Classical What Are the Best Optics Textbooks for a Junior Course?

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In a discussion about selecting a textbook for a junior optics course, participants highlighted several options based on the course prerequisites, which include electromagnetic theory, classical mechanics, and multivariable calculus. Hecht's textbook was frequently recommended for its comprehensive coverage, despite being considered verbose. Some participants noted that the latest edition has been streamlined. Kenyon's book was favored by one contributor for its clarity, although it may be slightly advanced for the course level. Born and Wolf was mentioned but deemed unsuitable for junior students due to its complexity and higher-level focus. A free alternative textbook was also suggested, which includes a math review and is aimed at senior undergraduates, though the author acknowledged potential bias in their recommendation. Overall, Hecht emerged as the most commonly endorsed choice for its accessibility and thoroughness.
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I'm taking a junior course on optics. The professor said it would be up to us to find a textbook to use. For this course the prerequisites are E&M (Griffiths level), classical mechanics (Morin level), and multivariable calculus.

Anyone have recommendations on a textbook for this class?
Course description:
"An introduction to physics of light. Topics covered include: electromagnetic waves, propagation of light; the Huygens and Fermat's principles; Geometrical optics and optical instruments; Interference of waves and diffraction; Polarization; Introduction to photons, lasers and optical fibers."
 
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Hecht is rather popular.
 
Perhaps it's too advanced, but Born&Wolf is just great!
 
A free alternative is available here:

https://optics.byu.edu/textbook

It has a math review at the beginning, and is targeted at a senior undergraduate level. I'm an author of the book, so I can't give unbiased assessment of the material (but I have no financial interest as we allow free use). We try to give clear derivations and examples and regularly update the book.

M. Ware
 
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For what it's worth, if your professor is telling you to figure out your own textbook, you (hopefully! assuming your professor isn't evil) shouldn't be relying on it that much. So you may be looking for a reference book rather than a read-cover-to-cover textbook. For that I recommend Hecht. It's quite verbose, but it's all there and it's not hard to read. I believe the newest edition is heavily trimmed down from its predecessors, but I haven't read the latest edition.
Full disclosure: I'm biased because I had Hecht as a professor, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt.
I don't recommend Born and Wolf for a junior level course. It'll likely just seem to be speaking a different language from your lectures.
 
Born and Wolf is aimed at a hugh-level audience.
I'd choose Hecht; perhaps a bit old but still useful.
 

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