Lenses broken down

So, since I am a geek like this, doesn anyone have an exact explaination for how lenses work? I am curious to learn about how the optics and such are achieved and what makes lenses sharper than others.

I hear all the talk about "elements" and Aperture parts, I dont understand why some lenses can get lower f-stops than others, etc. It's all so confusing, and I am just curious about it all, can someone help?

You've stumbled on the secret! If we tell you, we'd have to kill you!

Actually, you should check out "Ben's Newbie Guide" here: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=414088

This may not answer all your questions, but it will help you learn what questions to ask.

I understand how it works photographically, but I am talking mechanics, the physical elements of a lens. Like what does having more or less glass elements effect? What does having more blades on your aperture effect?

clickcanon40 wrote in post #6843610
I understand how it works photographically, but I am talking mechanics, the physical elements of a lens. Like what does having more or less glass elements effect? What does having more blades on your aperture effect?

I know by having more blades, you end up with a more circular bokeh effect rather than a hexagonal looking shape that is out of focus. Makes it more creamy looking

Take a look at the EF Lens work docuementation.

http://www.canon-europe.com …n/ef_lens_work_​iii_en.asp

SoaringUSAEagle wrote in post #6844236
Take a look at the EF Lens work docuementation.

http://www.canon-europe.com …n/ef_lens_work_​iii_en.asp

The ef lens work PDF's are extremely interesting if you are into physics and optics and stuff, good read IMO.....

Taken any physics courses? Intro ones will usually spend a couple of weeks of lecture and labs in the optics section. That will give you a good basis to start from.

Basically, different kinds of glass bend light different amounts. So by mixing lens elements of different glasses you can cancel out some of the prism effect (chromatic aberration) you get with a single lens element. Compound lenses (lenses with multiple elements) also allow you to play tricks on the light; a lens with a telephoto design has a focal length that's longer than the lens is. Similarly, a reverse telephoto lens is longer than the actual focal length. Almost all SLR wide angle lenses are reverse telephoto designs because otherwise the rear lens element wouldn't clear the camera mirror.

Many of Doug Kerr's articles offer good theoretical bases for several different optical properties:

http://doug.kerr.home.​att.net/pumpkin/