Nikon 18-55mm f/4-5.6 lens patent for a mirrorless APS-C camera

Nikon’s 18-55mm f/4-5.6 lens patent 2012123118 appears to be for a mirrorless APS-C camera. The Nikon 1 system has a sensor smaller than APS-C. Patents do not guarantee new product introductions, but almost every new lens form the past few years has been patented first.

Patent details:

  • Release date: June 28, 2012
  • Filing date: December 7, 2010
  • Zoom ratio: 2.88649
  • Focal length: 18.5 – 53.4mm
  • Aperture: 4.11 – 5.88
  • Half angle of view: 14.48 deg 39.18
  • Image height: 14.25mm
  • lens length: 70.49 – 96.38mm
  • Back focus: 27.12 – 47.83mm
  • Lens design: 12 elements in 9 groups, 2 aspherical surfaces, 1 ED element