Can third parties ONLY make APS-C lenses for RF? "No comment" says Canon

The text "no comment" with a letter "C" styled after the Canon logo

There was much rejoicing last week when both Sigma and Tamron announced their first ever Canon RF lenses, following an unspoken five-year embargo on third parties launching autofocus lenses for Canon's mirrorless camera system.

However, last week's lenses from Sigma and wide-angle Tamron lens were strictly APS-C (and non-stabilized) – and Canon says that it "can't answer" whether or not third parties are allowed to release full frame lenses for the RF mount. 

Japanese outlet MyNavi contacted Canon Japan directly to find out more. It asked whether the company had licensed Sigma and Tamron to produce any kind of RF lens – such as full frame optics – or whether their agreements limited them specifically to APS-C lenses. 

"Regarding this point, I asked, 'Are there any restrictions in this contract, such as only APS-C compatible lenses that are not equipped with an image stabilization mechanism are allowed?'" wrote the site. "I can't answer," came the reply.

"Finally, I asked damemoto [a Japanese expression essentially meaning 'nothing to lose'] if there is a possibility that a full-frame compatible lens will be released from a third party, but unfortunately there was no comment."

So, reading between the lines, right now Canon RF users won't be getting full frame autofocus lenses from the likes of Sigma and Tamron. 

This is what I suspected, when I wrote my reaction to last week's announcements – though admittedly, I was completely focused on the APS-C aspect and I hadn't even noticed that the lenses didn't feature stabilization. Still, I think it's the lack of full frame lens democratization that's the big story here. 

It's extremely exciting that APS-C EOS R shooters will have the option for third party autofocus lenses – and it expands the range of smaller RF-S glass available for cameras like the Canon EOS R50 and EOS R100 – but keeping full frame lenses locked down is such a curious strategy. 

For a company that just experienced its first Q1 profit drop in four years, I would think that giving customers more reasons to buy into the EOS R system – not less – would be the wisest move to make…

Take a look at the best Canon telephoto lenses, the best Canon portrait lenses, and the best Canon superzoom lenses.

James Artaius
Editor in Chief

James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.

Read more
graphic of the Canon logo and a padlock
Canon looks set to keep the RF mount locked down
Viltrox lenses on a stand at The Photography and Video Show
With third-party lenses taking center stage at The Photography Show, do first-party brands need to adapt to survive?
The Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Canon RF Mount with a blue background
Canon RF shooters are finally about to get some cheap third-party wide prime lenses
A Canon EOS R system camera body, sitting on a wooden outdoor surface, with a selection of Canon, Sigma, Laowa, Lensbaby, AstrHori and Zhongyi RF lenses
The best Canon RF lenses in 2025: top lenses for the EOS R camera system
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN | C review
Will 2025 finally be the year of decent APS-C prime lenses? I very much hope so
Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM lens
Canon’s new wide-angle zoom is a weather-sealed, portable and budget-friendly 16-28mm f/2.8
Latest in Lenses
Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 Air
Viltrox reportedly readying a cheap yet fast 50mm AF lens for Sony and Nikon cameras
Selection of silver Sigma lenses, surrounding the 2025 Sigma logo
The Sigma rebrand has been quietly happening for years – and I think it’s a stroke of genius
Fujifilm X-E4, Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR
The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR doesn’t get enough credit as a hack to DIY an X100VI
The TTArtisan 14mm f/3.5 mounted on an Sony camera
This cheap prime lens could make Sony’s crop sensor models feel more like compact cameras
Two Sirui Aurora 85mm lenses on a black background
The L-Mount mirrorless camera system has a new member – and the first lens Sirui is bringing to the L-Mount family is this prime
The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z mounted on a Nikon mirrorless camera
This affordable but impressive portrait lens is now available for Nikon Z photographers
Latest in News
Sony Venice Extension System Mini
BREAKING: Sony has just expanded its renowned cinema line with the Venice Extension System Mini
Miofive S1 Ultra dash cam on a wooden surface against a white background
Dashcam prices crash by up to $110 in Amazon's spring sale
Kodak Slide N Scan deal
Kodak slashes the cost of its film scanners in Amazon Big Spring Sale
Akaso Brave 7 LE
Our best budget action cam is now even cheaper in the Amazon spring sale
DJI Mini 4K
The amazing DJI Mini 4K camera drone drops to under $250
DJI Osmo Action 4
Grab our recent favorite action cam, the DJI Osmo Action 4, at best ever price!