US20140085527A1 - Zoom lens and image capturing apparatus - Google Patents

Zoom lens and image capturing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140085527A1
US20140085527A1 US13/949,823 US201313949823A US2014085527A1 US 20140085527 A1 US20140085527 A1 US 20140085527A1 US 201313949823 A US201313949823 A US 201313949823A US 2014085527 A1 US2014085527 A1 US 2014085527A1
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Prior art keywords
lens
zoom lens
lens group
zoom
positive
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Abandoned
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US13/949,823
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English (en)
Inventor
Hiroki Yamano
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Sony Corp
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Sony Corp
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Assigned to SONY CORPORATION reassignment SONY CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: YAMANO, HIROKI
Publication of US20140085527A1 publication Critical patent/US20140085527A1/en
Priority to US15/186,077 priority Critical patent/US9835836B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B15/00—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification
    • G02B15/14—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
    • G02B15/22—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective with movable lens means specially adapted for focusing at close distances
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B15/00—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification
    • G02B15/14—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
    • G02B15/145—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective having five groups only
    • G02B15/1451—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective having five groups only the first group being positive
    • G02B15/145121—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective having five groups only the first group being positive arranged +-+-+
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B1/00—Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are made; Optical coatings for optical elements
    • G02B1/04—Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are made; Optical coatings for optical elements made of organic materials, e.g. plastics
    • G02B1/041—Lenses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B15/00—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification
    • G02B15/14—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B15/00—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification
    • G02B15/14—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
    • G02B15/144—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective having four groups only
    • G02B15/1441—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective having four groups only the first group being positive
    • G02B15/144113—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective having four groups only the first group being positive arranged +-++
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B15/00—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification
    • G02B15/14—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
    • G02B15/16—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective with interdependent non-linearly related movements between one lens or lens group, and another lens or lens group
    • G02B15/20—Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective with interdependent non-linearly related movements between one lens or lens group, and another lens or lens group having an additional movable lens or lens group for varying the objective focal length
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • H04N23/69—Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
    • H04N5/23296—

Definitions

  • the present technology relates to a zoom lens, and more specifically, to a zoom lens capable of sufficiently reducing a minimum focusing distance and suitable for a digital still camera, a video camera, a monitoring camera and the like and an image capturing apparatus using the zoom lens.
  • a macro mode in which a minimum focusing distance can be largely reduced over the whole zoom range even in an optical system high in magnification or a zoom lens which a large-scale sensor is built in.
  • examples of such a large-scale sensor can include, for example, sizes of 1/1.7, 2/3, 1.0, APS, 35 mm and the like.
  • a zoom lens including first and second lens groups independently movable in an optical axis direction in an optical system.
  • a lens group to rule focusing changes between the first and second lens groups or a relative position between the first and second lens groups changes.
  • changing a relative position between the first and second lens groups or a role to rule focusing between them enables to perform switching between the two modes different in minimum focusing distance without any change of the other lens positions.
  • a focusing distance range in a mode shorter in minimum focusing distance of the two modes, may be changed to a short distance side by shifting any one of the first and second lens groups per zoom position by a certain amount. Thereby, the focusing distance range can be shifted to the short distance side under simple control.
  • At least one of the first and second lens groups may independently move in zooming.
  • the first and second lens groups can be allowed to contribute also to zooming, this enabling the zoom lens to optimize movement of the whole optical system.
  • both of the first and second lens groups may move in focusing, with movement amounts of the first and second lens groups associated with each other.
  • the first and second lens groups may be arranged alongside on a closest side to an image in the optical system.
  • the configuration of the first and second lens groups can be made simple, small in dimensions and light in weight.
  • each of the first and second lens groups may include one lens. At least one of the first and second lens groups may include one plastic lens. Thereby, the first and second lens groups can be made small in dimensions and light in weight.
  • a zoom lens including, in order from an object side, a first zoom lens group having positive refractive power, a second zoom lens group having negative refractive power, a third zoom lens group having positive refractive power, and a fourth zoom lens group having positive refractive power.
  • a negative lens disposed on a closest side to an image in the third lens group and a positive lens included in the fourth zoom lens group are independently movable in an optical axis.
  • a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens and the positive lens or a relative position between the negative lens and the positive lens changes. It is applied to a zoom lens including four lens groups.
  • a zoom lens including, in order from an object side, a first zoom lens group having positive refractive power, a second zoom lens group having negative refractive power, a third zoom lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth zoom lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth zoom lens group having positive refractive power.
  • a negative lens included in the fourth zoom lens group and a positive lens included in the fifth zoom lens group are independently movable in an optical axis direction.
  • a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens and the positive lens or a relative position between the negative lens and the positive lens changes. It is applied to a zoom lens including five lens groups.
  • an image capturing apparatus including a zoom lens including first and second lens groups independently movable in an optical axis direction in an optical system, and an image sensor converting an optical image formed by the zoom lens into an electric signal.
  • a lens group to rule focusing changes between the first and second lens groups or a relative position between the first and second lens groups changes.
  • a selection part configured to select one of the above-mentioned two modes may be further included. Thereby, the user can select any of the two modes.
  • a macro mode in which a minimum focusing distance is largely reduced over the whole zoom range can be attained even in an optical system high in magnification or a zoom lens which a large-scale sensor is built in.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a first embodiment of the present technology
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a second embodiment of the present technology
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a third embodiment of the present technology
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a fifth embodiment of the present technology
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a sixth embodiment of the present technology
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a seventh embodiment of the present technology.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to an eighth embodiment of the present technology.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a ninth embodiment of the present technology.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a tenth embodiment of the present technology
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to an eleventh embodiment of the present technology
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a twelfth embodiment of the present technology.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an image capturing apparatus 100 to which any of the zoom lenses according to the first to twelfth embodiments of the present technology is applied.
  • a zoom lens includes, for example, two focus actuators each of which is configured of a drive mechanism such as a linear motor and a stepping motor, and two movable lens groups driven in the optical axis direction by the respective actuators, in the optical system. It has a macro mode for reducing the minimum focusing distance as well as a normal mode in which focusing is possible from a distant view to a short distance object. Before and after switching between the normal mode and macro mode, a lens group to rule focusing changes between the two movable lens groups or a relative position between the two movable lens groups changes.
  • the macro mode may be configured by actuator drive.
  • the lens barrel structure can be simpler than in case of employing a mechanical lens barrel mechanism and the mode switching can be smooth in practical use, these being merits in view of the camera being small in dimensions and its usability.
  • methods can include shifting one of the two movable lens groups arranged in the optical system with the actuator by a certain amount for each zoom position in selecting the macro mode, and changing the focusing distance range to the short distance side over the whole zoom range.
  • a back focus of the optical system can be shifted by a certain amount for each zoom position in an exceedingly simple manner, this enabling the focusing distance range to be shifted to the short distance side simply and the actuator control to be simple.
  • the zoom lens according to the embodiment of the present disclosure satisfies the following conditional expressions (a) and (b):
  • D macro — w movement amount of the shift lens in selecting the macro mode at the wide-angle end
  • D macro — t movement amount of the shift lens in selecting the macro mode at the telescopic end
  • the zoom lens in the embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the two movable lens groups in the optical system independently moves in zooming.
  • the movable lens group is allowed to contribute also to zooming, this enabling the zoom lens to be small in dimensions and high in magnification and to attain high image quality.
  • efficiency in use of the moving stroke of the actuators mounted on the lens barrel can be enhanced at its maximum.
  • a floating focus system in which both of the two movable lens groups in the optical system move in focusing, associating their movement amounts with each other.
  • field curvature aberration arising in focusing can be corrected favorably. Therefore, a wide-angle lens, a zoom lens at a telescopic position which has a long practical focal length, and an optical system which a large-scale sensor is built in, which lenses and system are liable to suffer from field curvature in focusing can attain enhancement of image quality in short-range image capturing.
  • examples of such a large-scale sensor can include, for example, sizes of 1/1.7, 2/3, 1.0, APS, 35 mm and the like.
  • a large-diameter lens for example, with F2.8 or less at the wide-angle end and with F4.0 or less at the telescopic end has an exceedingly shallow depth of focus, and therefore, such arising of field curvature aberration directly leads to significant deterioration of image quality.
  • the above-mentioned floating focus system is especially effective for enhancement of image quality.
  • such a configuration can also attain efficiency in use of the moving stroke of the actuators mounted on the lens barrel to be enhanced at its maximum.
  • both of the two movable lens groups in the optical system are arranged closer to the image side relative to the F value determining member (aperture stop), and are arranged alongside on the closest side to the image in the optical system.
  • the configuration of the movable lens groups can be easier to be simple and to be small in dimensions and light in weight.
  • the actuators driving them can be made small in dimensions at the same time, this eventually enabling the lens barrel to be small in dimensions.
  • the two movable lens groups in the optical system each is configured of one lens.
  • the lens groups which are driven can be small in dimensions and light in weight, this enabling load on the actuators to be reduced and focus speed and focus accuracy to be improved.
  • at least one of the two movable lens groups in the optical system is preferable to be configured of one plastic lens.
  • a zoom lens according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes, in the order from the object side, four lens groups of a first zoom lens group having positive refractive power, a second zoom lens group having negative refractive power, a third zoom lens group having positive refractive power and a fourth zoom lens group having positive refractive power.
  • the negative lens arranged on the closest side to the image in the third lens group and the positive lens included in the fourth lens group are movable in the optical axis direction with the respective focus actuators.
  • one with another configuration includes, in the order from the object side, five lens groups of a first zoom lens group having positive refractive power, a second zoom lens group having negative refractive power, a third zoom lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth zoom lens group having negative refractive power and a fifth zoom lens group having positive refractive power.
  • the negative lens included in the fourth lens group and the positive lens included in the fifth zoom lens are movable in the optical axis direction with the respective focus actuators.
  • Employing such zooming configurations and focusing configurations can attain a zoom lens to be small in dimensions and high in magnification, enabling the F value to be sufficient for being bright and the minimum focusing distance to be sufficient for being short.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a first embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens has a normal mode in which focusing is possible from a distant view to a short distance object and a macro mode for reducing the minimum focusing distance compared with that in the normal mode.
  • a movement mode in the normal mode is illustrated on the left side thereof and a movement mode in the macro mode is illustrated on the right side thereof.
  • arrangement of the lenses at the wide-angle end is illustrated in the uppermost portion
  • arrangement of the lenses at the telescopic end is illustrated in the lowermost portion and the transitions from the wide-angle end to the telescopic end are illustrated in the three middle portions.
  • the zoom lens includes, in the order from the object side, a first zoom lens group GR1 having positive refractive power, a second zoom lens group GR2 having negative refractive power, a third zoom lens group GR3 having positive refractive power and a fourth zoom lens group GR4 having positive refractive power.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 includes a cemented lens configured by joining, in the order from the object side to the image side, a meniscus-shaped negative lens L11 concave to the image side and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L12 convex to the object side with each other.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 is configured by arranging a meniscus-shaped negative lens L21 concave to the image side, a negative lens L22 and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L23 convex to the object side in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 is configured by arranging a positive lens L31, a cemented lens including a positive lens L32 and a negative lens L33, a meniscus-shaped positive lens L34 convex to the image side, a positive lens L35 and a meniscus-shaped negative lens L36 concave to the image side in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 includes a meniscus-shaped positive lens L41 convex to the object side.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 lengthens in zooming from the wide-angle end to the telescopic end.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 shortens.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 undergoes transition of moving to the image side followed by moving to the object side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 undergoes transition of moving to the object side followed by moving to the image side.
  • the zoom lens in focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 moves in orientation to the image side along the optical axis. Moreover, in switching from the normal mode to the macro mode, the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 moves (shifts) in orientation to the object side along the optical axis. Namely, before and after switching between the normal mode and macro mode, the relative position between changes the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4. In other words, the lenses except the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 do not change in positions before and after the mode switching.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a second embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens basically has the same lens configuration as that according to the above-mentioned first embodiment and its description is omitted.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 lengthens in zooming from the wide-angle end to the telescopic end.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 shortens.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 undergoes transition of moving to the image side followed by moving to the object side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 undergoes transition of moving to the object side followed by moving to the image side.
  • the zoom lens in the normal mode, in focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 moves in orientation to the image side, associating their movement amounts with each other. Namely, the zoom lens employs the floating focus system. Moreover, in switching from the normal mode to macro mode, the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 moves (shifts) in orientation to the object side along the optical axis. Namely, before and after switching between the normal mode and macro mode, the relative position between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 changes.
  • a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4.
  • the lenses except the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 do not change in positions before and after the mode switching.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a third embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens basically has the same lens configuration as that according to the above-mentioned first embodiment and its description is omitted.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 lengthens in zooming from the wide-angle end to the telescopic end.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 shortens.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 undergoes transition of moving to the image side followed by moving to the object side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 undergoes transition of moving to the object side followed by moving to the image side.
  • the zoom lens in the normal mode, in focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 moves in orientation to the image side along the optical axis. Moreover, in switching from the normal mode to the macro mode, the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 moves (shifts) in orientation to the image side along the optical axis. In the macro mode, in the focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 moves in orientation to the object side along the optical axis.
  • a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4.
  • the relative position between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 changes.
  • the lenses except the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 do not change in positions before and after the mode switching.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens basically has the same lens configuration as that according to the above-mentioned first embodiment and its description is omitted.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 lengthens in zooming from the wide-angle end to the telescopic end.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 shortens.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 undergoes transition of moving to the image side followed by moving to the object side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 undergoes transition of moving to the object side followed by moving to the image side.
  • the zoom lens in focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 moves in orientation to the object side along the optical axis. Moreover, in switching from the normal mode to the macro mode, the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 moves (shifts) in orientation to the image side along the optical axis. Namely, before and after the switching between the normal mode and macro mode, the relative position between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 changes. In other words, the lenses except the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 do not change in positions before and after the mode switching.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a fifth embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens basically has the same lens configuration as that according to the above-mentioned first embodiment and its description is omitted.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 lengthens in zooming from the wide-angle end to the telescopic end.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 shortens.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 undergoes transition of moving to the image side followed by moving to the object side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 undergoes transition of moving to the object side followed by moving to the image side.
  • the zoom lens in the normal mode, in focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 moves in orientation to the object side along the optical axis. Moreover, in switching from the normal mode to macro mode, the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 moves (shifts) in orientation to the object side along the optical axis. Meanwhile, in the macro mode, in focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 moves in orientation to the image side along the optical axis.
  • a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4.
  • the relative position between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 changes.
  • the lenses except the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 do not change in positions before and after the mode switching.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a sixth embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens basically has the same lens configuration as that according to the above-mentioned first embodiment and its description is omitted.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 lengthens in zooming from the wide-angle end to the telescopic end.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 shortens.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 undergoes transition of moving to the image side followed by moving to the object side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 undergoes transition of moving to the object side followed by moving to the image side.
  • the zoom lens in the normal mode, in focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 moves in orientation to the image side along the optical axis.
  • the macro mode in focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 moves in orientation to the image side along the optical axis and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 moves in orientation to the object side along the optical axis.
  • a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4.
  • the relative position between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 changes.
  • the lenses except the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 do not change in positions before and after the mode switching.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a seventh embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens basically has the same lens configuration as that according to the above-mentioned first embodiment and its description is omitted.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 lengthens in zooming from the wide-angle end to the telescopic end.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 moves to the object side such that the distance toward the second zoom lens group GR2 shortens.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 undergoes transition of moving to the image side followed by moving to the object side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 undergoes transition of moving to the object side followed by moving to the image side.
  • the zoom lens in the normal mode, in focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 moves in orientation to the image side, associating their movement amounts with each other. Namely, the zoom lens employs the floating focus system. Meanwhile, in the macro mode, the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 moves in orientation to the image side along the optical axis and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 moves in orientation to the object side along the optical axis.
  • the relative position between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 changes.
  • the lenses except the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 do not change in positions before and after the mode switching.
  • the sign “si” denotes the surface number meaning the ith surface from the object side.
  • the sign “ri” denotes the curvature radius of the ith surface from the object side.
  • the sign “di” denotes the spacing between the ith surface and the (i+1)th surface from the object side along the axis.
  • the sign “ni” denotes the refractive index of the glass material having the ith surface on its object side which index is to the d lines (wavelength of 587.6 nm).
  • the sign “vi” denotes the Abbe number of the glass material having the ith surface on its object side which number is to the d lines.
  • the sign “INFINITY” indicates that the relevant surface is planar.
  • the sign “ASP” attached to the surface number indicates that the relevant surface is non-spherical.
  • the sign “STO” for the surface number indicates that the relevant surface is an opening aperture stop.
  • the sign “f” denotes a focal length.
  • the sign “Fno” denotes an F value (F number).
  • the sign “ ⁇ ” denotes a half FOV.
  • zoom lenses used in the individual embodiments have non-spherical lens surfaces. Each of them is supposed to be defined as follows:
  • the sign “x” denotes a distance from the vertex of the lens surface in the optical axis direction (amount of sagging)
  • the sign “y” denotes a height in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis
  • the sign “c” denotes a paraxial curvature at the lens vertex
  • the sign “ ⁇ ” denotes a conic constant.
  • the numbers A4, A6, A8 and A10 denote fourth-order, sixth-order, eighth-order and tenth-order non-spherical coefficients.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to an eighth embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens according to the eighth embodiment includes, in the order from the object side, a first zoom lens group GR1 having positive refractive power, a second zoom lens group GR2 having negative refractive power, a third zoom lens group GR3 having positive refractive power and a fourth zoom lens group GR4 having positive refractive power.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 includes a cemented lens configured by joining, in the order from the object side to the image side, a meniscus-shaped negative lens L11 concave to the image side and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L12 convex to the object side.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 is configured by arranging a meniscus-shaped negative lens L21 concave to the image side, a negative lens L22 and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L23 convex to the object side in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 is configured by arranging a positive lens L31, a cemented lens configured of a positive lens L32 and a negative lens L33, a meniscus-shaped positive lens L34 convex to the image side, a positive lens L35 and a meniscus-shaped negative lens L36 concave to the image side in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 includes a meniscus-shaped positive lens L41 convex to the object side.
  • An opening aperture stop STO is disposed on the object side of the third zoom lens group GR3. Moreover, a filter SG is disposed between the fourth zoom lens group GR4 and an image plane IMG.
  • the zoom lens employs the floating focus system in which focus lens groups A and B move in association with each other in focusing, where the focus lens group A corresponds to the negative lens L36 and the focus lens group B corresponds to the positive lens L41.
  • the focus lens groups A and B move in orientation to the image side along the optical axis. Relative relationship between lens movement distances of the focus lens groups A and B in focusing changes at each zoom position. Moreover, the lens movement distances of the focus lens groups A and B in focusing meet linearity for both of them.
  • the zoom lens before and after switching between the normal mode and macro mode, the relative position between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 changes. Moreover, before and after the switching between the normal mode and macro mode, a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4.
  • Table 1 presents data of the lenses in Example 1 of Numerical Values, in which specific numerical values are applied to the zoom lens according to the eighth embodiment.
  • the both surfaces of the negative lens L21 of the second lens group GR2 (fourth surface and fifth surface), the both surfaces of the positive lens L23 thereof (eighth surface and ninth surface), the both surfaces of the positive lens L31 of the third lens group GR3 (eleventh surface and twelfth surface), the both surface of the positive lens L34 thereof (sixteenth surface and seventeenth face), the both surfaces of the positive lens L41 of the fourth lens group GR4 (twenty second surface and twenty third surface) are non-spherical.
  • Table 2 presents the conic constants K and the fourth-order, sixth-order, eighth-order and tenth-order non-spherical coefficients A4, A6, A8 and A10 of these surfaces.
  • the expression “E ⁇ i” is an exponential expression with a base of 10, that is, represents “10 ⁇ i ”.
  • the expression “0.12345E-05” represents “0.12345 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 5 ”.
  • Table 3 presents the focal lengths f, F values Fno and half FOVs ⁇ at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in Example 1 of Numerical Values.
  • a spacing d3 between the first lens group GR1 and second lens group GR2, a spacing d9 between the second lens group GR2 and third lens group GR3, a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L36, a spacing d21 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d23 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is infinity.
  • Table 4 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L36, a spacing d21 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d23 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is close.
  • Table 5 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L36, a spacing d21 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d23 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is close.
  • Table 6 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a ninth embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens according to the ninth embodiment includes, in the order from the object side, a first zoom lens group GR1 having positive refractive power, a second zoom lens group GR2 having negative refractive power, a third zoom lens group GR3 having positive refractive power and a fourth zoom lens group GR4 having positive refractive power.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 includes a cemented lens configured by joining, in the order from the object side to the image side, a meniscus-shaped negative lens L11 concave to the image side and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L12 convex to the object side.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 is configured by arranging a meniscus-shaped negative lens L21 concave to the image side, a negative lens L22 and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L23 convex to the object side in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 is configured by arranging a positive lens L31, a cemented lens configured of a positive lens L32 and a negative lens L33, a meniscus-shaped positive lens L34 convex to the image side, a positive lens L35 and a meniscus-shaped negative lens L36 concave to the image side in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 includes a meniscus-shaped positive lens L41 convex to the object side.
  • An opening aperture stop STO is disposed on the object side of the third zoom lens group GR3. Moreover, a filter SG is disposed between the fourth zoom lens group GR4 and an image plane IMG.
  • the zoom lens employs the floating focus system in which focus lens groups A and B move in association with each other in focusing, where the focus lens group A corresponds to the negative lens L36 and the focus lens group B corresponds to the positive lens L41.
  • the focus lens groups A and B move in orientation to the image side along the optical axis. Relative relationship between lens movement distances of the focus lens groups A and B in focusing changes at each zoom position. Moreover, the lens movement distances of the focus lens groups A and B in focusing meet linearity for both of them.
  • the zoom lens before and after switching between the normal mode and macro mode, the relative position between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 changes. Moreover, before and after the switching between the normal mode and macro mode, a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4.
  • Table 7 presents data of the lenses in Example 2 of Numerical Values, in which specific numerical values are applied to the zoom lens according to the ninth embodiment.
  • the both surfaces of the negative lens L21 of the second lens group GR2 (fourth surface and fifth surface), the both surfaces of the positive lens L23 thereof (eighth surface and ninth surface), the both surfaces of the positive lens L31 of the third lens group GR3 (eleventh surface and twelfth surface), the both surface of the positive lens L34 thereof (sixteenth surface and seventeenth face), the both surfaces of the positive lens L41 of the fourth lens group GR4 (twenty second surface and twenty third surface) are non-spherical.
  • Table 8 presents the conic constants K and the fourth-order, sixth-order, eighth-order and tenth-order non-spherical coefficients A4, A6, A8 and A10 of these surfaces.
  • Table 9 presents the focal lengths f, F values Fno and half FOVs ⁇ at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in Example 2 of Numerical Values.
  • a spacing d3 between the first lens group GR1 and second lens group GR2, a spacing d9 between the second lens group GR2 and third lens group GR3, a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L36, a spacing d21 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d23 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is infinity.
  • Table 10 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L36, a spacing d21 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d23 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is close.
  • Table 11 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L36, a spacing d21 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d23 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is close.
  • Table 12 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a tenth embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens according to the tenth embodiment includes, in the order from the object side, a first zoom lens group GR1 having positive refractive power, a second zoom lens group GR2 having negative refractive power, a third zoom lens group GR3 having positive refractive power and a fourth zoom lens group GR4 having positive refractive power.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 includes a cemented lens configured by joining, in the order from the object side to the image side, a meniscus-shaped negative lens L11 concave to the image side and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L12 convex to the object side.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 is configured by arranging a meniscus-shaped negative lens L21 concave to the image side, a negative lens L22 and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L23 convex to the object side in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 is configured by arranging a positive lens L31, a cemented lens configured of a positive lens L32 and a negative lens L33, a meniscus-shaped positive lens L34 convex to the image side, a positive lens L35 and a meniscus-shaped negative lens L36 concave to the image side in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 includes a meniscus-shaped positive lens L41 convex to the object side.
  • An opening aperture stop STO is disposed on the object side of the third zoom lens group GR3. Moreover, a filter SG is disposed between the fourth zoom lens group GR4 and an image plane IMG.
  • the zoom lens employs the floating focus system in which focus lens groups A and B move in association with each other in focusing, where the focus lens group A corresponds to the negative lens L36 and the focus lens group B corresponds to the positive lens L41.
  • the focus lens groups A and B move in orientation to the image side along the optical axis. Relative relationship between lens movement distances of the focus lens groups A and B in focusing changes at each zoom position. Moreover, the lens movement distances of the focus lens groups A and B in focusing meet linearity for both of them.
  • the zoom lens before and after switching between the normal mode and macro mode, the relative position between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 changes. Moreover, before and after the switching between the normal mode and macro mode, a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens L36 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4.
  • Table 13 presents data of the lenses in Example 3 of Numerical Values, in which specific numerical values are applied to the zoom lens according to the tenth embodiment.
  • the both surfaces of the negative lens L21 of the second lens group GR2 (fourth surface and fifth surface), the both surfaces of the positive lens L23 thereof (eighth surface and ninth surface), the both surfaces of the positive lens L31 of the third lens group GR3 (eleventh surface and twelfth surface), the both surface of the positive lens L34 thereof (sixteenth surface and seventeenth face), the both surfaces of the positive lens L41 of the fourth lens group GR4 (twenty second surface and twenty third surface) are non-spherical.
  • Table 14 presents the conic constants K and the fourth-order, sixth-order, eighth-order and tenth-order non-spherical coefficients A4, A6, A8 and A10 of these surfaces.
  • Table 15 presents the focal lengths f, F values Fno and half FOVs ⁇ at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in Example 3 of Numerical Values.
  • a spacing d3 between the first lens group GR1 and second lens group GR2, a spacing d9 between the second lens group GR2 and third lens group GR3, a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L36, a spacing d21 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d23 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is infinity.
  • Table 16 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L36, a spacing d21 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d23 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is close.
  • Table 17 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L36, a spacing d21 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d23 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is close.
  • Table 18 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to an eleventh embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens according to the eleventh embodiment includes, in the order from the object side, a first zoom lens group GR1 having positive refractive power, a second zoom lens group GR2 having negative refractive power, a third zoom lens group GR3 having positive refractive power and a fourth zoom lens group GR4 having positive refractive power.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 includes a cemented lens configured by joining, in the order from the object side to the image side, a meniscus-shaped negative lens L11 concave to the image side and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L12 convex to the object side.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 is configured by arranging a meniscus-shaped negative lens L21 concave to the image side, a negative lens L22 and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L23 convex to the object side in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 is configured by arranging a positive lens L31, a cemented lens configured of a positive lens L32 and a negative lens L33, a meniscus-shaped positive lens L34 convex to the image side, a positive lens L35 and a meniscus-shaped negative lens L36 concave to the image side in the order from the object side to the image side. That is, different from the other embodiments, in the zoom lens according to the eleventh embodiment, the third zoom lens group GR 3 is configured to include five lenses.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 includes a meniscus-shaped positive lens L41 convex to the object side.
  • An opening aperture stop STO is disposed on the object side of the third zoom lens group GR3. Moreover, a filter SG is disposed between the fourth zoom lens group GR4 and an image plane IMG.
  • the zoom lens employs the floating focus system in which focus lens groups A and B move in association with each other in focusing, where the focus lens group A corresponds to the negative lens L35 and the focus lens group B corresponds to the positive lens L41.
  • the focus lens groups A and B move in orientation to the image side along the optical axis. Relative relationship between lens movement distances of the focus lens groups A and B in focusing changes at each zoom position. Moreover, the lens movement distances of the focus lens groups A and B in focusing meet linearity for both of them.
  • the zoom lens before and after switching between the normal mode and macro mode, the relative position between the negative lens L35 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 changes. Moreover, before and after the switching between the normal mode and macro mode, a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens L35 of the third zoom lens group GR3 and the positive lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4.
  • Table 19 presents data of the lenses in Example 4 of Numerical Values, in which specific numerical values are applied to the zoom lens according to the eleventh embodiment.
  • the both surfaces of the negative lens L21 of the second lens group GR2 (fourth surface and fifth surface), the both surfaces of the positive lens L23 thereof (eighth surface and ninth surface), the both surfaces of the positive lens L31 of the third lens group GR3 (eleventh surface and twelfth surface), the both surface of the positive lens L34 thereof (sixteenth surface and seventeenth face), the both surfaces of the positive lens L41 of the fourth lens group GR4 (twentieth surface and twenty first surface) are non-spherical.
  • Table 20 presents the conic constants K and the fourth-order, sixth-order, eighth-order and tenth-order non-spherical coefficients A4, A6, A8 and A10 of these surfaces.
  • Table 21 presents the focal lengths f, F values Fno and half FOVs ⁇ at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in Example 4 of Numerical Values.
  • a spacing d3 between the first lens group GR1 and second lens group GR2, a spacing d9 between the second lens group GR2 and third lens group GR3, a spacing d17 between the positive lens L34 and negative lens L35, a spacing d19 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d21 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is infinity.
  • Table 22 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • a spacing d17 between the positive lens L34 and negative lens L35, a spacing d19 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d21 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is close.
  • Table 23 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • a spacing d17 between the positive lens L34 and negative lens L35, a spacing d19 between the third lens group GR3 and fourth lens group GR4 and a spacing d21 between the fourth lens group GR4 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is close.
  • Table 24 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a twelfth embodiment of the present technology.
  • the zoom lens according to the twelfth embodiment includes, in the order from the object side, a first zoom lens group GR1 having positive refractive power, a second zoom lens group GR2 having negative refractive power, a third zoom lens group GR3 having positive refractive power, a fourth zoom lens group GR4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth zoom lens group GR5 having positive refractive power.
  • the first zoom lens group GR1 includes a cemented lens configured by joining, in the order from the object side to the image side, a meniscus-shaped negative lens L11 concave to the image side and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L12 convex to the object side.
  • the second zoom lens group GR2 is configured by arranging a meniscus-shaped negative lens L21 concave to the image side, a negative lens L22 and a meniscus-shaped positive lens L23 convex to the object side in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the third zoom lens group GR3 is configured by arranging a positive lens L31, a cemented lens configured of a positive lens L32 and a negative lens L33, a meniscus-shaped positive lens L34 convex to the image side and a positive lens L35 in the order from the object side to the image side.
  • the fourth zoom lens group GR4 includes a meniscus-shaped negative lens L41 concave to the image.
  • the fifth zoom lens group GR5 includes a meniscus-shaped positive lens L51 convex to the object side.
  • An opening aperture stop STO is disposed on the object side of the third zoom lens group GR3. Moreover, a filter SG is disposed between the fifth zoom lens group GR5 and an image plane IMG.
  • the zoom lens employs the floating focus system in which focus lens groups A and B move in association with each other in focusing, where the focus lens group A corresponds to the negative lens L41 and the focus lens group B corresponds to the positive lens L51. That is, different from the other embodiments, the focus lens group A is configured to be independent from the third lens groups GR3. In focusing from a long distance to a short distance, the focus lens groups A and B move in orientation to the image side along the optical axis. Relative relationship between lens movement distances of the focus lens groups A and B in focusing changes at each zoom position. Moreover, the lens movement distances of the focus lens groups A and B in focusing meet linearity for both of them.
  • the zoom lens before and after switching between the normal mode and macro mode, the relative position between the negative lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 and the positive lens L51 of the fifth zoom lens group GR5 changes. Moreover, before and after the switching between the normal mode and macro mode, a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens L41 of the fourth zoom lens group GR4 and the positive lens L51 of the fifth zoom lens group GR5.
  • Table 25 presents data of the lenses in Example 5 of Numerical Values, in which specific numerical values are applied to the zoom lens according to the twelfth embodiment.
  • the both surfaces of the negative lens L21 of the second lens group GR2 (fourth surface and fifth surface), the both surfaces of the positive lens L23 thereof (eighth surface and ninth surface), the both surfaces of the positive lens L31 of the third lens group GR3 (eleventh surface and twelfth surface), the both surface of the positive lens L34 thereof (sixteenth surface and seventeenth face), the both surfaces of the positive lens L51 of the fifth lens group GR5 (twenty second surface and twenty third surface) are non-spherical.
  • Table 26 presents the conic constants K and the fourth-order, sixth-order, eighth-order and tenth-order non-spherical coefficients A4, A6, A8 and A10 of these surfaces.
  • Table 27 presents the focal lengths f, F values Fno and half FOVs ⁇ at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in Example 5 of Numerical Values.
  • a spacing d3 between the first lens group GR1 and second lens group GR2, a spacing d9 between the second lens group GR2 and third lens group GR3, a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L41, a spacing d21 between the fourth lens group GR4 and fourth lens group GR5 and a spacing d23 between the fifth lens group GR5 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is infinity.
  • Table 28 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L41, a spacing d21 between the fourth lens group GR4 and fifth lens group GR5 and a spacing d23 between the fifth lens group GR5 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is close.
  • Table 29 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • a spacing d19 between the positive lens L35 and negative lens L41, a spacing d21 between the fourth lens group GR4 and fifth lens group GR5 and a spacing d23 between the fifth lens group GR5 and filter SG vary, where the subject distance is close.
  • Table 30 presents the variable spacings with respect to the respective spacings at the wide-angle end, at the intermediate focal length and at the telescopic end in this case.
  • Table 31 presents the values in Examples 1 to 5 of Numerical Values according to the eighth to twelfth embodiments, where the shift lens group is a lens group moving (shifting) in switching between the normal mode and macro mode and its role is ruled by the focus lens group B in any of Examples 1 to 5 of Numerical Values in the figures. It is apparent from the values that the conditional expressions (a) to (b) are satisfied.
  • Example 1 Example 2
  • Example 3 Example 4
  • Example 5 Conditional
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image capturing apparatus 100 to which the zoom lens according to any of the first to twelfth embodiments of the present technology.
  • the image capturing apparatus 100 includes a camera block 110 , a camera signal processing unit 120 , an image processing unit 130 , a display unit 140 , a reader-writer 150 , a processor 160 , a manipulation acceptance unit 170 and a lens driving control unit 180 .
  • the camera block 110 takes on an image capturing function, and includes a zoom lens 111 according to any of the first to twelfth embodiments and an image sensor 112 converting an optical image formed by the zoom lens 111 into an electric signal.
  • the image sensor 112 can employ a photoelectric transducer such, for example, as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor).
  • the zoom lens 111 is herein simply illustrated as a single lens, which indicates the lens groups according to any of the first to twelfth embodiments.
  • the camera signal processing unit 120 performs signal processing such as analog-digital conversion on a captured image signal.
  • the camera signal processing unit 120 converts an output signal from the image sensor 112 into a digital signal.
  • the camera signal processing unit 120 performs various kinds of signal processing such as noise reduction, image quality correction, conversion into luminance-chromaticity signals.
  • the image processing unit 130 performs recording/playing-back processing of the image signal.
  • the image processing unit 130 performs compression encoding and decompression decoding of the image signal based on a predetermined image data format and conversion of data specifications such as resolution.
  • the display unit 140 displays the captured image and the like.
  • the display unit 140 has a function of displaying a manipulation status in the manipulation acceptance unit 170 and various kinds of data of the captured image and the like.
  • the display unit 140 can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).
  • the reader-writer 150 performs access to the memory card 190 which access is writing and read-out of the image signal.
  • the reader-writer 150 writes the image data encoded by the image processing unit 130 to the memory card 190 , and reads out the image data recorded in the memory card 190 .
  • the memory card 190 is, for example, a semiconductor memory removable to the slot connected to the reader-writer 150 .
  • the processor 160 controls the whole image capturing apparatus.
  • the processor 160 functions as a control processing unit controlling the individual circuit blocks provided in the image capturing apparatus 100 , and controls the individual circuit blocks based on manipulation instruction signals from the manipulation acceptance unit 170 .
  • the manipulation acceptance unit 170 accepts manipulation from the user.
  • the manipulation acceptance unit 170 can implemented, for example, by a shutter release button for performing shutter operation, a selection switch for selecting an operation mode, and the like. For example, mode selection of selecting any one of the normal mode and macro mode can be accepted by the manipulation acceptance unit 170 .
  • the manipulation instruction signal accepted by the manipulation acceptance unit 170 is supplied to the processor 160 .
  • the lens driving control unit 180 controls driving of the lenses disposed in the camera block 110 .
  • the lens driving control unit 180 controls a motor and the like (not illustrated in the figure) for driving the lenses of the zoom lens 111 based on the control signals from the processor 160 .
  • the image capturing apparatus 100 In standing-by for image capturing, the image capturing apparatus 100 outputs the image signal captured by the camera block 110 via the camera signal processing unit 120 to the display unit 140 under the control of the processor 160 , and displays it as a camera-through image. Moreover, upon acceptance of the manipulation instruction signal for zooming in the manipulation acceptance unit 170 , the processor 160 outputs the control signal to the lens driving control unit 180 , predetermined lenses in the zoom lens 111 are moved based on the control of the lens driving control unit 180 .
  • the captured image signal is outputted from the camera signal processing unit 120 to the image processing unit 130 to undergo compression encoding and conversion into digital data in a predetermined format.
  • the converted data is outputted to the reader-writer 150 and written in the memory card 190 .
  • Focusing is performed, for example, on the occasions such as a half push of the shutter release button and a full push thereof for recording (image capturing) in the manipulation acceptance unit 170 .
  • the lens driving control unit 180 moves the predetermined lenses in the zoom lens 111 based on the control signal from the processor 160 .
  • the reader-writer 150 When playing back the image data recorded in the memory card 190 , the reader-writer 150 reads out a predetermined image data from the memory card 190 according to the manipulation accepted by the manipulation acceptance unit 170 . Then, after decompression decoding by the image processing unit 130 , the image signal to be played back is outputted to the display unit 140 and the played-back image is displayed.
  • a digital still camera is supposed exemplarily as the image capturing apparatus 100
  • the image capturing apparatus 100 is not limited to the digital still camera but can be widely applied to digital input/output equipment such as a digital video camera.
  • changing a relative position between two lens groups or a role to rule focusing between them enables to perform switching between the normal mode and macro mode without any change of the other lens positions.
  • present technology may also be configured as below.
  • a zoom lens including:
  • first and second lens groups independently movable in an optical axis direction in an optical system
  • a lens group to rule focusing changes between the first and second lens groups or a relative position between the first and second lens groups changes.
  • a focusing distance range is changed to a short distance side by shifting any one of the first and second lens groups per zoom position by a certain amount.
  • both of the first and second lens groups move in focusing, with movement amounts of the first and second lens groups associated with each other.
  • first and second lens groups are arranged alongside on a closest side to an image in the optical system.
  • each of the first and second lens groups includes one lens.
  • At least one of the first and second lens groups includes one plastic lens.
  • a zoom lens including: in order from an object side,
  • a negative lens disposed on a closest side to an image in the third lens group and a positive lens included in the fourth zoom lens group are independently movable in an optical axis
  • a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens and the positive lens or a relative position between the negative lens and the positive lens changes.
  • a zoom lens including: in order from an object side,
  • a negative lens included in the fourth zoom lens group and a positive lens included in the fifth zoom lens group are independently movable in an optical axis direction
  • a lens to rule focusing changes between the negative lens and the positive lens or a relative position between the negative lens and the positive lens changes.
  • An image capturing apparatus including:
  • a zoom lens including first and second lens groups independently movable in an optical axis direction in an optical system
  • a lens group to rule focusing changes between the first and second lens groups or a relative position between the first and second lens groups changes.
  • the image capturing apparatus further including:
  • a selection part configured to select one of the two modes.
  • the image capturing apparatus according to (14), further including a lens having substantially no lens power in the zoom lens.

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US13/949,823 2012-09-27 2013-07-24 Zoom lens and image capturing apparatus Abandoned US20140085527A1 (en)

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US20190025545A1 (en) * 2015-09-30 2019-01-24 Nikon Corporation Zoom lens, optical apparatus and method for manufacturing the zoom lens
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JP2014066944A (ja) 2014-04-17

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