Questions tagged [lens-design]
Of and relating to the specifics of lens construction and manufacture.
268
questions
62
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Is there development in the world of lenses?
Now, I'm not an expert, so if this post makes you laugh, you're welcome. Still, as far as I know there are basically two components that determine the potential quality of a camera's photos:
Sensor
...
51
votes
3
answers
10k
views
What image-quality characteristics make a lens good or bad?
When reading lens reviews on the Internet, I often find subjective statements about the image quality that a lens produces, such as "good contrast" or "sharp". The problem is that I don't think I am ...
- 637
46
votes
7
answers
14k
views
How do constant aperture zoom lenses work?
Cheaper zoom lenses usually are faster at the wide end and slower at the long end (for example, the $150 Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6). More expensive constant-aperture zoom lenses have the same ...
- 5,088
44
votes
4
answers
43k
views
What does the number of elements and groups in a lens mean?
All lens specifications include a statement of how many elements the lens contains, and in how many groups, for example:
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300 mm 1:4,5-5,6G: 17 elements in 12 groups (two ...
- 1,335
38
votes
3
answers
5k
views
When you zoom in with a lens on an SLR why does the lens go in then out?
I guess this is more a question of optics than photography but I just got an SLR with a basic 18-55 lens. I noticed that when going from 18 to 55 or 55 to 18 the lens physically comes back in and ...
- 523
33
votes
8
answers
4k
views
What is the difference between in-lens image stabilizing and sensor-based image stabilizing?
And which one is more effective?
- 753
31
votes
3
answers
9k
views
Why do wide angle prime lenses have relatively small apertures?
I've noticed that many of the wide angle prime lenses (at least for Canon) have somewhat smaller apertures than their normal or telephoto counterparts. E.g. the regular Canon 24mm prime is f/2.8 while ...
- 4,655
31
votes
2
answers
7k
views
What is a pancake lens?
I've read about a "pancake lens" but don't really understand what that means.
What the pros and cons of having a pancake vs. another type of lens?
I'm thinking of getting a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 ...
- 413
28
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Is it physically possible to build a long zoom (17-300 mm for example) at an aperture value of around 1.4 or 1.2?
I'm curious if the physics allow a company to build such a lens of course with good IQ, minimal color aberration, maximum sharpness, and little to none lens vignetting or edge softness
- 1,299
26
votes
5
answers
8k
views
What is special about lenses with f-number < 1?
Talking about fast lenses, Wikipedia mentions
Nikon TV-Nikkor 35mm f/0.9-Fastest Nikon lens ever made
Why don't, for example, f/0.5 lenses exist?
Is there some special construction that comes ...
- 4,049
24
votes
4
answers
23k
views
Why is the aperture ring removed from new Nikon lenses?
Maybe I'm wrong, but I notice that Nikon's newer lenses don't have an aperture ring. For example, an older AF 35 mm f/2D is now replaced by AF-S DX 35 mm f/1.8G, or AF 50 mm f/1.8D is replaced by a ...
- 4,390
23
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Are there any secrets in lens design?
Lens manufacturers usually share diagrams like this for their products. However, they conspicuously omit specifications that would allow one to completely analyze the optical system, like the power ...
- 3,643
22
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Why do zoom lenses and compact cameras have varied maximum aperture across the zoom range?
Why does a camera's maximum (allowed) aperture get smaller when you increase its zoom?
- 641
21
votes
2
answers
12k
views
What is the benefit of an internal focus lens?
The "IF" in Pentax DA★ 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM stands for "Internal Focus". I know what this means: the lens doesn't change in size as I focus. (And it's true; it doesn't.) What's the point of this, ...
- 143k
21
votes
0
answers
607
views
Is Image Stabilization better in the lens or the body? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the difference between in-lens image stabilizing and in-sensor image stabilizing?
Some DSLR manufacturers have image stabilization (IS) in the body of their cameras, ...
- 6,328
19
votes
11
answers
5k
views
Are all kit lenses poor? (And if so, why?)
Kerri Shotts says (emphasis mine):
Also, if you already have great glass, there is little reason to get more (unless you need it for a certain reason). E.g., if you have a 70-200 f/4, don't rush ...
- 3,350
19
votes
5
answers
10k
views
What's the difference between the Canon and Nikon lenses mounts?
I was wondering what, if any, are the technical differences between the two mounting systems. Does one auto focus faster? Can one hold more weight? Things along those lines that make them different.
- 195
18
votes
8
answers
9k
views
Will using a lens at max aperture ("wide open") result in poor images?
I’m looking to add a second lens to my kit lens I got with my Nikon D7000.
I have read several reviews on both the 35 and 50 mm lenses made by Nikon in particular that said using either lens at the ...
- 7,908
18
votes
2
answers
3k
views
In what way does the lens mount limit the maximum possible aperture of a lens?
In many answers to questions about different aspects of really large aperture lenses it's pointed out that the lens mount sets a hard limit on the maximum possible aperture of the lenses to that ...
- 8,288
17
votes
2
answers
8k
views
Retrofocus lens? What's that?
I saw that in Why do some people prefer 50mm to 35mm prime lenses, even for a crop sensor? , in @MattGrum's answer:
...
The 50mm is a simpler design compared to the retrofocus 35mm
...
What's ...
- 1,335
17
votes
4
answers
75k
views
How does a spherical lens differ from an aspherical lens?
Many lenses (like the Pentax DA 15mm f/4 Limited, or the Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G) are described as having "aspherical lens elements". Does this mean that regular lenses are spherical lenses? What's the ...
user4700
17
votes
3
answers
6k
views
Why are 50mm Lenses Cheaper?
There is no doubt that 50mm lenses, if all other variables are held equal, will beat any other lens when it comes to value for price (lower f/number). I want to know why.
Possible theories I have ...
- 375
16
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Why aren't lenses designed with extra large apertures for autofocus beyond what's used for imaging?
Historically, designing large-aperture lenses has been difficult because correcting the optical aberrations that arise from large apertures requires complex designs and very large amounts of glass. ...
- 2,366
15
votes
5
answers
4k
views
How can a lens like a 18-55mm have more than one focal length?
How can a lens have a range of focal lengths? Shouldn't it be a single number?
Isn't focal length supposed to be fixed for a lens of a particular shape and geometry?
What am I missing?
How many ...
- 4,049
15
votes
3
answers
2k
views
How do zoom lenses restrict their widest aperture at the telephoto end?
Does the aperture ring lock the apertures beyond, say 5.6 at length lens's telephoto end?
Does the lens introduce an obstacle to the aperture ring so the lens can't be opened anymore beyond the ...
- 1,515
15
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How does a macro lens focus so close?
How does a macro lens focus so closely and how is the system different to that of a non-macro lens?
- 3,302
15
votes
6
answers
8k
views
What is the Leica look?
What is the Leica look that fans of the company claim is unique to them? What concrete differences are there that are most obvious to a layman?
- 975
15
votes
3
answers
593
views
What lens design limits derive from the width of the lens mount?
I'm familiar with the lens design limitations imposed by the flange-to-focal-plane distance. But what constraints are caused by the width of the lens mount (that is, the size of the hole in the ...
- 2,058
14
votes
5
answers
5k
views
Why isn't my camera body white?
If I leave it in the sun for a few minutes, even in winter, it gets pretty hot. In summer, I'd have to shade it as it has been too hot to touch. This makes remote-triggered wildlife photography and ...
- 809
14
votes
6
answers
11k
views
Do lenses lose sharpness when they age?
I was reading this answer where it mentions, "..it's a lens that can lose sharpness as it ages.." and was wondering if this is true and if yes, true for all lenses. Reasons as to why this happens and ...
- 1,640
14
votes
5
answers
656
views
Why don't today's lenses come with a polarizer by default?
As I am now looking for a decent polarizer for my 18-105mm and 50mm (Nikon D80) I realized how important they are for outdoor photography. So why aren't they directly hard-mounted on every modern lens?...
- 143
14
votes
4
answers
3k
views
How would a curved sensor change camera and lens design?
I've read that lenses are designed to project an image onto a flat surface and that as image sensors grow larger, lenses will grow correspondingly larger and by some additional factor. Flat imaging ...
- 809
14
votes
2
answers
1k
views
How do apertures which seem too large to physically fit work? [duplicate]
A 400mm f4.0 lens is supposed to have a maximum aperture diameter of 10cm. Looking at such a lens they don't seem big enough to fit that kind of aperture including all the mechanics for control inside ...
- 243
14
votes
3
answers
9k
views
How does an apodization filter improve bokeh?
The new Fujifilm Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R APD has an "apodization" filter, which Fujifilm says "smoothes the outline of the subject to create a more natural bokeh effect".
The Wikipedia article on ...
- 143k
13
votes
4
answers
5k
views
How do manufacturers get to high (83x) zoom levels on hybrid cameras?
Obviously the biggest hybrid zoom on the market (Nikon Coolpix P900 I think) does not range from actual 24 mm to 2 meters in physical length, but what kind of optical systems do manufacturers use to ...
- 131
13
votes
6
answers
1k
views
What lens characteristics contribute to attractive lens flare?
Some lenses give really harsh and unwanted flares. Some gives beautiful flares that add depth to an image. What's the science behind this?
- 2,571
13
votes
2
answers
626
views
Does focus breathing make a lens slower when close focusing?
I've heard that focal length of some lenses will become noticeably longer when focusing to a close distance, an effect called "focus breathing". Since f-number is focal length divided by diameter of ...
- 32k
12
votes
6
answers
8k
views
What are the theoretical minimum and maximum apertures?
Is there such a thing as a maximum aperture that a lens can be open to? What about a minimum aperture that it can be closed to? Do these concepts even make any sense? Is there a lens with the ...
- 673
12
votes
4
answers
4k
views
How close can a lens focus?
From my understanding, if you want to do some macro photography it is better to have a lens that can focus when it is really close to the subject. Sometimes people buy extension tubes to help them ...
- 3,149
12
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Does a large mount diameter really allow design advantages for large aperture lenses?
To keep the conversation simple, please focus only on native lens design for the mount.
So with the recent Nikon mirrorless announcement, Nikon has been touting the bigger mount. I am no expert in ...
- 121
12
votes
1
answer
552
views
Can anyone identify this lens?
I read once, in a book, about a lens that was an "inverse fisheye". Basically a hemispherical mirror mounted at one end of a glass tube.
I can't remember what it was called, nor can I find any ...
- 233
12
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What are the constructional differences between a macro and a regular lens?
I understand that to reduce minimum focusing distances, macro lens design must focus on maintaining certain distances between the lens and the sensor.
However, is the placement of the lens and its ...
- 315
12
votes
4
answers
7k
views
Is overall light gathering of a lens only dependant on aperture?
My impression is that the aperture value of a lens determines its light gathering ability, but I'm not sure I understand how it works...
When considering light gathering in telescopes, it is ...
- 223
11
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What effect does the lens hood have on pictures and how does its shape impact that? [duplicate]
I have a Sigma 50mm lens f1.4 and it has a lens hood that has a sine wave shape going around the perimeter of the lens.
I imagine this particular shape is useful for getting a particular effect and ...
- 1,715
11
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Why do prime lenses have multiple lens elements?
If I look up the specifications of my 50 mm lens, it says that it has 8 lens elements, in 7 groups. Why is this, why not just a single lens element with a 50 mm focal distance?
- 1,530
11
votes
3
answers
6k
views
Are all DSLR lenses made of glass?
This question is about lenses to "big" DSLRs, not system or compact cameras with interchangeable lens.
Are all lenses made of glass in DSLR? And if not, is there a notable difference between:
kit ...
- 787
11
votes
3
answers
902
views
What is the limiting factor in lens construction when it comes to f-stop values?
This widely praised Nikon 105mm macro lens has a maximum f-stop value of 2.8. I've held it in my hands, it's a big lens. Meanwhile, this 50mm Nikon lens can go up to f/1.2, despite being 25% cheaper ...
- 2,465
11
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Why aren't more lenses white?
So high end Canon lenses are white. This is to reduce heat, correct? If so why is this something that only appears in really high end Canon lenses. I wouldn't think that painting a lens white ...
- 954
11
votes
3
answers
2k
views
What is a pump zoom lens?
While browsing for cheap second hand lenses I found the Cosina 70-210mm f4.5-5.6. The seller notes that it's a pump zoom. Googling the term does yield some results, ...
- 8,723
11
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Lens "family" names - what do they mean and should I care?
Some lens manufacturers have special names for their lens designs/families. Just to name a few:
Leica - Summar/Summarit/Summilux, Elmar/Elmarit, Noctilux
Carl Zeiss - Planar, Tessar, Sonnar, Distagon,...
- 10.7k
Hot Network Questions
- Why was Esther included in the canon?
- Fast leap year check
- Does SpaceX Starship have significant methane emissions?
- What's the difference between "Erase All Content and Settings" and using the Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon
- Are there something like standard documents for 8.3 filename which explicitly mention about the folder names?
- Do carbon fiber wings need a wing spar?
- What are the pros and cons of the classic portfolio by Wealthfront?
- Is it really a "space walk" (EVA proper) if you don't get your feet wet (in space)?
- Why do I often see bunches of medical helicopters hovering in clusters in various locations
- What was the main implementation programming language of old 16-bit Windows versions (Windows 1 - Windows 3.11)?
- History of the migration of ERA from AMS to AIMS in 2007
- Why is resonance such a widespread phenomenon?
- How many engineers/scientists believed that human flight was imminent as of the late 19th/early 20th century?
- Place with signs in Chinese & Arabic
- Why does a capacitor act as an open circuit under a DC circuit?
- Looking for a short story on chess, maybe published in Playboy decades ago?
- Color an item in an enumerated list (continued; not a duplicate)
- Color nested bonds
- AWK search for multiple patterns in a file
- C++ std::function-like queue
- Keyboard shortcuts for running last command with changes?
- Multi-producer, multi-consumer blocking queue
- Strange behavior of Polygon with a hole
- Why does Sfas Emes start his commentary on Parshat Noach by saying he doesn't know it? Is the translation faulty?