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This week Canon announced the highly anticipated RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM, which is the 5th lens in the VCM series of hybrid lenses, following (in chronological order) the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, 24mm f/1.4L VCM, 50mm f/1.4L VCM and RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM. For the most part, this line of lenses has been very well received, including me. I do love that aperture ring for photography.
We have been told a few times in the last while that Canon has plans for another two prime lenses for the VCM lineup. What they are wasn't known, which isn't all that surprising, but knowing that they're at least coming is probable.
One Won't Be F1.4
One source said that one of the new VCM lenses will not be f/1.4. That tells us it's something above 85mm. The goal of all these lenses is to be extremely close to each other in size and weight for easy lens changes on gimbals for example.
One Possibility
So it would probably be something between 100mm-135mm. If it were to be 135mm, even af f/2, the front element would work out to 67mm, that's a bit tight for the design if you want the size to be the same as the other VCM lenses, so we think it would be something shorter. A 100mm f/1.8 would work, but is that too close to the 85? Perhaps they could add some macro (0.5x?) ability to such a lens.
The simple formula for minimum “pupil” size is focal length / f-stop. The formula doesn't really work for wider lenses, as you tend to need larger front elements to get around vignetting.
Second Possibility
The second lens, I don't want to say it. It's possible an RF 28mm f/1.4L VCM would fit into the lineup. Canon did have a series of lightweight lenses in the EF days that were 24, 28 and 35mm. They've made them before. The EF 28mm f/1.8 USM was one of the worst lenses that they ever made, but it's the thought that counts.
I don't think going wider than 20mm is a possibility but never say never.
When to Expect Them?
Both sources suggested that these lenses won't be coming in 2025 and to expect an announcement at some point in 2026.
I have no news for photographers that are looking for fast prime lenses that don't require computational correction, I know there are a lot of people that want to see a lens like an RF 35mm f/1.2L USM.
ranked after perceived/ guessed probability:
1.) 28mm F1.4
2.) 105mm F1.8 (or F2)
3.) 65mm (or 70mm) F1.4
I don´t really think option 3 is realistic. If a UWA would be in mix, I´d guess
4.) 16mm F1.8 (or f1.4 if possible).
I guess I meant more a 0.5x. I do not know either way.
I really, REALLY want a 28, but I seriously doubt it will happen.
It hurts.
The two that would make the most sense would be 14mm and 135mm. That would be in line with the CN-E line up, and most prime kits. 28mm & 100mm could be contenders. It would be nice to see the return of a 50mm macro lens as well. I don’t really see any candidates past these for this design. They will have to slow down the apertures for the long and wide ends anyway. Makes sense they started in the middle.
Nikon uses voice coil motors in their super telephoto Z lenses.
I think, but don't know. Canon is going to move on from USM motors. VCM and STM will be the way forward.
I think whatever comes above 85 isn't a replacement for either of those lenses, the macro has a specific function and the 135 is big. So what others have suggested, something like a 105 f/1.8 makes the most sense. They have to hit the 67mm filter thread.
It would be good for concerts etc in low light or even better for Astro although I would prefer a 14/1.8 instead.