Surface & Stop
Interactive Camera Lens Cross-Section Visualizer
Explore real camera lens designs built from optical patent data. Trace rays through multi-element systems, adjust focus and aperture in real time, inspect individual elements, and analyze chromatic aberrations.
Patent-derived optical models29 articles & guides on numerous topics
Lens Library
144 interactive diagrams
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15 manufacturers
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CANON EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Start Here
New to lens design? Begin with the basics
Articles & Guides
Aberrations In Depthguide
May 5, 2026
Advanced aberration concepts including higher-order effects, balancing strategies, and aspherical surfaces.
Understanding Aberrationsguide
May 5, 2026
An introduction to the optical aberrations that lens designers work to minimize — spherical, coma, astigmatism, and more.
About the Authorarticle
May 5, 2026
Meet the creator of Surface & Stop — photographer and optical science enthusiast.
About Surface & Stoparticle
May 5, 2026
How this interactive lens visualization tool was built and what makes it unique.
Cardinal Points of a Lensguide
May 5, 2026
A gentle introduction to focal, principal, and nodal points — the six reference locations that define how any lens forms an image.
View all articles →Recently Added
CANON EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
May 5, 2026
15 ELEMENTS / 12 GROUPS · f = 100.0 mm · F/2.8 (design F/2.92)
CANON EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
May 5, 2026
6 ELEMENTS / 4 GROUPS · f ≈ 39.0 mm · F/2.8
CANON EF 50mm f/1.0L USM
May 5, 2026
11 ELEMENTS / 9 GROUPS · f ≈ 50.0 mm · F/1.0
CANON FD 35mm f/2 S.S.C. (I)
May 5, 2026
35mm f/2 · 9 elements / 8 groups · Floating focus
CANON FD 50mm f/1.2 L
May 5, 2026
8 ELEMENTS / 6 GROUPS · f ≈ 50.0 mm · F/1.2
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