Will we see plastic lens elements in future Canon lenses? A pertinent Canon patent application was spotted.

Canon patent application P025019790, published In Japan on February 7, 2025, introduces a new zoom lens and imaging device. The patent addresses the challenge of creating a compact, large-aperture zoom lens with minimal aberration. To achieve this, Canon proposes the use of plastic lenses, as seen in examples like the 28-105mm F4, 24-35mm F2, and 24-35mm F3.5.

The key idea of the invention is to utilize resin lenses in the zoom lens construction, which helps reduce the weight of the lens. However, resin lenses are known to be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, which can cause fluctuations in focus and optical aberration. Previous patents have attempted to address this by pairing resin lenses with both positive and negative refractive power in the same lens group to counteract these fluctuations.

Canon’s new approach focuses on using resin lenses in a way that minimizes the impact of temperature and humidity on optical performance. This innovation aims to provide a lightweight, small-sized zoom lens that retains consistent optical quality despite environmental changes. The patent also explores methods to stabilize the refractive power of resin lenses, particularly those made from high-dispersion materials, which are prone to changes due to moisture absorption.

Example 1

• Focal length: 24.70-48.80
• F-number: 2.90
• Half angle of view: 37.93-23.91
• Image height: 19.25-21.64
• Total length: 127.00-146.40
• Back focus: 19.97-29.15

Example 2

• Focal length: 24.70-67.90
• F-number: 2.90
• Half angle of view: 37.63-17.67
• Image height: 19.04-21.64
• Total length: 141.13-173.50
• Back focus: 13.00-31.83

Example 3

• Focal length: 28.84-101.85
• F-number: 4.12
• Half angle of view: 33.94-11.99
• Image height: 19.41-21.64
• Overall length: 185.56-248.11
• Back focus: 19.76-23.79

More Canon patents are listed here.

[via asobinet]

Here is a new Canon patent application for the nerds out there. Btw, “nerd” is no an insult in my world :-)

Canon patent P2025015010 (japan, published 01/30/2025) discussed optical formulas for a bunch of prime lenses:

• 20mm F1.4
• 24mm F1.4
• 28mm F1.4

From the patent literature:

• An optical system is provided that is compact yet has high optical performance by suppressing aberrations and fluctuations in the angle of view that occur during focusing.
• Description of the Related Art: In recent years, optical systems used in image pickup apparatuses are required to be compact and to perform high-speed focusing.
• In view of this, a system in which a plurality of lens groups move during focusing is known as a compact configuration for suppressing fluctuations in aberrations that occur during focusing while reducing the weight of the lens groups that move during focusing.
• SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS: An object of the present invention is to provide an optical system that is compact and has high optical performance by suppressing aberrations and fluctuations in the angle of view that occur during focusing.

Example 1

• Focal length: 20.63
• F-number: 1.46
• Half angle of view: 42.73
• Image height:
• Overall length: 112.63
• Back focal length: 45.44

Example 2

• Focal length: 28.80
• F-number: 1.46
• Half angle of view: 33.89
• Image height:
• Total length: 119.74
• Back Focus: 14.63

Example 3

• Focal length: 24.72
• F-number: 1.46
• Half angle of view: 37.14
• Image height:
• Overall length: 118.17
• Back Focus: 15.18

More Canon patents are listed here.

[via asobinet]

A Canon patent for a new fish-eye lens.

Canon patent application JP2025-12993 (Japan, published 01/24/2025) discusses optical formulas for a fish-eye lens with a rear conversion lens to reduce distortion. From the patent literature:

• By adding another optical system to a master optical system, distortion is suppressed while avoiding an increase in the size of the entire optical system.
• Description of the Related Art: As a method for obtaining a wide-angle lens with low distortion from a fisheye lens, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for converting the projection method of a fisheye lens to a general projection method by placing an aspherical dome-shaped lens with negative refractive power on the object side of the fisheye lens (master optical system). Patent Document 2 discloses a method for changing the projection method by exchanging an intermediate portion between the object side and image side of the optical system.
• Placing a dome lens on the object side of a fisheye lens as in Patent Document 1 leads to an increase in size of the entire optical system. Also, the method of replacing an intermediate part of the optical system as in Patent Document 2 requires replacement work and the configuration to enable replacement becomes complicated.
• The present invention provides a lens device that can suppress distortion while avoiding an increase in the size of the entire optical system by adding another optical system to the master optical system.

Example 1-A

• Focal length: 8.25-15.48
• F-number: 4.12
• Half angle of view: 53.50-54.42
• Image height: 11.15-21.64
• Overall length: 105.00
• Back focus: 25.50-40.85

Example 1-B

• Focal length: 15.41
• F-number: 4.12
• Half angle of view: 54.54
• Image height: 21.64
• Overall length: 105.00
• Back Focus: 18.25

Example 3-A

• Focal length: 16.11
• F-number: 2.50
• Half angle of view: 53.33
• Image height: 21.64
• Overall length: 81.19
• Back focal length: 22.76

Example 3-B

• Focal length: 18.69
• F-number: 2.90
• Half angle of view: 49.17
• Image height: 21.64
• Overall length: 88.32
• Back focal length: 9.91

Example 4-A

• Focal length: 17.67
• F-number: 2.50
• Half angle of view: 50.76
• Image height: 21.64
• Overall length: 100.05
• Back Focus: 41.09

Example 4-B

• Focal length: 16.71
• F-number: 2.36
• Half angle of view: 52.32
• Image height: 21.64
• Overall length: 100.06
• Back focal length: 9.61

More Canon patents are listed here.

[via asobinet]

No, you won’t get it in your next mirrorless Canon camera ;-)

Canon press release:

Canon Develops CMOS Sensor with 410 Megapixels, the Largest Number of Pixels Ever Achieved in a 35mm Full-frame Sensor

MELVILLE, N.Y., – January 22, 2025 — Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc. announced that it has developed a CMOS sensor with 410 megapixels (24,592 x 16,704 pixels), which is the largest number¹ of pixels ever achieved in a 35mm full-frame sensor. It will be available in both RGB and monochrome versions. This sensor is expected to be used in applications that demand extreme resolution in various markets including surveillance, medicine, and industrial imaging.

The newly developed CMOS sensor features a resolution equivalent to 24K (198 times greater than Full HD, and 12 times greater than 8K). This enables users to crop any part of the image captured by this sensor and enlarge it significantly while maintaining high resolution. While many CMOS sensors with a super-high pixel count are medium-format or larger, this extreme resolution sensor is compacted into a 35mm full-frame format. This allows it to be used in combination with lenses for full-frame sensors and is expected to contribute to the miniaturization of shooting equipment.

As data readout of a CMOS sensor tends to take longer as the number of pixels increases, achieving a CMOS sensor with a super-high pixel count requires advanced signal processing technology. This newly developed sensor employs a back-illuminated stacked formation in which the pixel segment and signal processing segment are interlayered and also includes a redesigned circuitry pattern. As a result, the sensor is capable of achieving a super-high readout speed of 3,280 megapixels per second, delivering video at 8 frames per second².

The monochrome version features a “four-pixel binning” function that virtually treats four adjoining pixels as one, thereby improving sensitivity and making it possible to capture brighter images. When this function is in use, the sensor can capture 100-megapixel video at 24 frames per second.

By leveraging the technology it has accumulated over many years as a leading imaging company, Canon has developed breakthrough products including CMOS sensors with super-high pixel count and ultra-sensitivity, and SPAD sensors, which detect faint traces of light even in dark areas. Canon will continue to advance its technology and contribute to the transformation and further development of society.

The sensor is currently scheduled to be displayed at Canon booth #2155 at SPIE Photonics West, a leading global conference for optics and photonics held in San Francisco from January 28-30, 2025. For more information about Canon CMOS Sensors, please visit: https://canon-cmos-sensors.com/

A new lens for Canon’s RF-mount system. Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM at a glance:

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
• Compact & Fast Wide-Angle Zoom
• Leadscrew-Type STM Autofocus Motor
• Optical Image Stabilizer
• Customizable Control Ring
• Four UD & Two Aspherical Elements
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 7.9 to 9.8″
• Super Spectra Coating (SSC)
• Weather-Resistant Construction

Pre order for the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM are live:

America: B&H Photo, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

The Canon R F16-28mm F2.8 IS STM is available and scheduled to ship on February 11, 2025, for an estimated retail price of $1,149.

Canon press release:

Canon U.S.A. Announces the New RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens: Elevating Content Creation for the Next Generation

MELVILLE, NY, January 22, 2025 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to unveil the new RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM lens, joining the Canon RF28–70mm F2.8 STM as a more affordable f/2.8 zoom option for Canon mirrorless users. Designed for modern content creators, this lens delivers outstanding image quality, portability, and versatility—ideal for use across both photo and video.

Whether filming cinematic video or shooting intimate photo portraits, the RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM provides sharp details and vibrant colors to elevate content with ease. Its compact, durable design makes it the perfect companion for creators working in both urban environments and remote locations, offering performance typically reserved for larger lenses.

Engineered for professionals and beginners alike, the RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM combines fast autofocus, smooth aperture control, and outstanding optics. With the wide f/2.8 constant maximum aperture and ultra wide-angle zoom coverage, it captures high-resolution, crisp footage, while minimizing technical challenges, allowing creators to expand their creative vision. The lens also features focus breathing correction, which smooths video transitions during focus changes—an essential asset for filmmakers aiming for a polished, professional look in evolving shooting environments.

Additionally, the lens incorporates advanced stabilization systems for both stills and video. Coordinated control with Peripheral IS minimizes distortion at the edges of wide-angle shots, providing clear, crisp images across the entire frame. For video, coordinated control with Movie Digital IS enhances stabilization, making it perfect for handheld or highspeed shots, keeping footage steady and smooth even when walking or shooting in changing settings.

As demand for dynamic, high-quality content continues to grow, the RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM stands out as an indispensable tool for photo and video content creators, landscape and travel enthusiasts, and everyday photographers alike—and the flexibility to meet the needs of today’s fast-paced digital world.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens is available and currently scheduled to ship on February 11, 2025, for an estimated retail price of $1,149.00*. For additional information, please visit usa.canon.com.

Looking for deals? Need a memory card? Want to get that lens you’re thinking about?

Have a look at the huge listings of gear for the B&H Photo MegaDeal Event. I couldn’t find any Canon gear, though.

More selected deals:

• Get Excire Foto (AI powered photo managment) with 15% discount by using code “canonwatch” at checkout
• USA: Canon USA | B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon US
• Germany: Amazon Germany
• Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals might be found here)