Canon Patent Application Highlights New Compact Zoom Lens Designs

A new Canon patent application, published on April 28, 2025, outlines several interesting optical system designs. Among them are full-frame-compatible zoom lenses believed to target configurations like a 20–40mm f/2.8 and 20–50mm f/4, as well as an APS-C format lens such as a 12–35mm f/2.5–3.5.

Although it’s uncertain whether these specific designs will reach commercial production, Canon’s track record suggests it’s a real possibility. These lenses might be part of a broader initiative to develop zoom lenses optimized for video applications.

Patent Overview

Publication Number: JP2025-68535 (P2025-68535A)
Publication Date: April 28, 2025
Title: Zoom Lens and Imaging Device Having the Same
Filing Date: October 16, 2023
Applicant: Canon Inc.
Applicant ID: 000001007

The patent describes a compact zoom lens that offers high optical performance.

Background

Zoom lenses used in image capture devices often become bulky when the mass, number, or movement range of lens groups increases during zooming. Previous designs, such as the one cited in Patent Document 1, fall short in correcting optical aberrations effectively throughout the zoom range. This has created a demand for compact, high-performance zoom lenses.

Summary of the Invention

The aim of this invention is to provide a small-form-factor zoom lens with excellent optical quality.

Several of the optical systems in this application suggest designs intended for inner zoom-type lenses, including both full-frame and APS-C models. Some may be considering a powered zoom mechanism with an integrated motor drive, similar to Canon’s RF-S 14–30mm f/4–6.3 IS STM PZ, which appears in related patent filings that assume the use of electric zoom functionality.

The examples include lenses with constant apertures of f/2.8 and f/4, offering user-friendly optics. The focal lengths lean toward the wide-angle end, aligning with the growing demand for video-capable lenses. While the aperture varies only in the APS-C design – reaching a bright f/2.35 on the wide end – all examples are noted for their relatively long lengths. However, their inner zoom construction ensures the center of gravity remains stable during use, which is especially beneficial for video work.

Example 1