Canon’s patent application 2024172507 (Japan, published 12/12/2024) , proposes an optical system with a unique design. It includes examples of compatible lenses, such as the RF 65mm F2 IS, RF-S 50mm F2 IS, and RF-S 85mm F2 IS, which cater to image heights slightly larger than APS-C.

Patent summary:

The primary objective of this invention is to create an optical system that offers exceptional optical performance, a wide aperture ratio, and a compact size.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for optical systems that possess high optical performance, a large aperture ratio, and a small footprint. These systems are essential components in image pickup devices.

The patent presents an optical system with a positive, positive, and negative lens group arranged in a specific order, from the object side to the image side. The second lens group is designed to move during focusing, while the lens closest to the image side in the first lens group is positioned to correct image blur. However, a challenge arises when the lens positioned second from the object side in the third lens group has a convex surface facing the object side. This design makes it difficult to effectively correct coma aberration and similar issues when the aperture ratio is increased.

Example 1

• Focal length: 63.70
• F-number: 2.00
• Half angle of view: 18.76
• Image height: 21.64
• Overall length: 75.00
• Back focal length: 12.56

Example 2

• Focal length: 48.50
• F-number: 2.00
• Half angle of view: 17.19
• Image height: 15.00
• Total length: 70.00
• Back Focus: 14.20

Example 3

• Focal length: 85.00
• F-number: 2.00
• Half angle of view: 10.01
• Image height: 15.00
• Total length: 100.00
• Back focus: 20.00

Example 4

• Focal length: 63.70
• F-number: 2.00
• Half angle of view: 13.25
• Image height: 15.00
• Overall length: 75.00
• Back focus: 11.00

More Canon patents are listed here.

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Canon patent application 2024173039 (Japan, published 12/12/2024) discusses optical formulas for a bunch of full-frame lenses, from ultra-wide to standard.

Patent summary:

The present invention presents a compact zoom lens with exceptional optical performance, a high zoom ratio, and a small size.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for imaging optical systems that combine high optical performance, a high zoom ratio, and a compact design. These systems are commonly used in imaging devices.

Example 1

• Focal length: 15.20-49.50
• F-number: 4.12-6.45
• Half angle of view: 52.76-23.61
• Image height: 20.00-21.64
• Total length: 124.63-125.93
• Back focus: 15.00

Example 2

• Focal length: 17.20-64.50
• F-number: 4.00-5.60
• Half angle of view: 49.30-18.54
• Image height: 20.00-21.64
• Overall length: 132.16-165.51
• Back Focus: 15.00-21.72

Example 3

• Focal length: 17.22-64.50
• F-number: 2.82-5.60
• Half angle of view: 49.27-18.54
• Image height: 20.00-21.64
• Total length: 138.48-159.38
• Back Focus: 14.69-24.38

More Canon patents are listed here.

Here is a weird Canon patent application for three pancake with rather slow aperture.

Canon patent application 2024172505 (Japan, published 12/12/2024) discusses optical formulas for three pancake lenses:

• 21mm F5.6
• 24mm F8
• 26mm F3.5

Summary of the patent:

This patent proposes an optical system that offers compactness while promising exceptional optical performance from the center of the screen to its periphery.

In optical systems employed in imaging devices utilizing solid-state imaging elements, such as digital still cameras and video cameras, there is a growing demand for lenses that combine compactness with good optical performance across the entire screen.

However, when the refractive power of each positive lens is increased to further minimize the optical system’s size, as outlined in the patent application, it becomes challenging to effectively correct the curvature of the field. Consequently, there is a risk that sufficient optical performance may not be achieved at the periphery of the screen.

Therefore, the primary objective of this invention is to provide an optical system that maintains compactness while delivering exceptional optical performance from the center of the image plane to its periphery.

Example 1

• Focal length: 21.40
• F-number: 5.60
• Half angle of view: 45.31
• Image height: 21.64
• Total length: 25.80
• Back focus: 12.00

Example 2

• Focal length: 23.29
• F-number: 8.00
• Half angle of view: 42.90
• Image height: 21.64
• Total length: 26.00
• Back focus: 12.00

Example 3

• Focal length: 26.30
• F-number: 3.20
• Half angle of view: 39.45
• Image height: 21.64
• Overall length: 35.00
• Back Focus: 14.99

Example 4

• Focal length: 28.07
• F-number: 3.50
• Half angle of view: 37.62
• Image height: 21.64
• Total length: 36.50
• Back focus: 15.00

More Canon patents are listed here.

B&H Photo has some excellent deals on Canon gear.

• Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens on sale at $2,399 ($200 off)
• Canon EOS R8 (BODY ONLY) on sale at $1,099 ($100 off)
• Canon RF 28-70MM F/2L USM lens on sale at $2,599 ($200 off)       
• Canon RF 15-35MM F/2.8L IS USM on sale at $1,899 ($200 off)
• Canon EOS R8 with RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM on sale at $1,299 ($100 off) 
• Canon POWERSHOT V10 VLOG CAM f/CC – BLACK on sale at $299 ($50 off)
• Canon POWERSHOT V10 VLOG CAM f/CC – SILVER on sale at $299 ($50 off)

All B&H Photo deals on Canon gear are listed here.

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• 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)

Canon Cropping Guide will be available December 9th. For additional information about the software, a list of compatible cameras and how to access the Cropping Guide, please visit here.

Canon press release:

Canon Launches New Cropping Guide for Select EOS Cameras, Empowering Customers to Capture Beautifully Optimized Photos

MELVILLE, NY, December 9, 2024 – Canon Inc., the parent company of Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today a new Cropping Guide feature that will be available via a firmware update for the Canon EOS R50, EOS R10 and EOS R7 camera models that allows users to more easily frame their subjects through the use of four tailored on-screen guides. The new feature will be available December 9th from Canon USA for the price of $120 USD. For customers who have previously purchased one of the camera models compatible with the feature, they can send their device to a Canon Service Center and it will be returned with the Cropping Guide feature installed. For those new customers interested in the above mentioned models, the option to purchase them pre-loaded with the feature (for an additional cost) will be available via Canon Direct and other dealers starting December 9th.

The new Cropping Guide feature provides on-screen guidelines that help shooters position subjects with precision, helping to ensure consistent and professional results while saving time on editing. It allows for Canon users to position the frame at the time of capture so that post-production and editing can be kept at a minimum. Lastly, the Cropping Guides can be applied to horizontal or vertical framing scenarios, allowing for a wide range of shooting situations.

Canon will showcase its new offering to visitors to the School Photographers Association of California (SPAC) trade show from January 21-25 in Las Vegas, NV at the South Point Hotel and Casino at Booth #715. This new feature is specifically designed for school photography, sports events, or any scenario in which subjects need to maintain a consistent position.

Excellent deal at B&H Photo for the Datacolor Spyder X2 Elite Colorimeter.

At a glance:

• Display Calibration System
• Measures up to 750 nits of Brightness
• Re-Engineered Software Suite
• Native USB-C Connection
• Precise Screen Color and White Balance
• Lens-Based Color Engine Technology
• Calibrates in Under 2 Minutes

Get the Datacolor Spyder X2 Elite Colorimeter on sale at $99.99. Compare at $269.99.

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)