Canon Patent: 18-55mm F4-6.5 & 20-60mm F4-6.5 For Full Frame Mirrorless

Two Canon patents today, this one and the one featured here.

Canon patent application 2023010106 (Japan, published 1/20/2023) discusses optical formulas for what seem to be two possible kit lenses, both for full frame mirrorless cameras, i.e. the RF mount:

• 18-55mm f4-6.5
• 20-50mm f4-5.6

From the patent literature:

A compact zoom lens that achieves high optical performance while widening the angle of view is provided.

In recent years, there has been a strong demand for a lens system used in an imaging apparatus to have high optical performance while the entire lens system is compact. In order to achieve good optical performance while miniaturizing the entire lens system, it is important to appropriately set the refractive power of each lens group, the moving conditions for zooming, and the like of each lens group. In particular, in a camera with a large image pickup element, when a desired magnification is secured while widening the angle, the front lens tends to become large, and it is necessary to appropriately configure each lens group.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact zoom lens that achieves high optical performance while widening the angle of view.

Example 1

• Focal length: 18.50-53.01
• F-value: 4.11-6.48
• Half angle of view: 49.17-22.02
• Image height: 18.50-21.64
• Overall length: 117.88-150.43
• Back focus: 19.52-24.90

Example 2

• Focal length: 19.72-53.16
• F-value: 4.12-6.07
• Half angle of view: 48.13-22.43
• Image height: 18.50-21.64
• Total length: 126.89-162.14
• Back focus: 21.40-51.52

Example 3

• Focal Length: 18.50-58.92
• F-value: 4.12-6.48
• Half angle of view: 49.09-19.95
• Image height: 18.50-21.64
• Total length: 132.01-160.73
• Back focus: 24.47-37.26

More Canon patent applications are listed here. Some particularly interesting patent applications we think might get into production are these:

• RF 16-28mm lens with either f/2.8, f/2.8-4, or f/4
• Automatic shutter silencing based on subject and distance
• A bunch of prime lenses for the RF mount
• An improved Electronic Viewfinder
• Patent application for RF 50mm F1.4 and an RF 35mm f/1.4 lenses
• A zoom lens that might be for an EOS R with APS-C sensor
• A smaller IBIS unit.
• A cooling adapter for the RF mount (R5 overheating?)
• A bunch of macro lenses for the RF mount.
• A 8mm f/4 circular fisheye lens for the Canon EOS R system
• A battery grip that works with differently siszed cameras
• A 100-400mm f/5.5-7.1 lens for APS-C cameras. EOS M or DSLR?
• RF 17-70mm lens for EOS R system
• IBIS coming to the EOS M and PowerShot lineup?
• Patent Application: mirrorless camera with large display and virtual control wheel
• Patent Application: IBIS and Lens IS Working Together
• Patent application for high speed mirror movement and control
• Patent application for an RF 14-28mm f/2 lens
• Patent application for an RF 50mm f/1.8 lens
• Patent application for a smart lens cap
• Patent application for celestial auto-focus
• Patent application describing a Pop-Up Flash With LED
• Patent application describing the optical formula for a RF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 IS lens for EOS R systems
• Patent application describing how to improve burst rate by compressing raw files
• Patent application describing a new way to review photos from a sequential shot
• Patent application that describes technology to improve wireless communication while reducing power consumption
• Patent application to spot and reduce moire artefacts in image data
• Patent application for weather sealed lens adapter
• Patent application for AI powered predictive camera control system
• Patent application for 18-55mm kit lens with LCD display
• Patent application to reduce noise in image files

[via asobinet]