Pancake lenses are a significant investment for many photographers. One of the reasons is that these lenses offer the joy of shooting with a compact system and carrying a lighter system for your next big day. With pancake lenses launching occasionally nowadays, it appears that Panasonic aims to offer more for users seeking perfection. Per a new patent, the company is developing three new focal ranges. Here is a look.
According to Asobinet, the company has published a patent JP2025-167371 on November 7, which showcases the wide-angle prime lenses. The document states that these lenses will be designed to correct various optical aberrations, while ensuring that the size and the weight do not hinder photographers. The focal range includes 28mm f8, 22mm f5.6, and 24mm f8. Here is a look:
Example 1
- Focal length: 21.3171
- F value: 2.91374
- Half angle of view: 45.4058
- Image height: 19.0940
- Total length: 37.0000
Example 2
- Focal length: 28.3752
- F-value: 8.01107
- Half angle of view: 37.3263
- Image height: 21.1950
- Total length: 34.0002
Example 3
- Focal length: 22.6563
- F value: 5.85131
- Half angle of view: 43.8222
- Image height: 19.5960
- Total length: 34.0001
Example 4
- Focal length: 24.7165
- F value: 7.96280
- Half angle of view: 41.1960
- Image height: 19.7600
- Total length: 33.9990
The lenses appear to be compact, offering designs for everyday users, such as the recently launched LUMIX S 26mm f8 pancake lens. Moreover, the wide angle also makes them ideal for street, travel, and documentary photography, genres that are known to require a wider field of view. However, with the growing interest in pancake lenses, there is also a lack of supply in this range. The first party creates a focus on primes, but due to the demand for lower apertures, prime lenses tend to become heavier and larger. With the Lumix S9 being designed for portable use, it is essential that the company launches something that benefits travelers.
The Lumix 26mm f8 has been quite an excellent choice for many. And if the company expands its horizons, photographers gain the flexibility to work with them. As we said in our review of the 26mm f8, “The Panasonic 26mm f8 is a fun lens that can lend itself well to real street photography. And more importantly, it’s a lens that you’ll want to bring everywhere with you for a very affordable price. But I really wish that it were weather-resistant.” If the company can provide the lens with weather resistance while keeping the price low, we may have a winner on our hands.
Other brands, such as Sigma and TTartisan, have been developing compact offerings in response to the rise in demand. However, with Panasonic’s native offering, we may see better AF control and color profiles, which can be beneficial to photographers who want a specific look at an affordable rate.
The 26mm patent may or may not be related to the existing lens, but the 22mm and the 28mm versions seem like a right step in the direction. However, with patents, we are also aware of how things never see the light of day. Either way, a pancake lens will certainly be loved by many, as it is both practical and fun to shoot with.