Abstract

The paper commences with a review of zoom lens developments from the 1950's to the present day. Improvements in optics, mechanics, and electronics are discussed and, together with cost versus performance factors, used to explain an increasing trend towards adopting zoom systems for more applications. To illustrate the level of performance already attained, an ultra high performance zoom lens is described in detail with comparisons drawn from equivalent fixed focal length lenses. Finally, future trends and new applications, such as HDTV, are considered in terms of zoom lenses.

© 1990 Optical Society of America