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

Canon Patent
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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:

[via asobinet]

Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS review

EF-M 18-55mm
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At a glance:

  • Standard zoom lens for Canon EOS M digital camera with image stabilization for up to four eqiuvalent stops of shake correctoin
  • Supports continuous AF during video shooting
  • Circular aperture (7 blades) for soft backgrounds
  • Maximum magnification of 0.25x at the telephoto end
  • Minimum focusing distance: 9.8 in./0.25m (full zoom range)

OpticalLimits (formerly known as Photozone.de) tested the Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS lens. The EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS is a so-called “kit lens”, though a pretty decent one.

From the conclusion:

Optically it is decent. In terms of resolution, it doesn’t reach the full potential of the sensor but the center quality is easily very good across the relevant focal length and aperture range. The outer image region isn’t hot at 18mm at f/3.5 and 24mm at f/4 but other than that it’s pretty sharp really. The lateral CAs are moderate overall. Unlike most competing lenses (in other systems), the lens DOES NOT rely on distortion correction. There are strong barrel distortions at 18mm but in the mirrorless system scope that’s pretty much Ok actually.

Another positive aspect is the lens construction. Let’s be honest – kit lenses are usually built to the very lowest build quality standards. This is not the case here. It feels plenty sturdy and it’s quite fun to use. The AF is reasonably fast and silent. Canon’s image stabilizer is well proven and does its job nicely in this lens as well. Read the review…

Canon has a long history in making kit lenses and inexpensive lenses that perform very decently for the price asked. The EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS sells for $299.

Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, 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

New Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens coming with next Rebels? [CW3]

18-55mm
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This is the second lens rumored to be announced in 2017, the other being the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS.

The next iteration of Canon’s entry level Rebel line, the Rebel T7, may come with a new version of the classic kit lens, the inexpensive EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. No specs so far.

We are pretty sure Canon will announce new Rebel DSLRs soon. Registrations of possible candidates showed up at certification authorities. The announcement could happen before CP+ (February 2017).

[via Canon Rumors]

Refurbished Canon Rebel T5 deal, bundled with 18-55mm IS II and 50mm f/1.8 – $241 (reg. $541)

Rebel T5
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The Canon Direct Store stocked up the refurbished gear inventory and activated new instant discounts (up to 60%) for Columbus Day. Among the many deals you can find (check links below), there is a kit that’s worth a mention. Get the Canon Rebel T5 (refurbished) bundled with EF-S 18-55mm IS II and EF 50mm f/1.8 lenses for just $241.78 (regular $540.78). That’s a hot deal and I do not think it will last long.

Be sure to check the links below for more awesome deals.

Deal Alert: Canon EF-M 18-55mm IS STM – $49/€55 (compare at $140)

DigitalRev has the Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens as white box on sale for just $49 (€55 for EU customers). Limited time offer. Compare at $140 on Amazon.

A sale of this lens at this price seems to confirm the rumor that Canon is working on a new EF-M 18-55mm lens for the EOS M system.

Specifications:

  • Standard Zoom Lens for EOS M Camera
  • Supports Continuous AF
  • Dynamic IS (Movie Shooting Mode Only)
  • Lens Construction: 13 elements in 11 groups
  • Inner focusing system
  • Closest Focusing Distance: 0.25m
  • Filter Size: 52mm
  • Maximum Diameter x Length : 60.9 x 61mm
  • Weight: 210g

(CW2) A new 18-55mm lens for EOS M system coming?

EF-M 18-55mm IS STM

I have been told (thanks) that Canon is working on a replacement for the EF-M 18-55mm IS STM lens. The new 18-55mm should be smaller, at least when not used thanks to a retractive design (as the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has). IS and STM obviously on board. No word about aperture but I guess it will hardly be different from f/3-5-5.6. The new EF-M 18-55mm should also be lighter than the current one. The source said the new 18-55mm IS STM will be announced in Fall 2015.

The EF-M 18-55mm lens was released with the first EOS M. It can’t be said this is an old lens. However, compared to what other manufacturers make, the 18-55mm may look somewhat outdated. A smaller and lighter lens with the same zoom range would for sure be appreciated by many EOS M system owners.

I rate the rumor CW2 since it comes from a new source, though I am almost tempted to give it a CW3. For the following reason: Canon is heavily pushing the EOS M3 bundled as a kit, in Europe you can get the M3 only as a kit with the EF-M 18-55mm IS STM lens. Doesn’t that look like someone wants to empty stocks?

Btw, there are some pretty good EOS M deals on Amazon US, for instance the EOS M for only $299.89.

The EOS M3 is not on sale in the US, and is available in Europe only as kit with the EF-M 18-55mm IS STM lens (Amazon Italy, Amazon Germany, Amazon UK). You can order the M3 also at DigitalRev (ships internationally). Detailed M3 specification can be read here.

About our rumour rating:

  • CW1 – probably fake rumor, not reliable (less than 15% chance to be real)
  • CW2 – rumor from an unknown/new source, but otherwise at least a plausible rumor (15%-40% chance to be real)
  • CW3 – around 50% chance to be real, coming from a known source, or from new source with good insight in Canon’s business
  • CW4 – rumor from a known source that was right in the past, high probability to be true (60%-80% chance to be real)
  • CW5 – as good as certain to be true