The Worlds Widest Aperture Lenses: Buying, Availability, and Optics

Introduction

The question of the world's widest aperture lens is a fascinating topic, taking us into the realms of both photography and advanced optics. This article will delve into the current state of the world's widest aperture lenses, their availability, and the broader context of optical apertures.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM

As of the last update in August 2023, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM holds the title for the world's widest aperture lens, offering exceptional performance in low-light conditions and a shallow depth of field. However, it's crucial to note that this lens has been discontinued, making it less accessible through official channels.

Availability: You can often find this lens on the second-hand market through platforms like eBay, KEH, or specialized camera shops dealing in used equipment. Prices can vary significantly based on condition and demand. Additionally, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L and Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S are among the widest aperture lenses currently available, still in production, and can be purchased new.

Other Narrowly Available Wide Aperture Lenses

Some extremely wide aperture lenses, such as the Zeiss Super-Q-Gigantar, are not available for purchase. The Zeiss f/0.7 lens, however, is another story. In the 1960s, NASA commissioned Carl Zeiss to develop a set of extremely large aperture lenses for capturing images of the dark side of the moon in its Apollo missions. Ten of these lenses were created, with six being sold to NASA, one kept by Carl Zeiss, and three sold to filmmaker Stanley Kubrick.

This lens, the only one currently offered for rental, showcases the pinnacle of wide aperture technology. Nevertheless, for practical purposes in consumer-grade photography, the Kipon Ibelux 40mm f/0.85 is the largest currently available for micro Four Thirds systems, available for around $1,500. Despite its large aperture, image quality may not be on par with higher f/0.95mm lenses from Voigtl?nder, though still superior to more conventional apertures.

Fresnel Lenses: A Cost-Effective Alternative

While conventional lenses offer a defined aperture limit, Fresnel lenses provide a more flexible option. These lenses are relatively inexpensive and lightweight, making them a viable alternative to conventional telescope lenses. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, has proposed the use of Fresnel lenses in wide-aperture receivers for free-space optical communication systems. These systems can use Fresnel lenses, which weigh and cost much less than conventional lenses having equal aperture widths. Plastic Fresnel lenses are commercially available in diameters up to 5 meters, large enough to satisfy requirements for aperture widths of the order of meters for collecting sufficient light in typical long-distance free-space optical communication systems.

Conclusion

The search for the world's widest aperture lens continues, driven by both practical and scientific needs. While the current record holders like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM provide unparalleled performance in certain conditions, the use of Fresnel lenses for optical receivers and other applications opens up new possibilities. As technology evolves, the world of wide-aperture lenses will likely continue to expand, offering more options for both professional and amateur photographers.