Canon has several new patents out, one of which is a new EF 180mm F/3.5L IS. According to the rumors, this lens is in the works and could be announced anytime (or not at all, it is just a rumor).

Among the interesting features of these new patents, which include the 180mm, 200mm, and 300mm variants, is the addition of a new ‘Hybrid’ IS. What exactly that means, we’re not sure, but it is an interesting addition to say the least. I am silly and totally overlooked the fact that apparently the Canon 100mm F/2.8L IS Macro has this new Hybrid IS in it, and the description is available on Canon’s website. “This is the first lens on the market to incorporate Canon’s new Hybrid Image Stabilization Technology. Hybrid IS effectively compensates for both angular and shift camera shake during close-up shooting”

The following patent information is courtesy of Google Translate, so please bare with me if anything does not make sense. It is likely just a translation flub, if you happen to speak Japanese, you can find the full patent details here.

• Patent Publication No. 2014-41224
  • Publication date 2014.3.6
  • Filing date 2012.8.22
• Example 1
  • Zoom ratio 1.37
  • Focal length f = 180.03-167.06-131.08mm
  • Fno (3.6-4.8-5.8 actual aperture). 3.6-3.3-2.59
  • Half angle ω = 6.85-7.38-9.37 °
  • Image height 21.64mm
  • The overall length of the lens 228.39mm
  • BF 68.14mm
• Example 2
  • Zoom ratio 1.58
  • Focal length f = 198.49-164.7-125.48mm
  • Fno (3.6-4.8-5.8 actual aperture). 3.6-2.99-2.28
  • Half angle ω = 6.22-7.48-9.78 °
  • Image height 21.64mm
  • The overall length of the lens 231.65mm
  • BF 71.4mm
• Example 3
  • Zoom ratio 1.92
  • Focal length f = 289.97-213.39-151.33mm
  • Fno (3.6-4.8-5.8 actual aperture). 3.6-2.65-2.21
  • Half angle ω = 4.27-5.79-8.14 °
  • Image height 21.64mm
  • The overall length of the lens 294.36mm
  • BF 68.05mm
• Canon patents
  • Inner focus
  • (Part of the fourth lens group) antivibration
  • Supports Shifutobure (???)
  • Floating

What are your thoughts about this? Would a 180mm F/3.5L IS lens interest you? How about that hybrid IS – what do you think that entails? Share your comments below to join the discussion.

[via Canon Rumors]