Fujifilm has introduced some truly exceptional lenses over the years for X-mount users. The 23mm f1.4, the 50mm f1, and the 70-300mm f4-5.6 are examples of the company trying to broaden its horizons. It now appears they are keen on further broadening the portfolio, especially after the recent launch of the XC 13-33mm f3.5-6.3 OIS. Here is a quick look at the patent that has sparked the conversation, and which lens is likely to follow next.
According to Asobinet, the company has published patent P2026004114, which suggests the company may rethink redesigning its oldest APS-C lens, the 18mm f2 R. The lens was introduced in 2013, making it almost a decade old. As we mentioned in our previous post, the 18mm needs an update, one that features weather resistance, among other improvements. However, with a patent that showcases the same, it could mean the company is keen on giving options to its users.
- Focal length: 18.56
- F-number: 2.07
- Angle of view: 81.4
- Back focus: 11.40
The goal, as per the patent, is to design a lens that is compact yet features a bright aperture and improved aberration correction, while maintaining the same size. On an APS-C body, the lens offers a 27mm field of view, making it an excellent option for genres such as street, travel, documentary, environmental portraits, and other everyday shooting situations. In fact, our review found the lens to be weak in some ways. However, we added, “All I can say is that while this may not be a technically perfect lens, it makes up for it with a lot of character, great performance, and a fun shooting experience on the Fuji X-System.”
However, from the drawings here, it is pretty evident that Fujifilm will offer a new inner-focus design, which could make the 18mm ideal for X-series cameras and fast-paced shooting. And of course, adding weather resistance.
Given the current scenario, the X series already has an 18mm f1.4 lens, but the challenge is that it is far larger and more expensive than the f2 offering. 7Artisans offers an 18mm lens, but it features an f6.3 aperture. This makes the 18mm f2 a lens in a league of its own.
Ultimately, a patent does not guarantee much, and it may not result in an actual lens. However, if Fujifilm does relaunch a decade-old lens, this can help X-series cameras get the refresh they need. However, a lot depends on the pricing, given that the camera market is so different from before. The best is to think of this as an idea or a philosohy that can get better with time.