Total focal length and magnification

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on constructing a telephoto lens system for imaging a cantilever with dimensions of 450x50 microns. Two lens combinations are analyzed: Combination 1 with focal lengths f1=320mm and f2=40mm yielding a total focal length of 35.5mm and magnification (M) of 8, and Combination 2 with f1=800mm and f2=100mm resulting in a total focal length of 88.89mm, also with M=8. The importance of total focal length in relation to magnification is questioned, alongside the need for clarity on setup specifics, such as object distance and working distance calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lens combinations and their effects on focal length and magnification.
  • Familiarity with the lensmaker's equation for calculating working distance.
  • Knowledge of optical systems, particularly differences between telescopes and microscopes.
  • Experience with CCD sensors and their placement in optical setups.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the lensmaker's equation and its application in calculating working distance.
  • Explore the principles of optical magnification and how it relates to focal lengths in lens systems.
  • Study the differences between telescope and microscope configurations for optimal imaging.
  • Investigate methods for minimizing distortion in optical systems, particularly with large objective lenses.
USEFUL FOR

Optical engineers, hobbyist lens makers, and researchers involved in microscopy or imaging applications who seek to understand the intricacies of lens combinations and their impact on image quality and magnification.

Aymangh994
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I would like to realize an image of the cantilever. The dimensions are (450x50) microns. I would like to use a self-constructed telephoto lens. This consists of two lenses. The image magnification can be 4 to 8. The magnification of the image is nothing more than the ratio between the two focal lengths of the two lenses. E.g. for f1= 320mm f2=40mm the total f= 35.5mm and the imaging magnification is 8 . Since typical focal lenghts of telephoto are over 50mm, I would like to ask if the total focal length matters? I.e. for f1= 800mm and f2=100mm the total focal length is f=88.89 mm but the image magnification remains the same.
 
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You need to specify more about the set-up. What is "the cantilever"? We need an annotated diagram if you want sensible answers.
Edit: PS I think you are assuming the 'telescope formula' applies but your object distance is not infinite and are you looking at an image or projecting it onto a sensor?
 
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I would like to ask if the total focal length matters using two different combinations of lenses but the magnification still the same.
Combination 1 : f1= 320mm f2=40mm the total f= 35.5mm and M= 8
Combination 2 : f1= 800mm and f2=100mm the total focal length is f=88.89 mm and M= 8
and how to calculate the working distance ?
 
Sketch
following questions :
1. should I use the lensmaker's equation to calculate the working distance ? which focal length should I insert in the equation? the total f or f1 ?
2. The distance between the two lenses and the distance between the CCD-Sensor and the last lens ?
 

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You seem to be using a telescope rather than a microscope. In such a case, the objective lens should be as large as possible to collect maximum light, but may have to be stopped down to reduce distortion. The required magnification is very small - can this be obtained with a single lens?
 
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