mount cameras. Without further ado, the product in question is the Canon EF 10mm f/2.8L USM lens that will offer a high image quality, but which does not come with fisheye designation, in spite of its ultra wide focal length.

The internal design of the Canon EF 10mm f/2.8L USM lens.

Canon EF 10mm f/2.8L USM lens patent emerges from Japan

Earlier in 2015, Canon introduced an ultra wide-angle zoom lens with a focal length of 11-24mm, which is commended for its superior image quality. It seems like the company is preparing to go even wider, as it has just patented an EF-mount 10mm f/2.8L USM prime lens.

The Canon EF 10mm f/2.8L USM lens is not a fisheye model, a rather surprising fact as such wide-angle optics are usually characterized by this trait.

The EF 10mm f/2.8L USM would become the widest EF-mount model by stealing this title from the existing EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM.

It is worth noting that it would not come as a surprise if the 10mm version serves as a replacement to the 14mm unit. The EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM lens is available for purchase at Amazon for a price around $2,100, but it has been around since 2007, so a successor could be close.

This non-fisheye wide-angle prime might be a pricey lens

Canon filed for the patent on November 22, 2013. The Japan-based manufacturer was granted the patent on June 4, 2015. The patent description is claiming that the lens will measure about 124mm, while its weight is unknown.

The internal configuration has not been mentioned, but it looks like the Canon EF 10mm f/2.8L USM lens will have at least a dozen elements. It bears L-designation and an Ultrasonic Motor, meaning that the image quality will be high and the autofocus will be quick as well as silent.

This unit announces itself as an expensive lens. However, it will surely draw a lot of attention. It remains to be seen whether it will be released on the market or not. Stay close to Camyx to find out!