Just throwing this out there for thought/discussion ...
I know there must be a scientific reason based on physics & economics, but it's over my head -
So, if Sony/Zeiss can create a 24-200 mm f/2.8 lens and fix it to a great body with a 1 inch sensor in the RX10 (both Mark I and II) and sell the whole package for $1,300 -
Then why can't an interchangeable lens with those same specs be created by one of the major manufacturers and sold for a reasonable price?
CHOLLY
Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!
Optics... physics.
A smaller sensor needs less light, meaning a smaller lens profile... even at f/2.8 at 200mm.
For an APS-C or FF 35mm sized sensor, the required light coverage means the physical size of the lens would be much larger and therefore, more expensive.
OK - It's making more sense to me now. The main thing that was throwing me off was not realizing just how much smaller the 1-inch sensor is than either APS-C or Full Frame Sensor. I did a quick calculation and estimate the APS-C to be about 3.6 x the area of the 1-inch and the full frame approximately 7.4 x the area. So, assuming sensor size alone as a factor, and assuming the lens portion of the RX10 is about $1.000, the price of comparable APS-C lens would run $3,600 and full frame $7,400. I'm sure a lot of other factors besides sensor size would also come into play.
CHOLLY
Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!
Yep.
Have you noticed how much more expensive lenses get as their size increases?
Look at the price of a 50mm lens. Then compare it to a 500mm lens. It doesn't even have to be a particularly fast lens... but the faster the lens, the more expensive it will be.
The Sony 500mm f/4 prime costs $13,000. The Canon f/4 version costs $9000. The Nikon model costs $7300. A healthy chunk of change because as the size of the lens grows, so does it's complexity. Everything from the optical formula to the amount and quality of glass needed to construct the elements.
What makes you think that lens has real glass it is more likely it's all plastic or something on the order of polycarbonate material. Or its on order of high quality of say a L lens or that of Nikon high quality lenses? Just saying!!! How ever you do bring up a valid question?
Polycarbonate is a poor lens material apart from weight, CR39 would be a better choice but not for a high end lens like the 500mm Tele, what you find there is ED Glass for the major elements with less exotic glass for the minor elements. Cheaper optics and P&S lenses will often be made from moulded optical resin.
Peekayoh wrote:
Polycarbonate is a poor lens material apart from weight, CR39 would be a better choice but not for a high end lens like the 500mm Tele, what you find there is ED Glass for the major elements with less exotic glass for the minor elements. Cheaper optics and P&S lenses will often be made from moulded optical resin.
Don't tell those optical centers that sell glasses made of polycarbonate. Just messing with you!
RichardSM wrote:
...it is more likely it's all plastic or something on the order of polycarbonate material...
That's a great point ... and a huge factor in cost consideration.
RichardSM wrote:
Don't tell those optical centers that sell glasses made of polycarbonate. Just messing with you!
Well it's true that Opticians will sell you Polycarbonate lenses and make you pay through the nose but optically, Poly is worse than Glass or CR39 (Plastic). It's big advantage is weight especially if you need a strong lens and if you want rimless, it's easily drilled.
CHOLLY
Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!
Yep!
And back to the OPs original point, it's a LOT cheaper to build a lens for a smaller sensor than it is to build the same focal length lens for other uses.
now you know why there are $15.000.00 lenses out there.
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