Is Canon preparing to replace the ring-USM RF 85mm f/1.2L? Canon Rumors says a newly published patent is worth watching: it describes fast full-frame primes with two independent focus groups — the same architecture Canon already uses on its VCM L primes, not a classic floating-element layout.
That does not equal a product announcement. It does look like Canon is designing the next generation of heavy f/1.2 glass around split motors instead of one ring-type USM.
Two focus groups, not one floating unit
Current RF VCM primes (except the RF 14mm f/1.4L VCM, which uses dual VCM) typically pair a VCM on the heavier group with a Nano USM on the second. The patent does not name the motors, but several numerical examples move two middle groups on separate trajectories.
Canon Rumors highlights two layouts:
- Example 14: 73.70mm, F/1.24, 21.63mm image height — three groups, one moving middle group (4 + 3 aspherical + 5)
- Example 12: 82.45mm, F/1.45, 21.63mm image height — four groups, two independently moving middle groups
None of the drawings resemble the existing RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM. Across 18 embodiments, every design uses a 21.63mm image height (full-frame coverage without the software distortion correction common on some VCM primes), and overall length is in the same neighborhood as today’s RF 85mm f/1.2L USM.
The only true f/1.2-class example is the shorter 73.7mm F/1.24 design. The ~82.5mm examples sit at f/1.4. Canon Rumors notes it is rare for a final L-series optical formula to show up in a patent before launch — so these are direction-of-travel, not a leaked spec sheet.
Why the 85mm f/1.2L is the rumor magnet
The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM and DS versions date to 2019. They are effectively Canon’s last native ring-type USM primes; later RF super-teles reused EF optical designs. Canon Rumors has also flagged odd inventory on the RF 50mm f/1.2L and 85mm f/1.2L, which both still use that older motor.
The logical next step, if Canon refreshes either lens, is VCM + Nano USM (or dual VCM). A dual-group 85mm f/1.2 would aim at faster AF and less breathing than shoving one huge glass block with a ring USM — which is exactly why the current f/1.4 VCM 85mm exists as a hybrid/video alternative.
Most patent examples never ship. Treat this as evidence Canon is still iterating dual-motor fast primes, with an RF 85mm f/1.2L “V2” as the plausible long-term target, not a dated rumor.
Via Canon Rumors / Japan Patent Office.