I didn't want to hijack Ronald's thread asking about lightweight / lighter weight equipment for photography so I'll start a new thread.
Other than tradition and most of us being somewhat traditionalists, is there a good reason why lens manufacturers shy away from using modern lightweight composite materials for lens barrels? I can see huge advantages with little downsides and wanted to hear your opinions and thoughts
Pro as I see it:
Lighter Weight than steel or aluminum
Highly Durable (Glock pistols and military M4 rifles take far more abuse than any camera ever will and they hold up to that abuse in specular fashion.)
High tensile, impact, and shear strength
resists warpage and expansion due to temp changes
Not as "cold" to the hands during cold weather
It will not dent if dropped (scratch but not dent)
Cons as I see it:
Not traditional, photographers say "Plastic" without giving it further consideration
Probably does not save much money as these materials are as expensive to make as it is to make equal part from aluminum or steel.
Not sure exact weight savings, what percent of a lens' weight is the barrel vs. the glass?
What are your thoughts?
Jeff
Other than tradition and most of us being somewhat traditionalists, is there a good reason why lens manufacturers shy away from using modern lightweight composite materials for lens barrels? I can see huge advantages with little downsides and wanted to hear your opinions and thoughts
Pro as I see it:
Lighter Weight than steel or aluminum
Highly Durable (Glock pistols and military M4 rifles take far more abuse than any camera ever will and they hold up to that abuse in specular fashion.)
High tensile, impact, and shear strength
resists warpage and expansion due to temp changes
Not as "cold" to the hands during cold weather
It will not dent if dropped (scratch but not dent)
Cons as I see it:
Not traditional, photographers say "Plastic" without giving it further consideration
Probably does not save much money as these materials are as expensive to make as it is to make equal part from aluminum or steel.
Not sure exact weight savings, what percent of a lens' weight is the barrel vs. the glass?
What are your thoughts?
Jeff