A Canon full frame mirrorless lens? (and a smart one at that)
http://hi-lows-note.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2018-05-18
Three things are striking about this patent…
1. The flange distance and image height; definitely a full frame mirrorless from the flange distance being less then 44mm (EF Mount), and the image height being 21.64mm (Canon FF image height).
2. The publication date; it’s after the confirmed reports of a Canon full frame mirrorless being in the wild. And, it’s recent.
3.Wide (or ultra wide) optics are ripe for mirrorless optimization. The fact we’re seeing one, is an indicator Canon is considering pursuing a native mount and modular adapter route as Nikon is rumored to be with their upcoming Z to F mount adapter for their full frame mirrorless offering. I don’t see Canon redoing their entire optical lineup, it’s not necessary, however, they may be rethinking possibly doing a limited run of lenses like this, which do benefit from mirrorless.
I think things are really heating up with a confirmed Z mount for Nikon; Canon may be doing a me-too here.
As I’ve written before, whether Canon does a dedicated mount or not isn’t a big deal breaker for Canon in particular with them being the dominant player and having a wealth of IS lenses, but, it does open up some juicy normal/wide primes and wide/ultra wide zooms. It also, would permit Canon to attempt to poach F mount users with a F to EF adapter themselves IE eat some of Nikon’s lunch; not a bad move if they beat Nikon to the punch by a good quarter or two with their own offering.
The other thing, is if Canon does any new mount optics in lieu of EF mount-only for their full frame mirrorless solution, which it’s sounding like they could, Canon could be working on a special model, that is a sensor centric model (one that uses it’s own sensor, not “borrowed” from another DSLR in the making) that does sport IBIS and fast readout, which also translates into full 4K without caveat. Such a beast would not be high megapixel like the 5DSR, it’d be more in line with the 5D IV IE 20-40MP range. I’d suspect, said beast may not be the first out the barn, unless Canon has been working on said beast for some time... But, so goes the rumor that Canon’s really working to get it right; that hypothesis does support the rumors, so you never know...
Sunday, May 20, 2018