Macro photography has been a popular genre that has grown exponentially. A sub-genre of wildlife photography, this segment also requires a special lens, one that has a significant macro ratio. While Canon has created some exciting lenses over the years, such as the TS-E 50mm f2.8L Macro, the EF 50mm f2.5, or the EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM, these lenses have always been on the longer side. It now appears that, with mirrorless mounts, the company is trying to change this. Per a new patent, Canon macro photographers can now get wide, thanks to these two lenses.

First spotted by Asobinet, Canon has launched a new patent, P2025124117, which was released in August 2025. The patent showcases two new focal lengths, which offer life-size 1:1 reproduction capabilities: 20mm f2.8 Macro and a 24mm f2.8 Macro lens. Here are the designs:

Example 1

• Focal length: 21.00
• F-number: 2.80
• Half angle of view: 43.60
• Image height: 20.00
• Total length: 116.37
• Back focal length: 17.4
• Imaging magnification (closest): -1.0

Example 2

• Focal length: 23.00
• F-number: 2.80
• Half angle of view: 38.35
• Image height: 18.20
• Total length: 89.33
• Back focal length: 12.51
• Imaging magnification (closest): -1.0

Traditionally, a macro lens will be between 50mm and 100mm. There are some instances where you also get 90mm or 180mm. Either way, the telephoto range helps a photographer get close to a subject and capture all the unique details or patterns, such as the eyes of a bug or the pattern on the wings of a butterfly. The closest the company has come to creating wide-angle macros is Canon RF 24mm f1.8 Macro IS STM and Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM. They offer a close focusing distance, but they are not true 1:1 macro lenses. Which means, anyone shooting street, environmental portraits, and so on, will utilise it for its capabilities.

The only company that has been able to create a wide-angle lens with true 1:1 is Laowa 15mm f4. The images from this lens are impressive, as one can also see the habitat in which the insects were photographed. And so, if Canon is aiming to get something similar for its users, they will certainly have buyers. However, it remains to be seen whether these patents are able to become a reality, since an f2.8 aperture will also mean a heavier lens. There is also a possibility that the design is just for research purposes, and that Canon may not work on something as exciting as this. After all, Laowa did beat them to it.

Until we hear any official announcements, it is safe to say that Canon is aiming to be different, and that is a good sign. Perhaps, mirrorless users will see the same lineup of lenses that excited DSLR patrons.