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If I use a lens with an extension tube, how does changing the distance between the lens and camera affect optical correction of distortion and aberration via glass elements (as opposed to digital correction, which I'm not interested in for this question)? Is it different for unit, front, rear, internal focusing designs?

I haven't noticed any problems with any of my lenses. However, it's been claimed that a 0.1-0.5mm difference resulted in "brutal spherical aberration" with a Sigma 8-16 lens. (Which smart EF to E mount adapter models are true to flange distance, which are not?) So I wonder whether the effect described in that question is really caused by misalignment or something else, such as sensor design. Extension tubes intentionally are a form of intentional misalignment.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ What is "optical correction of distortion and aberration via multiple elements?" and is it happening without an extension tube? \$\endgroup\$
    – Alaska Man
    Aug 21, 2019 at 16:30
  • \$\begingroup\$ @AlaskaMan Optical correction via glass elements vs in-camera digital correction. For this question, I'm not interested in discussion of digital lens correction. \$\endgroup\$
    – xiota
    Aug 21, 2019 at 23:49
  • \$\begingroup\$ @AlaskaMan I haven't noticed any problems with any of my lenses (unit, front, rear, and internal focusing). However, Which smart EF to E mount adapter models are true to flange distance, which are not? states that a 0.1-0.5mm difference resulted in "brutal spherical aberration" with a Sigma 8-16 lens. So I wonder whether the effect described in that question is really caused by misalignment or something else, such as sensor design. \$\endgroup\$
    – xiota
    Aug 21, 2019 at 23:56
  • \$\begingroup\$ The linked-to question is deleted (and not readable by low-rep users). \$\endgroup\$
    – scottbb
    Jan 19, 2020 at 1:13

1 Answer 1

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All lenses have unresolved issues. There are seven major aberrations that the lens maker strives to mitigate. This is accomplished by making the camera lens using several lenses inserted in the lens barrel. The finished product is generally a compromise, optimized for distance and slightly compromised when tasked to work in close. Most top drawer lenses will sport 7 or more lens elements.

When we focus on nearby objects we are racking the lens forward, increasing the spacing between lens and image sensor / film. Lens makers generally halt close focusing when the resulting image is degraded below photo standard. The user now must resort to mount close-up supplemental lens (close-up filters) or add spacers that move the forward of its normal position.

As the lens is racked forward, the focal length and the engraved f-numbers become invalidated. Likely under-exposure results unless some compensation is applied. Light meters that read through the lens do this automatically. This is called “bellows factor”.

Generally this forward spacing induces worsening aberrations. Often the countermeasure is to reverse the lens so the rear element faces the work. This often helps because the forward facing lens is optimized to image a world with different object distances, whereas the rear facing elements are optimized to work a flat surface. In clos-up work the subject is likely shallow. Thus reversing the lens often improves close-up acuity.

Best is a macro lens. This design is optimized to make close-up pictures. The macro is immune from “bellows factor”. The macro is slightly compromised when tasked to image distant subjects.

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