In another thread (
this one) I speculated something similar:
Originally posted by Na Horuk
f4: 35-80mm, 80-300mm (speculation)
f2.8: 15-30mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm
variable: 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 , 150-450mm F4.5-5.6
The only thing that is surprising me with the constant f4 zoom patents is that they are really big lenses, with lots of elements. Would expect them to be the "affordable" or "compact" lineup, but I guess Ricoh has its plans.
That said, a patent is not yet a product. Any number of reasons why to file a patent. Will only take it seriously when Ricoh officially announces it