Canon apparently working on stabilized versions of 85mm f/1.8, 100mm f/2 and 135mm f/2

In the recent past, Canon has already updated a number of its lenses to include image stabilization: the 35mm f/2 IS and the 28mm f/2.8 IS are two examples. In what seems to be an ongoing pursuit to update older models, the company has now filed three patents that describe image stabilized versions of some of its longer focal length lenses: the 85mm f/1.8, the 100mm f/2 and the 135mm f/2L.

When Canon updated some of its wide-angle lenses to include image stabilization, this had some people confused, as in general IS makes a lot more sense with longer lenses that are more prone to shake-induced blur at slower shutter speeds. However, when considering that wide-angle lenses are often used for videography where camera shake becomes even more obvious than in still photography, it begins to make sense.

With the 85mm, 100mm and 135mm lenses, image stabilization is actually something that Canon should've added a long time ago, as these are the focal lengths that are most used in close-up and portrait photography. So far, photographers had to rely on fast shutter speeds, which often required a higher ISO setting -- that is unless a flash was used. With the updated versions of these lenses, it should easily be possible to shoot hand-held at lower ISOs and slower shutter speeds, and shake-induced blur should be a thing of the past for the most part.

However, as these are merely patents right now, there's no way to tell when the stabilized versions of Canon's 85mm f/1.8, 100m f/2 and 135mm f/2 will be officially introduced. But seeing as it makes a lot of sense to add IS to these lenses, we're positive that we'll actually get to see them some time in the future.

The patent descriptions can be found over at the Egami blog.

(via Canon Rumors)