Why don't they make lenses from plastic

9 years 2 days ago #440218 by Joslyn
I'm talking about the glass part?  Can't they do the same with plastic and make the lens a fraction of the weight? 


Photo Comments
,
9 years 1 day ago #440259 by garyrhook
I think it comes down to physics, plus the fact that you can't grind plastic.


Photo Comments
,
9 years 1 day ago #440265 by Screamin Scott
They do. Many of the cheap point & shoot cameras have plastic lenses... Read this Wiki. Go down to the "Construction" segment...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_lens

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

Photo Comments
,
9 years 1 day ago #440267 by cybersholt
I agree w/ gary. If there was a way to cheapen it they would but time tested glass must still be something special.

Thank you for making PhotographyTalk.com your photography community of choice.
Photo Comments
,
9 years 1 day ago #440274 by effron
Also, they don't make them because most would NEVER buy them. I actually like a heavy lens, it feels expensive.......:dry:

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
9 years 1 day ago #440285 by cybersholt
This must be a picture of effron then! :lol:


Thank you for making PhotographyTalk.com your photography community of choice.
Photo Comments
,
9 years 1 day ago #440286 by Screamin Scott
LOL !!!

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

Photo Comments
,
9 years 1 day ago - 9 years 8 hours ago #440302 by Joves
pffft


,
9 years 1 day ago #440303 by Joves
I know that Tamron does, but I am not too sure about Sigma, and others. But they are solely used for internal elements. Though there is noting wrong with optical polycarbonates they are a no go for the exterior lenses. Even with scratch resistant coatings their life from dust, and other nasty things would be maybe two, or three years. And that would be with treating them good. Glass is king when it comes to long life, and is superior in many ways for being able to transmit light to the sensors/film.


,
9 years 1 day ago #440357 by Stealthy Ninja
Because... plastic sucks?
,
9 years 1 day ago #440369 by Ian Stone
I'm going to disagree here.  I think if they could master the use of plastics in lenses, that would be great.  Think of the weight reduction alone! 


Photo Comments
,
9 years 13 hours ago #440412 by effron

cybersholt wrote: This must be a picture of effron then! :lol:

[/quote

No gold ring, sorry.....


Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
8 years 11 months ago - 8 years 11 months ago #441658 by momentspause
Holga lenses are all plastic - I use a Holga HL-C from time to time on my 50d and T3i to interesting effect. 


,
8 years 11 months ago #441680 by Frisco
I don't think I would like a light weight lens, I like the feel of heavier glass.

Nikon 18-55mm VR, Nikon 70-200mm VRII f/2.8, Nikon 50mm f/1.8, Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, SB-700 & SB-800
Photo Comments
,
8 years 11 months ago #441728 by Pettigrew
Plastic would not give the same optic quality as glass

Canon EOS 7D SLR | XT W/18-55 Kit Lens | Canon 50mm 1.8 | Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 | Canon 28-105mm | Canon 75-300mm | Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro | Canon 100-400
Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

In this guide to the bokeh effect, you’ll learn what bokeh is and the factors involved in creating it. You’ll also explore some beautiful example images to spark your creativity with bokeh!

May 16, 2024

Upgrade your kit in 2024 with the best intermediate camera on the market! The question is, what camera fits the bill? We’ve got three top options for you to choose from in this buyer’s guide.

May 15, 2024

The best photography jobs right now are a mix of tried-and-true gigs like wedding photography and new jobs highlighting AI’s capabilities, travel, and videography.

May 15, 2024

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

Starting a photography business is one thing; sustaining your business over a long period of time is another. Use the tips in this professional photography guide to build something with longevity!

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

Cinematic photography is an interesting genre that combines photographic and videographic skills along with effective storytelling techniques. The result? Highly impactful images!

May 09, 2024

Newborn photography requires skill, the right gear, and a lot of patience. This beginner’s guide discusses critical topics that will help you be more prepared for before, during, and after the shoot.

May 08, 2024