Get ready for new controversy.
We’ve had several big changes in how lenses are designed in the digital era, and more are coming. The two biggest differences in 21st century lenses have been improvements in computer modeling during the design process coupled with using in-camera “corrections” to “fix” aspects that aren’t addressed by the optical design itself.
“Corrections” and “fix” are in quotes in the previous paragraph because the current form for these is simply some brute force simplified math. For instance, vignetting isn’t measured precisely and then corrected via similar precise pixel-by-pixel data shifts. Instead, virtually all the vignetting corrections are a set of circles containing a pre-ordained amount of data shift, which may or may not exactly match what the lens is doing.
Here’s what’s going to happen next: AI lens corrections.
Large language model AI is about pattern matching. Optical design generates plenty of patterns. We’re going to see AI correction calculated during the computerized design process, and then a way of applying those very specific corrections downstream when the image is actually created.
Already we have some neural signal processing happening in smartphones that does something similar, mostly with so called “telephoto zoom” created from cropping. But what I’m talking about will go further, and essentially pattern-correct the lens aspects that the computerized optical design let slide (typically in order to optimize something else).
This isn’t as simple as it at first sounds (e.g. just apply a correction). Lenses focus at different distances, have adjustable apertures, and may even mechanically zoom, all of which changes the underlying optical patterns and correction needs. Thus, say a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens might need 24, 35, 50, 70mm, close focus, medium focus, distance focus, and fast aperture to slow aperture “adjustment files” at a minimum. Still, that’s doable today with current technology, someone just has to implement it.
Which brings us to the controversy that will ensue.
A perfectly corrected lens wil almost certainly be rejected by some as being “too clinical.” Sure, but the data being collected in the raw file will be more optimal, so I’m for it. Take it a step further, though: not only can you create a near perfect optical correction this way, you can create presets that render differently. Get ready for Lens Picture Controls (LPC). Want classic edge sharpness falloff with vignette? Use the Vintage LPC.
You thought photographers argued about whose color presets are better, wait until we start arguing about whose lens presets are better.