The RF Mount Mystery: Canon finally addresses why we haven't seen full

Key Points:

• Canon executive Go Tokura clarified that the lack of third-party full-frame autofocus lenses for the RF mount is not due to Canon's restrictions, but rather the decision and capabilities of manufacturers like Sigma.
• Canon does not differentiate between APS-C and full-frame lenses in their approval process for third-party lens makers and does not collaborate or share intellectual property with them, meaning companies must reverse engineer the RF mount technology independently.
• Sigma has released RF-S lenses for APS-C sensors but has yet to produce full-frame RF lenses, possibly due to the complexity of the RF mount, the desire to fully utilize its advanced features, and limitations in Sigma's R&D and manufacturing capacity compared to Canon.
• Canon's priority remains selling its own lenses and they do not actively promote or facilitate third-party lens production, while Sigma may face technical and resource challenges in developing full-frame RF lenses.
• The common assumption that Canon imposes licensing fees on third-party lens makers is likely incorrect; the main hurdle appears to be protecting IP and ensuring reverse engineering stays within the third-party companies without Canon's direct involvement.