A recently published patent application reveals a new 10-36mm f/1.8-2.8 lens designed for Sony’s 1″ sensor cameras, which results in a 28-100mm equivalent zoom range. The current RX100 and RX100 II feature a 28-100mm equivalent lens; however, the variable max aperture ranges from f/1.8 at the wide end to f/4.9 at the long end.
If Sony is planning to put such a lens in the RX200, expect the size and weight to increase noticeably. While Sony can make the optics more compact, there is a physical limitation of the element size on the telephoto end of the lens that is impassable to reach an f/2.8 aperture. Based on the sizes of the RX100 and RX10 lines, I think it would be difficult (if not impossible) for Sony to build such a camera with the f/1.8-2.8 lens and make it any more pocketable than the Canon G1 X line.
This patent application was filed in September 2012 and just published last week, so it is possible that Sony has already passed on the idea and opted to move the RX100 a different direction and let the RX10 line handle the big aperture glass (with its 24-200mm f/2.8 equivalent lens).
What do you think about such a lens option? Would it be worth the size sacrifice to follow the RX100 II with a new camera that is larger in order to be able to stay at f/2.8 when at full telephoto? What about price? Would it be worth more than the $700 asking price for the current RX100 II?
[via Egami and Photo Rumors]
Even at the costs of size, weight and price this seems damn impressive. The RX100 line is already a pretty smart line in my opinion (from all I’ve read). It’s the sort of direction, even if it meant a different model line to accommodate the lens, I’d like to personally see.
Of course the question is how many model lines do we need? Sensor sizes are all over the place and all I really want for Christmas is a full-frame dSLR. Come on, Santa!
I would definitely spring for such a fast lens, even with its increased size, weight and cost. I’m sick of pinhole photography with point and shoot style cameras.
A crucial question. I am owner of a Canon G and looking for a new pocket camera: G1X II, RX100 II and the RX10 are potential candidates. The RX10 seems to have a good glass but is too big for a pocket and too exensive (then I would pay more and go for a DLSR). The real competition is between the G1X II and a potential RX200. The Canon offers a better glass, but less resolution and worse pocket-handling at a premium price. Why buy a Sony which offers the same? At first, a RX200 should be different! It should remain compact and keep more MP and ISO but get more wideangle (24) rather than tele, have an option to fix filters (pole!) or macro lenses, have a more “tiltable” screen and innovations (e.g. bulb, shift).