Square Camera Lenses: Impractical Or Revolutionary?

Camera lenses are round because it is easier to manufacture them that way. It is much simpler to grind glass into a round lens than a square one. Lenses are also round because they are made to mimic the human eye, which is also round.

The shape of the lens does not determine the shape of the image produced. The shape of the image is determined by the sensor, which is rectangular because it is made using semiconductor fabrication techniques.

Square lenses would be harder to manufacture

Square camera lenses would be harder to manufacture than circular ones. This is because circular lenses are easier to grind and polish, and can be cut from a round piece of glass. Square lenses, on the other hand, would require more complicated linear bearings and linear actuators to slide without rotating out of position. They would also need to be cut from a round piece of glass, adding an extra manufacturing step and increasing the cost of lens production.

Square lenses would be more expensive

Square camera lenses would be more expensive to manufacture than circular lenses. The process of grinding glass into a square lens is more complex and costly than the process of grinding glass into a circular lens. Square lenses would require more complex linear bearings and linear actuators to slide without rotating out of position.

The current circular lenses are ground using lathes, which is an easier and cheaper process than what would be required for square lenses. The circular shape also makes it easier to spin, grind, and polish the lens. Additionally, the circular shape of the lens is consistent with the optical symmetry that manufacturers are trying to achieve in the finished product.

The extra manufacturing steps and complexity involved in creating square lenses would result in higher production costs, making square lenses more expensive than their circular counterparts.

Square lenses would be harder to attach to the camera

Square camera lenses would be harder to attach to the camera. This is because lenses are attached to cameras using screw-style threads, which require the lenses to rotate. Square lenses would need more complicated linear bearings and linear actuators to slide without rotating out of position.

Round lenses are also easier to manufacture. They are easier to cut and grind, and they can be attached to the camera without the need for extra glass. Square lenses would require an extra manufacturing step, which would increase the cost of lens production.

Square lenses would produce worse bokeh

Bokeh is the term used to describe the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus areas of a photograph. The shape of the bokeh is determined by the shape of the lens's aperture. Square lenses would produce square bokeh, which would be considered weird and distracting.

The bokeh effect is often considered desirable, with some lenses known for producing beautiful bokeh. Square bokeh would be considered a special effect, and would not be desirable in most situations.

Square lenses would also be more difficult to manufacture, and would require more complicated linear bearings and linear actuators to slide without rotating out of position.

Square lenses would be harder to rotate

Circular lenses are more straightforward to produce, which often results in a lower cost. They are also easier to mount and dismount, and their circular aperture allows for beautiful, round bokeh effects. The rounded shape also makes them easier to handle, especially when you’re in the heat of a shooting session. There is no awkward angling or uncomfortable grip—just straightforward, ergonomic design that accommodates natural hand movements.

The rounded shape of the lens also ensures that the lens stays stable during focus adjustments, reducing blur. The design naturally accommodates your hand’s grip, making it easier to hold the camera steady.

Circular lenses are also more efficient at bending and focusing light. The round shape doesn’t favour any particular direction, which means it treats all incoming light equally. This leads to a more consistent, higher-quality image.

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