Canon Patent: 16mm f/2.8 & 20mm f/2.8 With Image Stabilization

Canon Patent

A new Canon patent to start a new week. Once more for lenses for the RF mount.

Canon patent 2022125455 (Japan, published 8/29/2022) discusses optical formulas for two prime lenses, a 16mm f/2.8 and a 20mm f/2.8, both with image stabilisation. From the patent literature (machine translated):

[Title of Invention] Optical system, lens device having the same, and imaging device

The present invention provides an optical system having a wide angle of view, a small size and light weight, and high optical performance in the non-stabilizing state while suppressing peripheral image quality deterioration during image blur correction, and a lens device and an imaging device having the same.

Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, as means for correcting image blurring, there are known a lens-shift type anti-vibration mechanism that shifts a part of an optical system and a sensor-shift type anti-vibration mechanism that shifts an imaging device. In a central projection optical system, the amount of movement of the image point in response to changes in the angle of incidence of light rays entering the optical system is not uniform on the imaging surface. However, image blur remains around the imaging surface.

The imaging apparatus of Patent Document 1 can correct image blur at a specific image point position, but cannot uniformly correct image blur at all angles of view.

In an equidistant projection optical system, the image quality around the imaging surface is less likely to deteriorate during image blur correction. Therefore, in order to suppress image quality deterioration around the imaging surface, it is necessary to generate a large amount of distortion in the negative direction in the central projection method, and reduce the absolute value of the amount of distortion in the equidistant projection method.

An optical system with a large absolute value of the amount of distortion aberration in the central projection method produces a greatly distorted image, so it is often used in combination with an imaging apparatus equipped with electronic distortion correction. In this case, if the distortion aberration in the central projection method is excessively generated, the image quality around the imaging surface is degraded due to the extension of the electronic distortion correction.

Example 1

  • Focal length: 24.22
  • F-value: 1.85
  • Image height: 19.38
  • Overall length: 85.24
  • Back focus: 12.06

Example 2

  • Focal length: 19.48
  • F value: 2.88:
  • Image height: 18.60
  • Overall length: 73.01
  • Back focus: 12.19

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

[via asobinet]

Today Only: Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro (Canon EF) – $149 (reg. $239)

Zhongyi 20mm

Only for today (8/31/2022) B&H Photo has a $90 discount on the Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro for Canon EF mount.

At a glance:

  • Canon EF Mount/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/16
  • Magnification Range: 4.5x to 4x
  • Minimum Working Distance: 0.8″
  • Manual Focus Operation
  • Metal Lens Barrel
  • 3-Blade Diaphragm

Get the Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro for Canon EF mount on sale at $149. Compare at $239.

More selected deals:

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Venus Optics Announced The Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift Lens

Laowa 20mm

A new Laowa lens was announced, the Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift Lens, and it comes for Canon EF and RF mounts too.

At a glance:

  • 20mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens
  • ±11mm Shift Amount
  • Outstanding Optical Performance
  •  “Zero” Distortion 
  • 14-blade Aperture
  • Close Focusing Distance
  • 82mm Filter Thread
  • Rotatable Lens hood
  • Special Design Lens Support*
    *Not included, sold separately.

Venus Optics announced another rather interesting and uncommon lens, the Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift.

The Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website and authorized resellers. The US price for 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is USD1,299 for all mounts.  Pricing varies in different countries. The Lens support is now available for sale at USD249: Venus Optics / BHphoto / Amazon US / Adorama

Venus Optics press release:

Anhui China, 28 March 2022 – Venus Optics, the manufacturer that specialized in making unique camera lenses, is presenting a new Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift, expanding its shift lens line-up. On top of the fascinating ultra-wide angle of view, the lens delivers incredible sharpness with close-to-zero optical distortion (Zero-D). A ±11mm shift amount on full-frame (±8mm on Medium Format) allows architecture photographers to have maximum control on the perspective. The lens also comes with a rotatable lens hood for avoiding flare and protecting the front lens element. Pair with the special design lens support*, it can now create perfect high-res stitching with ease. This carefully crafted lens can absolutely satisfy professional users for both architectures, interior and landscape works.

20mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens

With a 94.4° angle of view and up to 117° for panorama photography, giving you an option to capture the whole scene with one shot. It is ideal for architectural and interior photography to balance the subject and the surrounding with a pleasing ratio.

±11mm Shift Amount
With its large image circle, the maximum possible shift amount of the lens is ±11mm for full-frame camera and ±8mm for medium format camera. Sufficient shift capability allows photographers to correct converging vertical lines created by distance. By changing the perspective of the lens, straight architecture can be easily maintained. The ±11mm shift amount also allows photographers to expand the rooms for compositions by stitching multiple images. Creating an extraordinary image perspective.

Outstanding Optical Performance
This lens has 16 elements in 11 groups with 2 aspherical elements and 3 ED elements, bringing impressive control on chromatic aberration and ensuring the image sharpness is consistent from the center to the edge.

“Zero” Distortion
As one of the “Zero-D” members, the distortion is nearly zero. Any straight lines can be maintained from corner to corner. It is a must-have advantage for architectural, commercial and interior photographers which not just saving effort in post-editing, it also prevents any issues when stitching.

14-blade Aperture
The 14-blade aperture produces a pleasant 14-point Sunstar for commercial architecture photography. It also able creates smooth circular bokeh when shooting close focus subject.

Close Focusing Distance
Apart from far-away architecture, Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift also supports capturing very close objects with a 22cm minimum focusing distance. A wide-angle macro style images can be created.

Rotatable Lens hood

The 360° rotatable lens hood shades the front of the lens, keeping the images away from unwanted flares. It is extremely convenient when there is a strong light source from the side. Photographers can also adjust the angle of the lens hood to avoid blocking the image during extreme shifts

82mm Filter Thread
Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is designed with 82mm filter thread which a screw-in filter can be used. Photographers can now use a lighter and more compact setup when compared to a heavier and more expensive filter holder.

Special Design Lens Support
Lens support is specially designed to work with the new 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift. The rotatable ring is extremely helpful for stitching by retaining the principal axis when changing orientations and shifting. It is especially important for achieve perfect stitching and panorama photography.

Product Page

20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift: https://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-20mm-f-4-zero-d-shift/
Lens support: https://www.venuslens.net/product/shift-lens-support 

laowa 20mm

Canon Patent: 20mm f/1.8 And 23mm f/1.8 Lenses For The RF Mount

Canon Patent

And here is yet another Canon patent discussing optical formulas for lenses for the EOS R full frame mirrorless system.

Canon patent application P2021-71624A (Japan) discusses optical designs for a 20mm f/1.8 lens and a 23mm f/1.8 lens for full frame mirrorless systems. That’s the RF mount. The patent was spotted by Hi Lows Note.

Embodiment 1: RF 23mm f/1.8

  • Focal length 23.40 mm
  • F number 1.85
  • Half angle of view (degree) 42.76
  • Image height 21.64 mm
  • Lens length 89.32 mm
  • BF 11.72 mm

Embodiment 2: RF 23mm f/1.8

  • Focal length 23.28 mm
  • F number 1.85
  • Half angle of view (degree) 42.90
  • Image height 21.64 mm
  • Lens length 93.32 mm
  • BF 12.72 mm

Embodiment 3: RF 20mm f/1.8

  • Focal length 20.60 mm
  • F number 1.85
  • Half angle of view (degree) 46.40
  • Image height 21.64mm
  • Lens length 88.73 mm
  • BF 11.72 mm

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

Deal: Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro Lens – $149 (reg. $199, today only)

Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm F/2

Only for today (10/31/2019) B&H Photo has the Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro Lens for Canon EF mount on sale at $149. Compare at $199. Free shipping.

Key features:

  • Designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, this lens can also be used with APS-C-format models, and will provide a 32mm equivalent focal length
  • Specialized super macro lens is designed for working with close-up subjects and provides a maximum magnification of 4.5x and a minimum magnification of 4.0x
  • Minimum working distance (distance from front of lens to subject) is 0.8″; the lens does not offer infinity focus
  • Manual focus control for fine-tuning focus position and a manually adjustable aperture ranges from f/2 to f/16 for adjusting exposure and depth of field
  • Six elements in four groups optical design provides consistent edge-to-edge sharpness and illumination
  • Wide-angle focal length pairs with the high magnification range for producing dynamic compositions
  • Metal lens barrel is both rigid and durable.

A specialized optic for truly close-up shooting, this 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro Lens from Mitakon Zhongyi is designed for Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras. Offering a magnification range of 4.5x to 4x, and a minimum working distance of 0.8″, this lens is solely designed for producing greater-than-life-size images of small objects without the need of extension.


Noteworthy Kickstarter projects:

  1. SliderMini portable camera slider
  2. Universal camera strap with lifetime warranty
  3. DUO Daypack, quick access camera bag with lifetime warranty
  4. Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 lens for $199
  5. Peak Design super light travel tripod

Today’s selected deals:

More hand-picked deals are listed here.

Authorised Canon retailer B&H Photo has discounted EOS 5D Mark IV and EOS 6D Mark II bundles on offer for the holidays.

We offer 10% discount to subscriptions to Pixpa all-in-one platform for photographers.

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon USAmazon DEAmazon UKB&H Photo, eBayAdorama.

Canon Europe stores have a cash back promotions going on:

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals to be found here)

Save $10 on Luminar 4 and/or Aurora HDR 2019 using our code “WATCH” at checkout.

Deal: Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro Lens – $139 (reg. $199, today only)

Zhongyi 20mm

Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro at a glance:

  • Canon EF Mount/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/16
  • Magnification Range: 4.5x to 4x
  • Minimum Working Distance: 0.8″
  • Manual Focus Operation
  • Metal Lens Barrel
  • 3-Blade Diaphragm

Only for today (3/20/19) B&H Photo has the Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro Lens on sale at $139. Compare at $199. Free shipping.

More selected and exclusive deals:

More hand-picked deals are listed here.

Authorised Canon retailer B&H Photo has discounted EOS 5D Mark IV and EOS 6D Mark II bundles on offer for the holidays.

We offer 10% discount to subscriptions to Pixpa all-in-one platform for photographers.

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon USAmazon DEAmazon UKB&H Photo, eBayAdorama.

Canon Europe stores have a cash back promotions going on:

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals to be found here)

Save $10 on Luminar 4 and/or Aurora HDR 2019 using our code “WATCH” at checkout.