Is it possible to construct a 10mm-800mm lens?

[raaskohx10]

Just wondering whether it is technically possible to construct a 10mm-800 mm lens to cover all our needs or not. Apparently, the manufactureres are not going to venture it becasue they fear loss of profit which they are now earing from a variety of lenses they produce each year. Please add you comments.

 

[Kerbouchard]

You would need a tank to carry a lens that size. Plus, there would be so many optical compromises made that nobody would want to use it...plus, it would be ridiculously expensive.

So, basically, yes, it is technically possible, but it wouldn't be any good, it would be enormous, and it would cost a fortune.

 

[480sparky43 42]

Here's the 200 to 500 part, if you're interested.

 

[Light Guru]

Apparently, the manufactureres are not going to venture it becasue they fear loss of profit which they are now earing from a variety of lenses they produce each year.

If they made one they would not have lost proffer from loss of sales of other lenses they would loose prophet because to make a good quality lens with that broad a focal range (size and weight of the lens aside) would cost more then the lens company's could make in 10 years of selling the lens. If you factor in making the lens a manageable size and weight it would probably be like 100 years worth of sales.

Perhaps you should read up on what it takes to design a lens then you will understand.

 

[CouncilmanDoug]

I'm waiting for a 70-1000 2.8

 

[Light Guru]

I'm waiting for a 70-1000 2.8

I'm holding out for the 0-∞ f0.001 lens for the 500 megapixel lytro camera.

 

[480sparky43 42]

I'm waiting for a 70-1000 2.8

I'm holding out for the 0-∞ f0.001 lens for the 500 megapixel lytro camera.

You don't want the VR/ pancake version?

 

[Light Guru]

I'm waiting for a 70-1000 2.8

I'm holding out for the 0-∞ f0.001 lens for the 500 megapixel lytro camera.

You don't want the VR/ pancake version?

Oh yea thanks the the reminder. Plus I want the one that can see into the future.

 

[Overread19 7]

As the others have said its theoretically possible and heck many of the point and shoot/bridge cameras can already come close to this (typically they max out at around 600mm at their long end). The point and shoot cameras and bridge cameras do this because not only have they a fixed lens, but the vastly smaller recording area (sensor size) means that the optics needed can be much much smaller. Add into that the fact that they can also take more compromises with image quality because their clients are not as demanding (and because they can boost a bit more in auto editing) and you've the closest to affordable all in one in a small camera.


The DSLRs generally don't get lenses like this because they are simply impractical to build. The 200-500mm f2.8 noted above is huge, very heavy and very expensive - if you wanted to add another 300mm on the long end and also add in much more to the 200mm end you'd be increasing the costs of such a lens by a very large factor.
Already 18-200mm lenses are seen as cheap and generally low grade affairs and the 200mm end is already going soft, add more reach and it would be intolerably soft for most people.

The other factor is market - the average DSLR shooter comes to the DSLR for quality (as well as prestige for some ) and thus producing a very low grade all in one lens just doesn't appeal to the target market audience. If they wanted an all in one they'd have gotten the point and shoot/bridge camera to start with.

Of course as time passes the possibilities will shift - heck go back 50 years and the idea of an 18-200mm would likely have been scoffed at. That said I suspect that focusing upon an all in one 18-800mm isn't quite on the cards for many DSLR manufacturers.

 

[KmH]

Here's the 200 to 500 part, if you're interested.

And it only costs $26,000.00

Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF Autofocus Lens 597306 B&H

 

[480sparky43 42]

And it only costs $26,000.00.........

That's why I bought 2 of 'em.... they're so darned cheap!

 

[runnah]

Eventually it will all be digital.

 

[ph0enix]

Check out some of the latest bridge cameras:
Top 10 Best Ultra Zoom Bridge Digital Cameras

The Canon SX50 gives you the focal length range of 24-1,200mm ...all at the expense of image quality.

 

[KmH]

At one point Canon made something like 20, 1000 mm, f/5.6 prime lenses. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...BA2ACEA3AC52D2FF3CAD3F872981F&selectedIndex=5
B&H had a used one that was priced at $99,000. IIRC the photo above was made on the roof at B&H.

 

[Majeed Badizadegan]

At one point Canon made something like 20 - 1000 mm, f/5.6 prime lenses. Canon 1000 mm f/5.6 - Bing Images
B&H had a used one that was priced at $99,000. IIRC the photo above was made on the roof at B&H.

I'll take 2.