Canon is working on a fluorine-free optical coating that offers the same water-repelling qualities and durability of fluorine, but without the PFAS problems. As Digital Camera Life reports, Canon Optron, an optical materials company within the Canon Group, is actively developing a new material that offers the same water repellent and durability qualities as fluorine coating, but without the fluorine. As Digital Camera Life rightly observes, it is very easy for photographers to take fluorine coating on lenses for granted. This means Canon needs a fluorine-free optical coating that delivers similar performance and benefits to fluorine coatings. Image creditsCanon, except for the header image, which is an example of the benefits of fluorine coating from Nikon.