Nikon 9-30mm f/1.8-2.8 lens patented for mirrorless cameras

Nikon has patented a new standard zoom lens for 1-series mirrorless cameras. The patent for the new 9-30mm f/1.8-2.8 optic has been granted in Japan and it proves that the company is planning to continue supporting the CX-mount in the long run.

A fair amount of doubters have been questioning the future of the Nikon 1-series of mirrorless cameras. However, the Japan-based company has repeatedly said that this mount has a future and that the sales are going well.

The manufacturer has also reaffirmed its commitment to this line-up and has promised that more products are coming soon. The 1 J5 mirrorless has been registered at a Russian agency and it is expected to be announced soon, but the digital imaging giant has more plans for the future.

A new patent has been discovered in Japan and it is describing a Nikon 9-30mm f/1.8-2.8 lens for mirrorless cameras with 1-inch-type sensors.

The internal design of the Nikon 1-series 9-30mm f/1.8-2.8 lens.

Nikon 9-30mm f/1.8-2.8 lens for 1-series mirrorless cameras patented in Japan

Nikon is offering several optics for CX-mount cameras with 1-inch-type image sensors. The number currently stands at 12 units, covering focal lengths from 6.7mm to 300mm, but the number of lenses is expected to grow by the end of the year.

One of the models, which could become available, consists of the the Nikon 9-30mm f/1.8-2.8 lens. This model has just been patented in Japan, offering a 35mm focal length equivalent of approximately 24.5-81.5mm.

Its main advantage will be the bright aperture that will come in handy in low-light conditions, while offering a shallow depth of field at the longer end of the focal length.

The patent was filed on June 28, 2013 and it was published on January 19. The optic could be released in the future, but 1-series owners should not hold their breath over it.

Nikon is currently offering a similar optic with a slower aperture for CX-mount cameras

A similar optic is already being offered by Nikon. The 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom has been announced as a pancake-styled lens to replace the regular 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 optic in 2014.

Although it is a fairly recent product, the patent is referring to a model that has a brighter aperture, which means that it is addressing a different category of buyers.

The f/1.8-2.8 will definitely be more expensive than the f/3.5-5.6 model, which is available for about $300 at Amazon, if it becomes available on the market.

Stay tuned to Camyx in order to find out more about Nikon’s future plans!