Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/08/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Back in the Dark Ages when I studied astronomy, astronomers still used single element lenses in refractor telescopes for many types of solar observations. Before the widespread use of lens coating, single element lenses, or at worst a dual element cemented achromat, had less flare than the much more highly corrected multielement anastigmat lenses. With long focal lengths, a narrow angle of view, and a maximum aperture of f11 these lenses were sharp and relatively flare free. Indeed, most of the early long focus Leica and Zeiss "telephoto" lenses used for sports and wildlife photography had simple cemented achromat doublets at the end of a long tube. It is possible to get very sharp photos with a simple lens but you have to work at it. It is so much easier today. Larry Z - - - - Alan Magayne-Roshak writes: Two taken with an old single-element (approx. f/2.8) magnifying lens mounted in an extension tube. Artificial lily in my office: <http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Alan+Magayne-Roshak/Trees/20130726_MR_Mine_30D2037.jpg.html> Coneflower in front yard: <http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Alan+Magayne-Roshak/Trees/20130730_MR_Mine_30D2047.jpg.html>