Digital BW, The Print

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Kale" <stevekale@...>
To: <DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2004 2:43 AM
Subject: Re: [Digital BW] Re: Canon 1Ds MK II

>>With a full sized sensor I understand
>>there is no need for a specific Digital Only lens.  Am I right?

Yes, you are correct. A digital-only lens can make different tradeoffs in
design because performance at the edge of a 35mm sized frame is not
important since the sensor is smaller. This may allow a digital-only lens to
be smaller/cheaper and optimized for other parameters. Any such tradeoffs
would compromise the lens's full-frame performance. Some digital-optimized
lenses are also good for full-frame, though they may not be optimum for
full-frame.

The only change I have heard that may be making  for new full-frame lens
designs is that, since CCD/CMOS sensors are more reflective than film, there
can sometimes be more flair due to the light bouncing off the sensor and
back into the lens. I've heard they are adding coatings to the rear elements
to reduce flair from the bounce. They may also be optimizing the cameras to
minimize the light reflected off the sensor, but that is just a guess.