Nikon 10-145mm f/4-5.6 lens patent revealed

Nikon has patented a new lens for cameras with 1-inch-type image sensors, an optic that offers a focal length of 10-145mm and a maximum aperture of f/4-5.6.

Superzoom lenses are perfect for travel photographers. Mirrorless systems are perfect for this type of photography, but so is a compact camera. Nikon has patented a superzoom lens with a 10-145mm focal length range aimed at shooters with 1-inch-type image sensors.

The optical designs as described in the Nikon 10-145mm f/4-5.6 lens patent. The lens is aimed at cameras with 1-inch-type sensors.

Nikon patents 10-145mm superzoom lens for 1-inch-type cameras

Nikon is patenting lots of lenses, but not all of them become available on the market. Moreover, those that are released seem to be unveiled years after being originally patented. Either way, the new Nikon 10-145mm f/4-5.6 lens has been patented in Japan.

The optic has been designed to work with cameras featuring an 1-inch-type image sensor. This means that it will offer a 35mm focal length equivalent of 27-395mm, which would be great for taking photos during your vacation.

The maximum aperture stands at f/4-5.6, which is not exactly the largest of the bunch. However, it should do its job properly in your travels.

Nikon 10-145mm f/4-5.6 lens could be aimed at either mirrorless or compact cameras

Since this is aimed at 1-inch-type cameras, you could think that this is an interchangeable lens system therefore it consists of a new Nikon 1-series lens. The “problem” is that such fact has not been specified in the patent description. As a result, it makes us believe that it may be a fixed lens for a new high-end Nikon camera.

The battle of high-end compact cameras may reach never-before-seen intensity levels this year. Sony has launched the RX100 III, while Fujifilm is readying the unveiling of the X30, another camera with a 1-inch-type sensor.

Moreover, Panasonic will announce the LX8 in July, a compact shooter rumored to have a large 1″ sensor, while Olympus may be doing the same thing with the TRIP-D.

It would not be so surprising if Nikon were to join the party, too. This lens would be quite great, so it remains to be seen for what type of cameras the Nikon 10-145mm f/4-5.6 lens will become available in the future.

Nikon 10-145mm f/4-5.6 lens patent reveals presence of three aspherical elements

The patent description mentions that the lens is made out of 19 pieces in 11 groups with a couple of ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements and a trio of aspherical elements.

Nikon’s new 10-145mm lens will measure 112.6mm in length, while the maximum length (when zoomed out) will stand at 162.6mm.

These are all the available details at this point, so stay tuned for more!