New patents are exciting to see, especially when it comes to companies like Fujifilm, which are doing exceptionally well when it comes to manufacturing new cameras and lenses. Per new reports, the Japanese manufacturer has patented two wide-angle zoom lenses, which are for the APS-C cameras. Zoom lenses are useful, especially on APS-C cameras, as they offer more focal range. For instance, XF 16-80mm f4 R OIS WR is a 24-105mm equivalent of 35mm full frame. Similarly, these new lenses hope to give extra reach to X users.
According to a report by Asobinet, Fujifilm has filed patent application P2025073886, which showcases two focal ranges: the 14-26mm f5-7 and 12-26mm f5-6.8. The lenses are supposed to be lightweight while maintaining good performance across the focal range. Here is a look at the drawings:
Example 1
- Focal length: 14.65-26.38
- F-number: 5.15-6.59
- Angle of view: 97.4-54.6
- Back focus: 20.66-29.00
Example 2
- Focal length: 13.40-22.78
- F-number: 5.12-5.93
- Angle of view: 102.8-62.2
- Back focus: 22.56-26.09
Example 3
- Focal length: 11.38-25.03
- F-number: 5.11-6.96
- Angle of view: 111.0-55.4
- Back Focus: 17.03
Example 4
- Focal length: 13.52-29.74
- F-number: 4.61-5.65
- Angle of view: 102.2-47.0
- Back Focus: 10.40
The patent does not reveal much, other than that the lenses will be lightweight and small. It is possible that they will also be cost-effective models for APS-C users. At the moment, the Fujifilm X series has several zoom lenses available for users. However, not all are wide-angle zooms. They are wide to medium range, such as 16-55mm or 18-55mm, or 18-120mm. The only wide-angle zooms that the company has are the XF 8-16 mm f2.8 R LM WR, the XF 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR. As we reported in our review, they are kind of expensive, with both averaging around a $1000 price tag.
Keeping that in mind, having cost-effective lenses could be good, but it is possible we may lose out on the weather sealing, to keep the cost low. However, that would be an issue, since most third-party lenses fall under $500, but lack sealing, making it impossible to take for challenging, outdoor shoots. If Fujifilm can find a way, it will be able to keep Fujifilm users happy.
However, there is also the report that the lenses are for video use, meaning they could be hybrid lenses for creators who shoot both videos and stills. At the moment, there is no clarity on the subject. So, it remains to be seen whether the lenses even see the light of day.
It is clear, however, that Fujifilm needs more wide-angle zooms in their X series range, one that is compact and cost-effective for users interested in shooting street, events, or landscapes. Since they have a better standard and telephoto zoom, a wide angle would help the X mount to grow further. But of course, it will be much better if the wide-angle lenses have brighter apertures, since it will help to get better images at night. This would drive up the price further, but let’s see how far Fujifilm is ready to push.