Rear-focus-type zoom lens

[0002] Conventionally, as a zoom lens of a video cameras and the like, a rear-focus-type zoom lens is known that performs focusing by moving a lens group other than the first lens group on the object side. In general, a rear-focus-type zoom lens enables the first lens group to have a smaller effective diameter as compared to those zoom lenses that perform focusing by moving the first lens group, thus enabling the zoom lens to be miniaturized. Furthermore, because a rear-focus-type Zoom lens performs focusing by moving a relatively compact, light-weight lens group, the driving force to move the lens group can be small, resulting in this type of zoom lens being able to perform focusing rapidly.

[0003] As such a zoom lens, for example, there are lens systems as described in Japanese Laid Open Application H5-88083 and Japanese Laid Open Patent Application H9-281393. In these zoom lenses, a first lens group with positive refractive power, a second lens group with negative refractive power, a third lens group with positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group with positive refractive power are sequentially arranged, in order from the object side. Zooming is accomplished by moving the second lens group, and correction for what otherwise would result in shifting of the image surface is accomplished by moving the fourth lens group.

[0004] As stated above, by adopting the rear focus method in a zoom lens, the zoom lens can be miniaturized, and also rapid focusing becomes possible. However, in a rear-focus-type zoom lens, a problem occurs in that aberration changes during zooming and focusing become large and it becomes difficult to maintain high optical performance over all object distances from nearby to infinity. To deal with this kind of problem, as a rear-focus-type zoom lens that has a favorable optical performance over the entire range of object distances, has a wide angle of view, and yet is compact, there has been disclosed a zoom lens as described in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application H10-282414, for example. However, whereas the zoom lens described therein proposes to realize miniaturization and weight reduction with a relatively small number of component lens elements, namely 11 lens elements in four lens groups, the zoom ratio is low, being only about 3×. Thus, a zoom lens with a higher zoom ratio is desired.

[0005] This invention relates to a rear-focus-type zoom lens, especially a large-diameter zoom lens with a zoom ratio of nearly 10× and having a favorable optical performance for use in a video camera, and so on. The object of the present invention is to provide a rear-focus-type zoom lens having a high zoom ratio that can favorably correct the various aberrations over the entire zooming range and the entire range of object distances, even when the diameter of the first lens element is made to be large.

[0006] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 shows the lens element construction of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 1,

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates aberrations at the wide-angle end of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 1,

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates aberrations at the middle position of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 1,

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates aberrations at the telephoto end of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 1,

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates aberrations at the wide-angle end of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 2,

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates aberrations at the middle position of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 2,

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates aberrations at the telephoto end of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 2,

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates aberrations at the wide-angle end of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 3,

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates aberrations at the middle position of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 3,

[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates aberrations at the telephoto end of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 3,

[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates aberrations at the wide-angle end of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 4,

[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates aberrations at the middle position of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 4, and

[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates aberrations at the telephoto end of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 4.

[0020] The present invention is a rear-focus-type zoom lens where, in order from the object side, the first lens group G₁has positive refractive power, the second lens group G₂has negative refractive power, the third lens group G₃has positive refractive power, and the fourth lens group G₄has positive refractive power. The first lens group G₁and the third lens group G₃are fixed relative to the image surface, and zooming is accomplished by moving the second lens group G₂and the fourth lens group G₄along the optical axis. Furthermore, focusing is accomplished by moving the fourth lens group G₄along the optical axis.

[0021] The first lens group G₁is formed, in order from the object side, of a lens made of a negative lens element joined to a positive lens element and of another lens with positive refractive power. The second lens group G₂is formed, in order from the object side, of a lens element having negative refractive power and a lens formed of a negative lens element joined to a positive lens element. The third lens group G₃is formed of a single lens element, and the fourth lens group G₄is formed, in order from the object side, of a lens element with positive refractive power, a lens element with negative refractive power, a lens element with positive refractive power, and a lens element with positive refractive power. Further, the following Conditions (1)-(4) are satisfied

[0022] Z>9.5  Condition (1)

[0023] 0.4<|f₂/(f_W×f_T)^0.5|<0.64  Condition (2)

[0024] 1.0<f₃/f₄<6.0  Condition (3)

[0025] −0.25<f_T/F_T123<0.50  Condition (4)

[0026] where

[0027] Z is the zoom ratio, (i.e. f_T/f_W)

[0028] f₂is the focal distance of the second lens group,

[0029] f₃is the focal distance of the third lens group,

[0030] f₄is the focal distance of the fourth lens group,

[0031] f_Wis the focal distance of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end,

[0032] f_Tis the focal distance of the zoom lens at the telephoto end, and

[0033] F_T123is the composite focal distance of the first, second, and third lens groups at the telephoto end.

[0034] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the lens element construction of a rear-focus-type zoom lens according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the rear-focus-type zoom lens of this embodiment the following lens groups are arranged sequentially in order from the object side: a first lens group G₁with positive refractive power, a second lens group G₂with negative refractive power, a third lens group G₃with positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group G₄with positive refractive power. Also, a stop 1 is arranged between the second lens group G₂and the third lens group G₃, and a filter section 2 consisting of a cut-off filter, etc., is arranged on the image side of the fourth lens group G₄. Light flux incident along the optical axis X from the object side is imaged at the image-forming position P of image surface 3 of a solid-state imaging element (CCD).

[0035] In zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G₁and the third lens group G₃are fixed relative to the image surface, and the second lens group G₂and the fourth lens group G₄move along the optical axis. Furthermore, focusing is accomplished by moving the fourth lens group G₄along the optical axis.

[0036] The first lens group G₁is formed of, in order from the object side, a first lens element L₁of negative meniscus shape with its convex surface on the object side, a second lens element L₂that is biconvex, and a third lens element L₃of positive meniscus shape with its convex surface on the object side. The first lens element L₁and the second lens element L₂are joined to form a single lens.

[0037] The second lens group G₂is formed of, in order from the object side, a fourth lens element L₄that is biconcave, a fifth lens element L₅that is biconcave, and a sixth lens element L₆of positive meniscus shape with its convex surface on the object side. The fifth lens element L₅and the sixth lens element L₆are joined to form a single lens.

[0038] The third lens group G₃is formed of a seventh lens element L₇of positive refractive power.

[0039] The fourth lens group G₄is formed of, in order from the object side, an eighth lens element L₈that has positive refractive power, a ninth lens element L₉that is biconcave, a tenth lens element L₁₀that is biconvex, and an eleventh lens element L₁₁that has positive refractive power. Also, the zoom lens of this embodiment is constructed so that it satisfies the above Conditions (1)-(4).

[0040] Conditions (1)-(4) will now be are explained. Condition (1) regulates the zoom ratio. By satisfying Condition (1), a zoom lens can be made to have a high zoom ratio of nearly 10×, for example.

[0041] Condition (2) regulates refractive power of the second lens group G₂as compared to the geometric mean refractive power of the zoom lens at the wide-angle and telephoto end. If the Condition (2 ) value exceeds the upper limit, the amount of movement of the second lens group G₂increases, making the total lens length too long for miniaturization. On the other hand, if the Condition (2) value falls below the lower limit, aberrations due to zooming become large, making it impossible to maintain favorable optical performance.

[0042] Condition (3) regulates refractive power f₃of the third lens group G₃versus the refractive power f₄of the fourth lens group G₄. By regulating the ratio of f₃/f₄between the listed values, miniaturization of the stop 1 and all the lens elements that follow in the optical path is achieved and favorable optical performance is maintained.

[0043] If the ratio of f₃/f₄falls below the lower limit of Condition (3), the focal distance of the third lens group G₃becomes short and correction for spherical aberration due to zooming or focusing becomes difficult. Also, providing a sufficient back focus becomes difficult. Furthermore, when the amount of movement of the fourth lens group G₄becomes large, the aberrations when zooming/focusing tend to become large.

[0044] On the other hand, if the ratio of f₃/f₄exceeds the upper limit of Condition (3), the focal distance of the third lens group G₃becomes long, dispersion of light having transited the third lens group G₃becomes excessive and the effective diameter of the fourth lens group G₄becomes large. Therefore, the fourth lens group G₄becomes heavy. Because this is the lens group that is moved for focusing, it becomes impossible to focus rapidly and smoothly.

[0045] Condition (4) regulates composite focal distance from the first lens group G₁to the third lens group G₃at the telephoto end, and regulates the ratio f_T/F_T123(i.e., the focal distance of the zoom lens at the telephoto end divided by the composite focal distance at the telephoto end of the composite lens system formed of the lens groups G₁through G₃).

[0046] If the ratio of f_T/F_T123exceeds the upper limit of Condition (4), the degree of convergence of on-axis light flux incident to the fourth lens group G₄becomes strong, resulting in increased astigmatism. On the other hand, if the ratio f_T/F_T123falls below the lower limit of Condition (4), the degree of dispersion of on-axis light incident to the fourth lens group G₄becomes strong, making correction of spherical aberration due to the fourth lens group difficult.

[0047] Embodiment 1

[0048] FIG. 1 shows the basic lens element construction of a rear-focus-type zoom lens according to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the seventh lens element L₇is of positive meniscus shape with its convex surface on the image side, the eighth lens element L₈is biconvex, and the eleventh lens element L₁₁is of positive meniscus shape with its convex surface on the object side.

[0049] Listed in the top portion of Table 1 are the surface number # in order from the object side, the radius of curvature R (in mm) of each surface, the on-axis surface spacing D (in mm), as well as the index of refraction N_dand the Abbe number ν_d(at the sodium d line) of each lens element of Embodiment 1. Listed in the middle portion of Table 1 are the focal distance f (in mm), the f-number F_NOand the back focus Bf (in mm). Furthermore, listed in the bottom portion of Table 1 are the values corresponding to Conditions (1)-(4).

[0050] FIGS. 2-4 show the spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 1, with FIG. 2 showing the various aberrations at the wide-angle end (f=5.15 mm), FIG. 3 showing the various aberrations at a middle position (f=20.60 mm), and FIG. 4 showing the various aberrations at the telephoto end (f=49.43 mm). The half-image angle is indicated by ω, and, in each aberration plot of astigmatism, curves are given for both the sagittal image plane and the tangential image plane.

[0051] As listed in Table 1 and shown in FIGS. 2-4, Embodiment 1 satisfies all of the Conditions (1)-(4), the focal distance f is from 5.15-49.43 mm and the f-number F_NOis 1.87. And, the zoom ratio is as high as 9.6, thereby providing a high-performance, rear-focus-type zoom lens that forms a bright image with aberrations that are favorably corrected.

[0052] Embodiment 2

[0053] The lens element construction of Embodiment 2 is basically the same as in Embodiment 1, except that, in Embodiment 2, the seventh lens element L₇of the third lens group G₃is biconvex.

[0054] Listed in the top portion of Table 2 are the surface number # in order from the object side, the radius of curvature R (in mm) of each surface, the on-axis surface spacing D (in mm), as well as the index of refraction N_dand the Abbe number ν_d(at the sodium d line) of each lens element of Embodiment 2. Listed in the middle portion of Table 2 are the focal distance f (in mm), the F_NO, and the back focus Bf (in mm). Furthermore, listed in the bottom portion of Table 2 are the values corresponding to Conditions (1)-(4).

[0055] FIGS. 5-7 show the spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 2, with FIG. 5 showing the various aberrations at the wide-angle end (f=5.19 mm), FIG. 6 showing the various aberrations at the mid position (f=20.76 mm), and FIG. 7 showing the various aberrations at the telephoto end (f=49.81 mm). Once again, ω is the half-image angle. Also, in each aberration plot of astigmatism, aberrations are shown for both the sagittal image plane and the tangential image plane.

[0056] As listed in Table 2 and shown in FIGS. 5-7, Embodiment 2 satisfies all the Conditions (1)-(4). The focal distance f of the zoom lens is from 5.19-49.81 mm, the f-number F_NOis 1.87, and the zoom ratio is as high as 9.6, thereby providing a high-performance, rear-focus-type zoom lens that forms a bright image with aberrations that are favorably corrected.

[0057] Embodiment 3

[0058] The lens element construction of this embodiment is basically the same as in Embodiment 1, except that in this embodiment: a) the seventh lens element L₇of the third lens group G₃has a positive meniscus shape with its convex surface on the object side, b) the eighth lens element L₈of the fourth lens group G₄has a positive meniscus shape with its convex surface on the object side, and c) the eleventh lens element L₁₁of the fourth lens group G₄is biconvex.

[0059] Listed in the top portion of Table 3 are the surface number # in order from the object side, the radius of curvature R (in mm) of each surface, the on-axis surface spacing D (in mm), as well as the index of refraction N_dand the Abbe number ν_d(at the sodium d line) of each lens element of Embodiment 3. Listed in the middle portion of Table 3 are the focal distance f (in mm), the F_NO, and the back focus Bf (in mm). Furthermore, listed in the bottom portion of Table 3 are the values corresponding to Conditions (1)-(4).

[0060] FIGS. 8-10 show the spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 3, with FIG. 8 showing the various aberrations at the wide-angle end (f=7.71 ), FIG. 9 showing the various aberrations at a middle position (f=30.84 mm), and FIG. 10 showing the various aberrations at the telephoto end (f=74.04 mm). Once again, ω is the half-image angle. Also, in each aberration plot of astigmatism, aberrations are shown for both the sagittal image plane and the tangential image plane.

[0061] As listed in Table 3 and shown in FIGS. 8-10, Embodiment 3 satisfies Conditions (1)-(4). The focal distance f of the zoom lens is from 7.71-74.04 mm, the f-number F_NOis 2.47, and the zoom ratio is as high as 9.6, making it a high-performance rear-focus-type zoom lens that provides a bright image with aberrations that are favorably corrected.

[0062] Embodiment 4

[0063] Although construction of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of this Embodiment 4 is basically the same as in Embodiment 1, it differs in that: a) the seventh lens element L₇of the third lens group G₃has a positive meniscus shape with its convex surface on the object side; b) the eighth lens element L₈of the fourth lens group G₄has a positive meniscus shape with its convex surface on the object side, and c) the eleventh lens element L₁₁of the fourth lens group G₄is biconvex. Thus, as to the shapes of the lens elements used, this embodiment is identical to that of Embodiment 3.

[0064] Listed in the top portion of Table 4 are the surface number # in order from the object side, the radius of curvature R (in mm) of each surface, the on-axis surface spacing D (in mm), as well as the index of refraction N_dand the Abbe number ν_d(at the sodium d line) of each lens element of Embodiment 4. Listed in the middle portion of Table 4 are the focal distance f (in mm), the f-number F_NOand the back focus Bf (in mm). Furthermore, listed in the bottom portion of Table 4 are the values corresponding to Conditions (1)-(4).

[0065] FIGS. 11-13 show the spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the rear-focus-type zoom lens of Embodiment 4, with FIG. 11 showing the various aberrations at the wide-angle end (f=7.77 mm), FIG. 12 showing the various aberrations at a mid-position (f=31.08 mm), and FIG. 13 showing the various aberrations at the telephoto end (f=74.63 mm). Once again, ω indicates the half-image angle. Also, in each aberration plot of astigmatism, aberrations are shown for both the sagittal image plane and the tangential image plane.

[0066] As listed in Table 4 and shown in FIGS. 11-13, Embodiment 4 satisfies Conditions (1)-(4). The focal distance f of the zoom lens is 7.77-74.63 mm, the f-number F_NOis 2.47, and the zoom ratio is as high as 9.6, making it a high-performance rear-focus-type zoom lens that provides a bright image with aberrations that are favorably corrected.

[0067] As explained above, in the rear-focus-type Zoom lens of this invention, the first lens group can be made to have a large diameter by fixing the first lens group during zooming. Even when the diameter of the first lens group G₁is made large as in this case, the various aberrations can be favorably corrected over the entire range of zoom and for all object distances, and a zoom lens with a zoom ratio as high as about 10 that provides a bright image can be obtained. Thus, the rear-focus-type zoom lens of the present invention has a high optical performance, a high zoom ratio, and yet is compact and lightweight, thereby satisfying the popularly demanded features for video cameras.

[0068] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. For example, although the zoom ratio is set to 9.6 in each of the above embodiments, the zoom ratio can alternatively be set to 10, 11 or 12. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. Rather the scope of the invention shall be defined as set forth in the following claims and their legal equivalents. All such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.