In a recent interview with Go Tokura, the Chief Executive Officer of Canon Imaging Group, IR and RDE, once again addressed the same hot topic that Canon users are actually eagerly waiting for: when will Canon open their full-frame RF mount for third-party lens makers?
The Burning Question
During an interview with RDE (Red Dot Edition), the interviewer asked Mr. Tokura if the majority of Canon third-party lenses made by Sigma and Tamron—those who have official access for making the lenses—are only available for APS-C cameras, not for full-frame. So, when are the third-party lenses coming for the Canon RF full-frame mount?
“As in previous years, I’m afraid we can’t disclose details about our agreements with third-party manufacturers. However, as you’ve likely noticed, the range of third-party lenses continues to expand each year, though we don’t closely monitor which specific models are being released. I would suggest keeping an eye on what third-party manufacturers are introducing to the market. And I suspect we’ll be having this same conversation again next year. — Mr. Tokura “
So What Does It Mean for Canon RF Users?
As usual, Tokura is not revealing anything very specific—neither confirming nor denying any news or information related to the development or the announcement of Canon third-party full-frame lenses. So these are the points that you should consider as the summary of the interview:
A Pattern of Carefully Controlled Growth by Canon
Canon already has a bunch of Canon RF full-frame lenses. Now, in total, they have 50+ RF lenses for the full-frame mirrorless system cameras. Even some manual focus lenses are also available from third-party lens makers. But as usual, only licensed third-party lens makers are allowed to make, sell, and distribute Canon full-frame lenses—and none of them as of now have received any sort of approval from the brand. The talks are going on behind closed doors.
Will 2025 Be the Year?
Canon never denied the possibility of Canon’s full-frame third-party lenses. It means they are in the process of approval. Canon took a lot of time in approving APS-C RF mount lenses, so they are not slamming the doors shut—they are taking their time and very selectively opening it strategically based on the market requirement and their profit margin.
So, for Canon users, they have to wait. But I do have hope that in the year 2025, we will see at least two or three full-frame third-party lens announcements from Sigma and Tamron.
source – imagineresource.com
The article was published at 9:05 am, Tuesday, 22 April 2025 GMT. By thenewcamera.com Team. You can Follow us on our social pages FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM, If you have time –>see more live news + Canon rumors 24X7
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Dear Canon, I’m in trouble after buying the Canon R8—there are no good budget-friendly third-party autofocus lenses available. Please consider allowing Viltrox, TTArtisans, and other brands to develop AF lenses for your full-frame RF mount