aspherical

Leica Unveils the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH Lens

Leica has announced its version of the popular "desert island" lens in the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH., what it calls an "ideal lens with broad appeal," as it is capable across multiple disciplines from travel, studio, architecture, photojournalism, portraiture, and more.

What Are Aspherical Lens Elements?

When camera lens makers announce new lenses, one of the specs they always tout is how many aspherical elements the lens designs have. If you're not sure what those elements are and what they do, here's a short and helpful 4-minute video by Michael the Maven that'll bring you up to speed.

Panasonic Cuts the Onion, Fixes Strange Effect Caused by Aspherical Lenses

Have you heard of the "onion ring" effect in bokeh? It's a rather obscure term that emerged as lenses began featuring aspherical lens elements to reduce aberrations and reduce size. Due to the way aspherical lenses are produced, strange "onion ring" lines can appear in out-of-focus points of light.

The term may also soon be a thing of the past: Panasonic has reportedly figured out how to cut the onion (effect), allowing aspherical lenses to produce smooth and pleasing bokeh.