Canon Patent: RF-S 33mm f/1.8 And Other Lenses

Canon Patent

Here is a new Canon patent application for a bunch of lenses, of which one might already have releases.

Canon patent application 2024082112 (Japan, published 6/19/2024) discusses optical formulas for three lenses:

From the patent literature:

  • [Background Art] With the miniaturization and high pixel count of image sensors, optical systems used in imaging devices are required to be small and have high optical performance. In order to satisfy these requirements, Patent Document 1 proposes an optical system consisting of a first lens with positive refractive power, a second lens with negative refractive power, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, and a sixth lens arranged in order from the object side to the image side. The lens surface on the object side of the first lens is convex near the optical axis. The lens surface on the image side of the second lens is concave near the optical axis. The lens surface on the object side of the third lens is convex near the optical axis. The lens surface on the image side of the fourth lens is convex near the optical axis. The lens surface on the object side of the fifth lens is convex near the optical axis. The lens surface on the image side of the sixth lens is concave near the optical axis.
  • In order to reduce the overall length of an optical system, it is effective to adopt a telephoto type power arrangement and strengthen the positive refractive power on the object side and the negative refractive power on the image side. However, when the power arrangement of a telephoto type is strengthened, a large pincushion distortion occurs, making it difficult to simultaneously correct distortion and curvature of field with a limited number of lenses. In addition, when the power arrangement of a telephoto type is strengthened, the back focus becomes shorter and the exit angle of the off-axis light beam becomes larger.
  • The optical system described in Patent Document 1 employs a telephoto power arrangement to reduce the overall length, and uses multiple aspheric lenses to correct distortion and curvature of field, but the Petzval sum of the entire system is large and the exit angle of the off-axis light beam is also large. Therefore, when attempting to apply the optical system described in Patent Document 1 to an imaging device with a large image sensor, the correction of curvature of field and the reduction in peripheral light amount become issues.
  • The present invention provides an optical system that is small, lightweight, and has high optical performance.
  • In the optical system L0 of each embodiment, the final lens Lp is preferably made of plastic. The diameter of the final lens Lp is generally large, and using glass as the material for the final lens Lp is not preferable because the lens weight becomes heavy.

Example 1

  • Focal length: 28.50
  • F-number: 2.86
  • Half angle of view: 37.20
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Overall length: 42.64
  • Back Focus: 13.25

Example 2

  • Focal length: 28.50
  • F-number: 2.55
  • Half angle of view: 37.20
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 42.90
  • Back Focus: 12.46

Example 3

  • Focal length: 24.50
  • F-number: 2.88
  • Half angle of view: 41.45
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 47.90
  • Back Focus: 11.28

Example 4

  • Focal length: 33.08
  • F-number: 1.85
  • Half angle of view: 22.44
  • Image height: 13.66
  • Overall length: 41.00
  • Back Focus: 11.91

More Canon patents are listed here.

[via asobinet]

Unlikely Rumor: RF 70-300mm f/2-4L IS And RF-S 33mm f/1L Lenses To Come

Eos R6 Mark Iii Nab 2023 Canon Eos R5 Mark Ii Canon Eos R8 CP+ 2024 Mark Ii Canon EOS Rf 24-50mm R6 Mark Ii Rf Mount Eos R6 Mark Ii Rf 300mm Rf 35mm Canon Eos R100 Rf 24mm F/1.8 Rf-s Canon Eos R7 Eos R100 Canon High Resolution Eos R R10 Eos C5 Canon Canon Eos R1 Eos R5c Canon Rf 16mm Rf 35mm F/1.2L EF Lenses Tilt-shift Lenses Rumor

A new rumor surfaced, suggesting Canon might announce two lenses: an RF 70-300mm f/2-4L IS And RF-S 33mm f/1L.

We do not think the rumor is reliable. f/2-4 and f/1 (for APS-C sensors) sound very unlikely to us. The source claims:

  • Canon RF-S 33mm f/1L USM lens
  • Canon RF 70-300mm f/2-4L IS USM: 1.6kg zoom lens that still has a large aperture of f/2.4 at 150mm. The image quality at 300mm should be equal to or even better than the already discontinued Canon EF 300mm f / 4L IS USM lens.

According to the source, the RF-S 33mm lens is supported by an already spotted Canon patent application. We do not think this means anything.

Stay tuned…

[via PR]

Canon Patent: Focal Reducer For Mirrorless Camera With APS-C Sensor

Canon Patent

Well that’s a heck of a Canon patent application. A focal reducer that gives some exciting focal length and apertures on APS-C cameras

Spotted by Hi Lows Note, Canon patent application 2021-167921 (Japan) discusses optical formulas for a focal reducer that could transform a 50mm f/1.4 lens for full-frame cameras into a 33mm f/0.94 lens for APS-C sensor cameras. Not bad, eh? Hopefully Canon will release this thing for the EOS M system.


Master lens

  • Focal length (mm): 51.46
  • F number: 1.45
  • Half angle of view (degree): 22.80
  • Image height (mm): 21.64
  • Lens length (mm): 94.41
  • Back focus (mm): 39.81

With embodiment 4

  • Focal length (mm): 33.45
  • F number: 0.94
  • Half angle of view (degree): 22.42
  • Image height (mm): 13.80
  • Lens length (mm): 91.91
  • Back focus (mm): 9.73

Canon Patent: 22mm, 24mm, 33mm, 35mm, all f/1.4, For The RF Mount

Canon Patent

And here is a new Canon patent application for lenses for the RF mount: 22mm, 24mm, 33mm, 35mm, and all are f/1.4.

Canon patent application 2021-113905A (spotted by High Lows Note) discusses optical formulas for the following RF-mount lenses:

  • RF 22mm f/1.4
  • RF 24mm f/1.4
  • RF 33mm f/1.4
  • RF 35mm f/1.4

Here they are:

Embodiment 1

  • FOCAL LENGTH (MM): 35.00
  • F NUMBER: 1.42
  • HALF ANGLE OF VIEW (DEGREE): 31.73
  • IMAGE HEIGHT (MM): 21.64
  • LENS LENGTH (MM): 126.05
  • BACK FOCUS (MM): 11.06

Embodiment 2:

  • FOCAL LENGTH (MM): 35.00
  • F NUMBER: 1.42
  • HALF ANGLE OF VIEW (DEGREE): 31.72
  • IMAGE HEIGHT (MM): 21.64
  • LENS LENGTH (MM): 128.31
  • BACK FOCUS (MM): 11.06

Embodiment 3

  • FOCAL LENGTH (MM): 34.99
  • F NUMBER: 1.43
  • HALF ANGLE OF VIEW (DEGREE): 31.73
  • IMAGE HEIGHT (MM): 21.64
  • LENS LENGTH (MM): 123.63
  • BACK FOCUS (MM): 11.06

Embodiment 4:

  • FOCAL LENGTH (MM): 24.17
  • F NUMBER: 1.42
  • HALF ANGLE OF VIEW (DEGREE): 41.83
  • IMAGE HEIGHT (MM): 21.64
  • LENS LENGTH (MM): 124.64
  • BACK FOCUS (MM): 11.06

Embodiment 5:

  • FOCAL LENGTH (MM): 33.11
  • F NUMBER: 1.42
  • HALF ANGLE OF VIEW (DEGREE): 33.17
  • IMAGE HEIGHT (MM): 21.64
  • LENS LENGTH (MM): 126.01
  • BACK FOCUS (MM): 11.06

Embodiment 6:

  • FOCAL LENGTH (MM): 33.03
  • F NUMBER: 1.42
  • HALF ANGLE OF VIEW (DEGREE): 33.23
  • IMAGE HEIGHT (MM): 21.64
  • LENS LENGTH (MM): 125.39
  • BACK FOCUS (MM): 11.06

Embodiment 7:

  • FOCAL LENGTH (MM): 34.99
  • F NUMBER: 1.43
  • HALF ANGLE OF VIEW (DEGREE): 31.73
  • IMAGE HEIGHT (MM): 21.64
  • LENS LENGTH (MM): 122.18
  • BACK FOCUS (MM): 11.06

Embodiment 8:

  • FOCAL LENGTH (MM): 22.00
  • F NUMBER: 1.42
  • HALF ANGLE OF VIEW (DEGREE): 44.52
  • IMAGE HEIGHT (MM): 21.64
  • LENS LENGTH (MM): 125.60
  • BACK FOCUS (MM): 11.06

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

Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 For Canon RF Mount Announced (it’s for APS-C sensor!)

33mm F/0.95

Venus Optics announced a super fast lens for a series of camera mounts, RF mount included: the Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95. But the lens is for an APS-C sensor.

Not sure what to think about the fact that there is an RF mount lens for APS-C sensors. Is it a sign that the rumored EOS R model with APS-C sensor is coming?

The Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website and authorized resellers. The US price (ex-VAT) for Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is $499. Pricing varies in different countries. Shipping starts from Early May for Fuji X and Sony E mount. The Nikon Z and Canon RF will be shipped from Mid May.

Venus Optics press release:

Venus Optics announce the first lens of the f/0.95 ‘Argus’ line, Laowa ‘Argus’ 33mm f/0.95 CF APO

Starts capturing chromatic aberration-free image at f/0.95

Anhui China, May 03 , 2021 – Venus Optics, the manufacturer specialized in making unique camera lenses, is proud to introduce the Laowa ‘Argus’ 33mm f/0.95 CF APO, a magnificent f/0.95 prime lens for APS-C cameras.

The ‘Argus’ name was originally from the Greek mythology and was the name of a vigilant guardian with a hundred eyes and an “all-seeing” sight. The name represents the ultra-bright f/0.95 aperture of the lenses and the exceptional image quality they deliver.

The 35mm f/0.95 is the first released lens of the much anticipated Argus line. Featuring the ultra fast f/0.95 aperture with APO design, the lens offers photographers and videographers a classic focal length for everyday shooting and a versatility to shoot at difficult lighting condition. The lens delivers exception image quality at wide-open and suppresses the chromatic aberration to the minimal. Couple with the 35mm (1.15 feet) minimum focus distance, a buttery smooth and exquisite bokeh rendering can easily be created. It also equips with multiple touches of videographer friendly features for narrative filmmaking.

Key Features of Laowa ‘Argus’ 33mm f/0.95 CF APO

• f/0.95 Ultra-fast aperture
• APO (Apochromatic Optical Design)
• 35cm closest focusing distance
• Exquisite bokeh
• Long focus throw
• Internal focus
• Low focus breathing
• Stepless aperture ring

APO (Apochromatic Optical Design)

The new Argus 33mm f/0.95 was designed to deliver impressive performance at wide-open aperture. It incorporates one Extra-low Dispersion Glass, one Aspherical Lens and three Ultra High Refraction Glass to suppress both lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberration (CA) to the minimal at all apertures in its class. It also delivers an exceptional image sharpness across
the frame.

Ultra-fast f/0.95 Aperture

The ultra-fast f/0.95 aperture adds a dreamy atmosphere to your image that no other lenses can compare. The shallow depth of field offers great versatility for selective focus and isolate the subject for a better story telling. The fast aperture also makes handheld shooting at low light situations much easier. You can now tell your story in any condition without compromising your image with higher ISO. It is perfect for everything from prestigious portraits, low light photography & videography to everyday & astrophotography.

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Modula Optical’s 33mm f/2 Lens Fuses Classic and Modern Optical Tech for Mirrorless Cameras (EOS M)

CM33

A new lens for mirrorless cameras got a start at Kickstarter, and it’s an innovative concept that seems to be pretty interesting.

Modula Optics developed a really unique, pancake-like 33mm f/2 prime lens for mirrorless cameras (Fujifilm X, Sony E, and Canon M) called the CM33. The cool thing about the CM33 is a range of modular upgrade options. The most unique option is what is called “Mods” — special optical elements (filters, lenses, etc.) that can be inserted into the middle of the lens near the aperture stop, rather than screwed on the front ring. This lets you create some really interesting optical effects in a completely “as needed” way, rather than requiring a specialized lens to, for example, get a bokeh apodization effect or well-controlled soft focus effect.

If this cool idea captures your attention, head over to Kickstarter to back up the project. Have a look at the video below for an overview.

Press release:

Today Modula Optical introduces the CM33 33mm f/2 lens for mirrorless cameras on Kickstarter. The CM33 brings the best elements of classic manual focus lenses to a modern ultra-compact design that is optimized specifically for today’s mirrorless cameras from Fujifilm, Sony and Canon *. The CM33’s proprietary optical design offers superb image quality and macro capability in a pancake form factor, and the lens forms the basis of a modular optical platform for a range of add-on optical effects in the form of Mods, as well as usability customizations and adapters.

Focusing the CM33 is unapologetically manual-only. It offers the kind of precision and feel found in great SLR and rangefinder lenses of the past which is lacking with the electronically-controlled manual focus in many of today’s autofocus lenses. The CM33 pairs that manual control with its Focus Finder feature: an external switch that holds the aperture fully open to temporarily decrease the depth of field so photographers can pinpoint their desired focus point precisely – a sort of reversal of the typical depth-of-field preview button. Used hand-in-hand with the manual focus aids built into mirrorless cameras, the CM33’s focus, aperture, and Focus Finder controls provide quick and robust creative control over captured images.

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