byMike Tomkins
posted Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 2:29 PM EST
Just about every modern lens has something in common: The use of anti-reflective coatings which allow the complex, element-rich optical formulae we take for granted today. Perhaps the key pioneer in the field was Ukranian physicist Alexander Smakula, who invented the first interference-based anti-reflective coatings in 1935, while working for German optics icon Carl Zeiss. (Does that mean you can claim your lenses have a little bit of Zeiss in their blood? Well, we'll leave that call up to you!)
One of the best-known such coatings, not surprisingly, is Zeiss' legendary T* which can be found emblazoned in red print on the front of the company's lenses. But where did that name come from, how was the tech developed, and how exactly does it work? If you want the answers, you'll find them in a just-published article on the company's website.
In the piece, authored by Zeiss'Dr. Vladan Blahnik (Staff Scientist in the company's Consumer Optics Division) and Dr. Benjamin Voelker (part of the optical design team, also in the Consumer Optics Division), you'll find the answers to all of these and more. A whole lot more, in fact, if you jump across to the extremely in-depth 75-page PDF document which gives an even deeper dive on the topic. If you're the technical type, you'll want to pour yourself a coffee, prop your feet up and block out the rest of your evening for this one, because it's in-depth -- and very interesting -- reading.
What does Zeiss' T* coating do for your images? Well, this photo was shot with a T*-coated optic...
We'll leave the bulk of the explanation to the experts at Zeiss, but for those of you with a gentler curiosity on the topic, we'll save you the jump and answer the meaning of the T* brand. It's simply a contraction of how these anti-reflective coatings were originally described, based on the task they performed. The coatings were applied to reduce reflection, or in other words to increase transparancy of the glass beneath -- and so they were called "transparency optics", or "T-optics" for short. And so the t* brand hints at that original name -- a multi-layer coating made from multiple transparency optics coatings. Pretty simple, really, but we must admit we'd never wondered about the source of the name until we stumbled upon the answer.
...and here's the same scene shot with an otherwise-identical optic which lacks T* coatings.
For the rest of the article, hop on over to the Zeiss website. (And don't forget to read the PDF documenttoo, if you want an even deeper understanding of how these clever anti-reflective coatings would work. It's well worth the read!)
FAQs
Begone, reflections: Zeiss explains the science behind its famous T* coating technology. Just about every modern lens has something in common: The use of anti-reflective coatings which allow the complex, element-rich optical formulae we take for granted today.
What is ZEISS T Star coating? ›
Technical article on T*-coating and reduction of reflections in lenses. The invention by ZEISS of anti-reflective (AR) coatings that reduce reflections from glass surfaces in contact with air is one of the most outstanding innovations of technical optics in the 20th Century.
What is T-coating? ›
Teflon coating is a synthetic fluoropolymer material that bonds to your car's paint and forms a layer over it. This layer provides protection from minor scratches and helps keep the shine on your car lasting for longer.
What makes Carl Zeiss so special? ›
In this tradition, ZEISS has continuously perfected its calculation methods for the manufacture of lenses and is now the global leader in optical design. Carl Zeiss, who was originally from Weimar, Germany, founded a workshop for precision mechanics and optics in Jena in 1846.
Why is ZEISS so good? ›
ZEISS Quality
The purity of the raw materials is ensured by innovative filter technologies. Premium quality is guaranteed by very stringent quality control. Optimal light transmission is ensured by high-performance anti-reflective coating technologies.
What is the name of the ZEISS coating? ›
DuraVision® BlueProtect by ZEISS is a unique, high-performance blue light lens coating that offers your customers: An increased reflectance in the blue-violet spectrum of light.
What are the three types of coating? ›
Coatings are varied, but primarily fall into three categories: Architectural, Industrial, and Special Purpose.
Which coating is the best? ›
Ceramic coating offers better protection against scratches and UV rays, while Teflon coating is better at protecting the car's paint from stains and contaminants.
How many days does Teflon coating last? ›
How long does Teflon Coating last? A well-applied Teflon coating can last up to 8 months before its effect starts to wear off. In comparison, a ceramic coating can last up to a minimum period of 3 years, i.e. 36 months.
What is the ZEISS controversy? ›
The lawsuit filed by Carl Zeiss Meditec AG's U.S. subsidiary, beginning in 2018 Topcon illegally obtained stolen Zeiss files. The lawsuit also described Topcon's efforts to compete with ZEISS by improperly obtaining and using Zeiss medical equipment and software licenses to develop products.
In addition, ZEISS supports automation in factories, medicine and laboratories with its range of technologies. Current projects include miniaturized and integrated photonics and sensor technology for imaging, robotic systems, autonomous systems, and mechatronic concepts, as well as computer- and robot-assisted surgery.
Who is ZEISS made by? ›
Carl Zeiss AG (/zaɪs/ ZYSE, German: [kaʁl ˈtsaɪs]), branded as ZEISS, is a German manufacturer of optical systems and optoelectronics, founded in Jena, Germany in 1846 by optician Carl Zeiss. Together with Ernst Abbe (joined 1866) and Otto Schott (joined 1884) he laid the foundation for today's multinational company.
Which is better, ZEISS or Crizal? ›
Both brands are of high reputed and offers you high quality lenses. Crizal is popularly used with anti-reflective coating. These almost invisible lenses are extremely durable, scratch resistant, and very easy to clean. Carl Zeiss lenses are with the superb colour, brightness and clarity.
Why is Carl Zeiss expensive? ›
Country of manufacture - Zeiss lenses are made in Europe which is a high cost location while Canon and Nikon lenses are made in Japan, a lower cost location. Image quality - In some lenses Zeiss image quality is supreme. Nikon is better than Zeiss in wide angle lenses and 135 mm focal lengths.
Is ZEISS worth it? ›
Everything You Need To Know About Zeiss Glasses Lenses in 2023. Zeiss lenses are amongst the best available on the market today! Zeiss glasses lenses are available for a wide variety of specific applications, and the excellence of these luxury lenses is second to none.
Which coating is best for eyeglasses? ›
Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
Anti-reflective coating helps you both see and be seen better. Without this coating, the light that reflects off your glasses can render it difficult for those looking at you to see your eyes. Cosmetic and communication concerns aside, the reflection of light can also interfere with vision.
What is the best lens coating for driving? ›
In general, brown or grey tints are good driving lenses, because it will help you to identify traffic lights or brake lights in milliseconds and may improve your reaction time.
What is the difference between ZEISS and Essilor coating? ›
ZEISS BlueGuard is able to block up to 40% of harmful blue light while Essilor Blue UV Capture is able to block at least 20%. ZEISS BlueGuard is able to block more harmful blue light as compared to Essilor Blue UV Capture.
Do I need anti-reflective coating on transition lenses? ›
From there, you can choose which type of Transitions® will suit you best. SportRx Insider Tip: Add an anti-reflective coating! This will make the lens look even clearer at night and indoors because it blocks out reflections from the lenses themselves and thus lets more light enter your eyes.
