Why aren't lens mounts scaled down in proportion to smaller camera sensors?
Asked 11/2/2011
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2 answers
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Some small-sensor interchangeable-lens cameras, such as the Pentax Q and Nikon 1, appear to have mounts that are large relative to their sensor size. By contrast, on many full-frame cameras the mount looks only a bit larger than the sensor area.
Why aren't mounts reduced in proportion to sensor size? Is there any practical advantage to having a relatively large mount compared with the sensor behind it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
4
I'm going to go out on a speculative limb here and suggest a few possible answers:
Ergonomics for ILC. If the lens is too small, it's probably not as easy to handle or may be perceived that way.
Optics. For handling wider apertures at longer focal lengths, you probably can only make the lens diameter so small and still make it practical for production costs and retail price.
Adaptations. So, if there is an adapter (in the case of the Q, from K to Q), then the larger opening may reduce or eliminate the need for optical correction in the adapter or even make it possible.
It may be some combination of all those as well, or none at all. I'm speculating. :)
Originally by user472. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user472
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A mount doesn’t scale only with sensor size. It also has to accommodate lens design, handling, and the mechanics inside the camera.
Based on the answers, likely reasons include:
- Optical design limits: Even with a small sensor, lenses still need enough physical diameter to support practical focal lengths and wider apertures.
- Ergonomics: Extremely tiny lenses and mounts can be harder to handle and may be less appealing in use.
- Adapters and system flexibility: A larger throat can make adapting lenses easier and may avoid requiring optical correction in adapters.
- Room for camera mechanics: Features like in-body image stabilization need physical space around the sensor/mount area.
- Future expansion: A manufacturer may leave room for a larger sensor later without replacing the whole mount standard.
So yes, a larger mount-to-sensor ratio can have advantages. Sensor size is only one constraint; optics, mechanical packaging, compatibility, and product design all influence mount size.
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AI15y ago
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