Nikon reveals a lens that captures wide and telephoto images simultaneously
Nikon and Mitsubishi have unveiled an automotive lens that reportedly captures both wide‑angle and telephoto views along the same optical axis, aiming to improve vehicle situational awareness by combining peripheral vision with high detail in the center of the frame. Commenters note the absence of sample images or technical details and speculate about designs such as variable focal length across the image, concentric optics, or “foveated” imaging that prioritizes central resolution. The announcement also revives debates about whether telephoto is fundamentally more than a crop of a wide image and how similar ideas might apply to smartphones and other computer‑vision systems.
Scope and Intended Use
- Lens is described as an industrial/automotive component, not a photographer-oriented product.
- Target use: vehicle situational awareness / ADAS (wide view for nearby pedestrians/cyclists plus detailed view far ahead).
- Some commenters note Nikon’s core strength is optics and see no obvious need for exotic sensors/ISPs beyond the lens design.
Lack of Images and Article Critiques
- Multiple people note there are no sample images anywhere (even in Nikon’s press release).
- This is viewed as suspicious or “clickbait-like,” though others assume images are embargoed until CES.
- Some complain the linked site is ad-heavy, hard to navigate, and thin on technical detail.
Optical Design Speculation
- Ideas floated include:
- Variable focal length across the image plane (higher magnification at center).
- Concentric optics: telephoto center + wide “donut” fringe.
- Beam-splitting prisms or pick-off mirrors feeding multiple sensors.
- Anamorphic or “reverse-corrected” / foveated projection concentrating resolution in the center.
- Several note significant downstream processing will be needed to make the raw output useful or human-viewable.
- Some emphasize that whatever the scheme, true single-axis alignment (no parallax) is key.
Cropping vs Telephoto and Optical Limits
- Debate on whether telephoto is just a crop of wide-angle:
- One side: in ideal optics, yes; perspective differences in practice come from camera distance, not focal length.
- Others argue real lenses, f-numbers, diffraction, and distortion complicate the equivalence.
- Related discussion on depth of field, aperture equivalence, angular resolution, and why high-megapixel sensors alone don’t replace optical magnification.
Potential Impact and Extensions
- Some think 200+ MP sensors plus this lens could be powerful; others question processing and optical sharpness in a moving car.
- A few see possible future smartphone applications: foveated capture, simultaneous wide/tele capture, and after-the-fact zoom.
- Others note user downsides: larger files, storage pressure, and complexity of managing multiple versions per shot.
Overall Sentiment
- Interest and curiosity from optics/vision-minded commenters.
- Skepticism due to missing technical details and images; many defer judgment until CES reveals more.