Thinking outside the barrel: what really matters in modern photographic lens design

Ken Rockwell

doi:10.1117/12.828381

21 August 2009 Thinking outside the barrel: what really matters in modern photographic lens design

Ken Rockwell

Proceedings Volume 7428, Current Developments in Lens Design and Optical Engineering X; 74280K (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.828381
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Because optical performance has increased so far with modern design software and aspherical manufacturing processes, optical performance is now the least important factor in modern photographic lens design. Far more important are ergonomic (usability) and systems-integration factors which determine a lens' acceptance by photographers, and ultimately, its commercial success. Common SLR cameras tend to have the most advanced systems and features, so they tend to be the focus of this paper simply because they offer the most to discuss. Inside-the-barrel optics and other design considerations have been covered in SPIE paper 7428-3.

Citation Download Citation

Ken Rockwell "Thinking outside the barrel: what really matters in modern photographic lens design", Proc. SPIE 7428, Current Developments in Lens Design and Optical Engineering X, 74280K (21 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.828381

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