Nikon 7.2-13.6mm f/3.5-4.5 AW lens is in the works

Nikon is working on a wide-angle zoom lens for CX-mount mirrorless cameras that will be capable of going underwater alongside a compatible camera.

The mirrorless industry is led by Sony, Fujifilm, and the Micro Four Thirds makers, while DSLR giants, such as Nikon and Canon, are sitting somewhere at the bottom. However, it can be said that Nikon has a bigger presence than Canon and it seems like there is more to come from the CX-mount camera manufacturer.

A new patent, detailing a wide-angle zoom lens for 1-inch-type sensors, has been discovered in Japan. It consists of an AF-S Nikkor 7.2-13.6mm f/3.5-4.5 optic bearing the “AW” designation, meaning that it can go underwater along with the 1 AW1 mirrorless camera.

Nikon has patented a 1 Nikkor 7.2-13.6mm f/3.5-4.5 AW lens that is capable of taking photos underwater.

Nikon 7.2-13.6mm f/3.5-4.5 AW lens patented in Japan

The latest patent from Nikon is referring to a zoom lens designed for CX-mount mirrorless cameras with 1-inch-type sensors. The optic is described as an amphibious as it can function properly both on land and underwater.

The product in question is the aforementioned Nikon 7.2-13.6mm f/3.5-4.5 AW lens, which has been patented in the manufacturer’s home country of Japan.

Taking the crop factor into consideration, the optic will offer a 35mm focal length equivalent of approximately 20-37mm, so it will be marketed as a wide-angle zoom lens.

Its internal configuration is not mentioned, but the leaked sketch reveals about 13 elements in nine groups. The physical length will stand at approximately 83mm, so the users will appreciate its reduced dimensions.

Nikon may also launch a 1 Nikkor AW 10-100mm f/4-5.6 lens for CX-mount cameras

Nikon has a small line-up of waterproof CX-mount products. The 1 AW1 underwater camera has been launched alongside the 1 Nikkor AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and 1 Nikkor AW 10mm f/2.8 lenses.

The trio was unveiled in mid-September 2013. Unfortunately, Nikon has not released any other cameras or lenses that could go underwater since the aforementioned trident. There have been a few rumors concerning this aspect, but nothing has come to be until this point.

If it becomes real, then the Nikon 7.2-13.6mm f/3.5-4.5 AW lens will be the third waterproof CX-mount optic in the company’s line-up.

In the past, the rumor mill has said that the Japan-based company will launch a 1 Nikkor AW 10-100mm f/4-5.6 lens for the 1 AW1. It would not be a surprise if both of them showed up, so stay tuned for further information!