Patent for Nikon 10-600mm f/3.5-6.7 FL VR lens revealed

Nikon has patented a superzoom lens with a focal length of 10-600mm and maximum aperture of f/3.5-6.7 for mirrorless cameras with 1-inch-type image sensors.

The rumor mill has revealed that Nikon is developing the 500mm f/4E FL ED VR and the 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens for its full-frame DSLRs. Additionally, the company is working on a 16-80mm f/2.8-3.5 lens for DX-mount cameras with APS-C sensors.

The aforementioned trio will allegedly be introduced this summer. Anyway, it seems like the Japan-based company has something in tow for CX-mount mirrorless camera owners. The product consists of a 10-600mm f/3.5-6.7 lens which has just been patented for 1-inch-type sensors.

The internal configuration of the Nikon 10-600mm f/3.5-6.7 FL VR lens, as presented in its patent application.

Patent for Nikon 10-600mm f/3.5-6.7 FL VR lens shows up in Japan

Nikon has an interesting patent for a superzoom lens. The filing is describing an optic with a focal length starting at 10mm and ending at 565mm. However, it is known that the Japanese manufacturer sometimes chooses to round the focal lengths of its optics in the official title. Still, the lens could be improved and it could become a true 600mm unit.

Either way, the Nikon 10-600mm f/3.5-6.7 FL VR lens has been designed for cameras with 1-inch-type sensors, such as the CX-mount 1-series mirrorless models.

The optic incorporates a fluorite element to increase image quality and to reduce the dimensions of the product. Vibration Reduction technology has been added to the lens and it will come in handy when capturing photos in poorly-lit environments.

The maximum aperture of f/3.5-6.7, depending on the selected focal length, is not among the brightest on the market. This means that the VR system will also be useful at telephoto focal lengths.

It is worth noting that photographers will have to take into account the crop factor. As a result, the Nikon 10-600mm f/3.5-6.7 FL VR lens will offer a 35mm focal length equivalent of approximately 27-1632mm when mounted on cameras with 1″-type sensors.

This superzoom lens may be years away from its release date

The patent application was filed on November 25, 2013. The regulatory agencies approved the filing on June 4, 2015, but this does not mean that the product is coming anytime soon.

A source is stating that the optic will most likely be ready for the Tokyo Olympic Games which are actually the 2020 Summer Olympics. There are five years left, so it remains to be seen what the future holds for Nikon mirrorless camera users.

Until more details are revealed, keep an eye on Camyx for the latest digital imaging news and rumors!