It's a fairly straightforward process to find the number of standard deviations needed to satisfy some absolute limits, for example, +/-12.5%. Just using the absolute standard deviation number though, would penalize lenses with high MTF. If the absolute MTF is 0.1, there's not much room to go up or down while if it's 0.6, there's lots of room to change. This meant bad lenses would seem to have low variation scores while good lenses would have higher scores. So we made the Variation number relative to the lens' measured MTF, rather than an absolute variation. We simulated the score for lenses of increasingly high resolution and saw the score would rise exponentially, so we take the square root of it to make it close to linear.

A lens will impart some blur and reduced amounts of contrast. The blur examples above are simply illustrations created in Photoshop using the lens blur function (no contrast reduction shown). While not real world results, they nicely illustrate the point.

Modulation transfer function

Make the black and white bars thinner and the black and white color more readily overlaps in the result. Thus, increasing the line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm), the spatial frequency, reduces the MTF score.

MTFcamera

Each of these layers is designed to block specific wavelengths of light, allowing the glasses to have anti-reflective properties with basically no noticeable drawbacks (beyond increased cost).

If more than one focal length or aperture has test results available, the drop-down menu options for either or both will be enabled. Remember that equivalents are best to use for comparative lens selection purposes.

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10 lp/mm strongly correlates to image contrast on a Full-Frame 24x36mm sensor and 30 lp/mm strongly correlates to image resolution. The 20 lp/mm result is more contrast-like for APS-C and Micro Four-Thirds, or if you zoom in on a Full-Frame image, crop significantly, etc. A very pixel dense sensor such as the 5DsR is closer to sampling the image from the lens at 50 lp/mm in terms of resolution or pixel-for-pixel detail.

Of the options available for anti-reflective coatings, Crizal coatings are regarded as some of the best by multiple reviewers. These can be expensive though. For a cheaper coating, you will primarily want something that is not likely to smudge.

The board-certified surgeons at NVISION have performed over 2.5 million procedures. Your journey to better vision starts here.

With grossly decentered or tilted lenses removed from contention, 10 lenses of each model are selected for testing (at wide open aperture). Each lens is then measured by a high precision Trioptics Imagemaster MTF bench. Measurements are taken at 20 points from one edge to the other and repeated at 4 different rotations (0, 45, 90, and 135 degrees) to provide a complete picture of the lens. The 4 rotation values are then averaged for each copy. The averages for 10 copies of the same lens model (for wide open apertures) are then averaged, giving an average MTF curve for the 10 copies of that lens.

One could go crazy selecting and testing lenses. Your goal is to make amazing images and the effort required to find the ultimate copy of a lens is not likely worthwhile. Use the data provided here for purchase and rental decisions. As long as the lens you receive has no significant problems, focus on making those amazing images.

Next, use the top left drop-down menu to select a lens you are interested in. While it is great to see the MTF results for a specific lens, it is even better to be able to compare the results with another lens. Simply select the comparison lens using the near-top right lens selection drop-down menu.

Essilor’s top anti-reflective lenses are branded Crizal and Crizal A2, and they rank as one of the most popular lenses sold today.

Lenses are far too complex to apply a single number rating to, and the MTF variance score represents one specific aspect of a lens model: copy-to-copy MTF variation.

So what should you be looking for in an MTF chart? In short, higher, flatter lines are optimal because they represent a lens which is closer to perfect.

AR coating makes glass less reflective (hence the name), and this can make your glasses look nicer in photos and under bright lights. There is some debate about how much they help with glare, although many claim they reduce glare to at least some degree. Some AR coatings also have additional benefits, such as making glasses less prone to scratching.

Sold under the brand name SOLARPHIRE AR, PPG’s anti-reflective glass lens boasts anti-glare, anti-smudge and anti-reflective coatings to protect and enhance vision for glasses and a number of other products with display screens (tablets, laptops, monitors, TVs and cell phones).

There are initially two chart types available on the site. The first chart type (shown above) provides the "Average" results for a lens and the second shows the "Variance" within a lens model.

MTF is the acronym for "Modulation Transfer Function". Modulation refers to change. One of the definitions that Dictionary.com provides for modulate is "to regulate by or adjust to a certain measure or proportion; soften; tone down." Ideally, the lens would not "adjust" the light or "soften" the details being transmitted, but this is a goal that is impossible to realize and no lens has a perfect MTF score.

Mtf graphexplained

The average of the tangential and sagittal planes is more important in the real world than either plane by itself, and chances are if even one of them is very high, the lens will look sharp. Extreme astigmatism is noticeable on a chart, but 3D subjects are less clear-cut.

The sharp transitions in the chart equate to sharp transitions in image details. No misconceptions: that is perfection, and perfection does not exist in the optics world.

Using the site's MTF Comparison Tool is easy. First select the type of graph you wish to display, "Average" or "Variance", using the drop-down box at the top of the page. The tool will (for most) remember the last chart type used and load that type by default the next time the tool is opened.

Many of the AR lens problems were solved in the early 2000s, and modern manufacturing continues to make improvements in the lens performance. AR coatings are now a misnomer: they aren’t coatings at all. Rather, anti-reflection chemicals are part of the lens production process. These days, there’s nothing to peel off or scratch.

What’s more, many modern AR lenses include a chemical composition that helps keep dirt, water marks and smudges away from the lens.

Some people think anti-reflective coatings prevent UV rays from damaging the eyes, but this is not true (although such features can be combined into one pair of glasses). The American Academy of Ophthalmology has been critical of claims that AR coatings can provide significant glare resistance. They say glare resistance is generally only possible with polarized lenses, which tend to have a dark tint (making them unsuitable for night driving).

The ratio of the result's brightness to darkness difference compared to the original difference forms the MTF value. Using pixel brightness, we can say that the "Bar Chart" example has brightness levels from 0 to 255 for a difference of 255. In the "Blurred 4" example, the results have a brightness range of 78 to 176 for a difference of 98. Divide 98 by 255 for a demonstration MTF of .38 at 10 line pairs per picture height (lp/ph).

Hundreds of companies across the globe manufacture and distribute anti-reflective coatings and lenses. Some of the more popular brands come from Essilor, Asahi Glass, Essilor, PPG Industries, Royal DSM and Zeiss.

The test results shown in this tool are provided under agreement by Roger Cicala and his crew at Olaf Optical Testing with support provided by LensRentals.com, the world's most awesome camera gear rental company.

In a 2015 response to a question on the nature of anti-reflective coatings on glasses, AAO claims the ability for an AR coating to protect against glare is very slim. They go on to explain that in actuality only polarized lenses, which only come in dark tints, can properly guard against glare.

In the past, AR coating got a bad reputation in the United States. The technology was still in its infancy and had a serious durability problem. Nearly all modern lenses should last much longer, although there are still some drawbacks (discussed below).

The default results for both lenses will then be loaded. To select which chart shows, move the mouse pointed over or off of the chart. Alternatively, use the left and right arrow buttons. The little pointer between the arrow buttons will indicate which lens results are currently displayed.

The solid lines show tangential MTF measurements while the dotted lines show sagittal MTF. The left side of the chart shows the center-of-the-image-circle measurement and transitions to the right side showing the peripheral measurement (corner of the frame) with the distance from the center of the image circle shown in millimeters at the bottom of the graph. The higher the lines, the higher the MTF measurement and the better the lens performs in regards to resolution and contrast with 1.0 being perfect. When the lines get crushed into the top of the chart, the lens promises to be amazing.

Also (usually) having lower scores are the periphery measurements (chromatic aberration is one common cause). Most lenses perform best in the center, causing the results to curve downward to the right.

Sagittal refers to lines radiating from center to the image circle periphery. Tangential (or meridional) lines are perpendicular to the sagittal lines. Because not all lenses focus lines of both directions equally on the same plane, Sagittal and Tangential measurements for the same lens can differ.

Anti-reflective coating, also called AR coating and anti-glare coating, is when a series of layers are adhered to the front and back of lens (or just the back for polarized lenses) to reduce the reflections that normally bounce off a lens.

Also remember that one single lens (or group of lenses) may not perform at the top of the variance chart throughout the entire image circle. Some lens copies will boost the left side of the graph while the right side may be pushed up by other lenses.

Anti-reflective coatings have come a long since they were introduced. Original AR technology was ground-breaking, of course, but it had its flaws. AR lenses were more easily scratched than non-AR lenses, the coatings often peeled away over time and lenses seemed in constant need of cleaning.

MTF is often tested using a bar chart as shown below. Black and white bars (basically thick parallel lines) are precisely printed or projected with very specific widths, measured in line pairs (a bar of each color) per millimeter or "lp/mm". These test patterns are transmitted through a lens and the output is measured.

Asahi Glass has its Clearsight brand, an anti-reflective glass product that is enhanced with chemical-resistant and improved weather coating. It also has an anti-reflective coating for outdoor wear under brands names Solite Plus and Solatex Plus.

MTFformula

The longer answer is more complicated, with some claims more controversial than others. Anti-reflective coatings may be able to:

While many pairs of sunglasses come with both an anti-reflective coating and UV protection, it is important to know that not all pairs of glasses with an AR coating protect your eyes from sunlight. Be sure to research the coating you’re choosing carefully as even some sellers, willfully or not, may have misinformation on their sites claiming a coating can protect your eyes from the sun when it cannot.

mtf: image quality

*Surgeon varies and not all locations participate in this discount program or VSP member discounts. All LASIK savings offers are valid only on bladeless custom LASIK based off the LASIK procedure book price. Qualified patients must book their procedure by 11/30/2024. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or special offers, previous surgery, insurance, or vision care plan savings. Please speak with your NVISION Eye Center for additional details.

While the concept of MTF may seem very complicated, I'll try to make it easy for you to understand. In short, MTF is a measurement of the optical performance of a lens. More specifically, MTF shows the ability of a lens to resolve detail and transmit contrast (light colors remain light and dark colors remain dark).

Perfect light transmission would result in the image being absolutely black or white at the point of measurement and would appear the same as the bar chart example above. The measurements taken at the middle of each black and white bar would show the full brightness difference of the chart for a perfect MTF score of "1.0". If we take a horizontal slice of the perfect bar chart and graph the brightness of each pixel, the result would appear like this:

This coating can cost anywhere from $20 to $90 to add to a pair of glasses. This cost is sometimes covered by insurance, although this will depend on your exact plan.

MTFlens

The average effective period for AR lenses is up to two years with proper care and without constant exposure to extreme temperatures. If you work in a profession that will make your glasses-wearing more demanding, consider investing in an eyeglass insurance policy—one that will enable you to replace your eyewear more than every two years. (Most vision policies permit replacement glasses once every two years.)

There are some things often believed, and even claimed by sellers, about anti-reflective coatings that either aren’t true or are at least debated and controversial.

Lens MTF testing is performed at infinity focus distance (which often, but not necessarily, reflects closer performance).

As the blur increases, the white and black bars begin to overlap, blurring together, leaving no pure white or black areas. The difference between the brightest and darkest regions diminishes. The graph of brightness values across the image becomes a sine wave with significantly reduced amplitude.

This coating generally costs about $20 to $90 to apply to a pair of glasses. AR coatings developed a bad reputation for quickly deteriorating in the past, but modern AR coatings usually last a fairly long time unless exposed to extreme conditions.

Many doctors recommend getting an anti-reflective coating. In some cases, a coating may even save you money in the long run since the coating can reduce scratching, making a pair of glasses last longer.

Because no two lenses are perfectly identical, it is helpful to know how much variance exists within a specific lens model. A simple way to determine variance is to calculate the standard deviation at each image height.

In theory (more of a reasonable rule of thumb in this case), MTF results for most copies of this lens would fall within the shaded areas. Olaf has chosen to scale the variance chart by adding 1.0 to the 10 lp/mm value, 0.9 to the 20 lp/mm value, 0.75 to 30 lp/mm, 0.4 to 40 lp/mm, and 0.15 to 50 lp/mm. These numbers were selected simply because they make the graphs readable for a "typical" lens.

ZEISS sells its anti-reflective coatings under the brands DuraVision Platinum, DuraVision Silver and LotuTec. It recently unveiled its PureCoat lens, which it says improves reflection, night vision and sight. ZEISS and DuPont jointly produced Teflon Clear Coat Lenses for “the clearest anti-reflective coatings.”

Wide open aperture MTF results are initially available for all lenses in the database. As lenses are stopped down, their aberrations are reduced (though the influence of diffraction becomes stronger as the aperture narrows). Keep this fact in mind when, for example, comparing a wide f/1.4 prime lens and an f/2.8 zoom lens. Comparing identical apertures is the ideal option.

‡No interest will be charged on the promo purchase if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo purchase from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo purchase before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. For new accounts: Purchase APR (interest rate) is 32.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Minimum Interest Charge is $2. APR(s) are accurate as of 05/30/2024. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

One of the most important misconceptions to dispel is the notion that an AR coating equals UV protection. An AR coating does not protect your eyes from UV rays (such as those from the sun), which can cause eye damage.

FujifilmMTFcharts

To keep the math reasonable, we calculated the number just for the 30 line pair per mm (green area in the graphs) variance, since that is closest to the Nyquist frequency of 24MP-class full-frame sensors. Not to mention, higher frequencies tend to have massive variation in many lenses, while lower frequencies have less variation; 30lp/mm provides a good balance. Since some lenses have more variation in the tangential plane and others the sagittal, we pick the worse of the two image planes to generate the variance number.

For each set of tests, spatial frequencies (lp/mm) evaluated are 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 lp/mm. Because higher spatial frequencies are more demanding on a lens, they result in lower MTF scores.

Also note that most zoom lenses perform at least slightly differently throughout their focal length range. Comparing lenses at the same (or similar) focal length is optimum.

LensMTFdatabase

These are not absolute rules, and importantly, they are not very accurate if the lens and sensor do not behave well together. For example, in a symmetrical wide-angle lens with a very high angle of incidence on the sensor in the corner. For the most part, they do agree with our experience and the ISO 12233 chart results on this website.

Initially we thought we'd just find the worst area of variability for each lens, but we realized some lenses have low variation across most of the image plane and then vary dramatically in the last mm or two. Using the worst location made these lenses seem worse than lenses that varied a fair amount in the center. So we decided to average the lens' MTF across the entire image plane.

Note that the MTF measurements presented here do not account for the camera's contribution to overall experienced MTF. Lens MTF multiplied by the camera's overall MTF equals final experienced MTF. That said, lenses account very significantly for final image quality. So does AF performance (unless of course MF is being used).

Websites and dispensing opticians often claim AR coating protects against glare. This is a claim you will see almost everywhere that offers anti-reflective coatings. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) takes issue with this claim.

Whether one should side with AAO on this issue is difficult to say. There is little hard data on the subject. Most information on the lenses is either anecdotal or coming from a source biased toward the coating being portrayed positively, such as a manufacturer or retailer. AAO’s criticisms are certainly worth bearing in mind, as the organization is a reliable source of information.

Proper care for long-term durability of anti-reflective lenses includes following the basic cleaning rules for all glasses:

Anti-reflective coatings, also known as AR coatings or anti-glare coatings, are applied to glasses via a series of layers adhered to the front and back of the lenses. These layers block certain wavelengths of light, helping to reduce reflection.Table of ContentsAnti-Reflective CoatingsWhat Does it Do?Misconceptions & ControversiesDurabilityBest Options You deserve clear vision. We can help. The board-certified surgeons at NVISION have performed over 2.5 million procedures. Your journey to better vision starts here. Book a Consultation Now or Find a Location This coating generally costs about $20 to $90 to apply to a pair of glasses. AR coatings developed a bad reputation for quickly deteriorating in the past, but modern AR coatings usually last a fairly long time unless exposed to extreme conditions.AR coating makes glass less reflective (hence the name), and this can make your glasses look nicer in photos and under bright lights. There is some debate about how much they help with glare, although many claim they reduce glare to at least some degree. Some AR coatings also have additional benefits, such as making glasses less prone to scratching.Some people think anti-reflective coatings prevent UV rays from damaging the eyes, but this is not true (although such features can be combined into one pair of glasses). The American Academy of Ophthalmology has been critical of claims that AR coatings can provide significant glare resistance. They say glare resistance is generally only possible with polarized lenses, which tend to have a dark tint (making them unsuitable for night driving).Of the options available for anti-reflective coatings, Crizal coatings are regarded as some of the best by multiple reviewers. These can be expensive though. For a cheaper coating, you will primarily want something that is not likely to smudge.Keep in mind that AR coatings are not essential. They may only offer a minor benefit to the wearer. Anti-Reflective Coatings Anti-reflective coating, also called AR coating and anti-glare coating, is when a series of layers are adhered to the front and back of lens (or just the back for polarized lenses) to reduce the reflections that normally bounce off a lens. Each of these layers is designed to block specific wavelengths of light, allowing the glasses to have anti-reflective properties with basically no noticeable drawbacks (beyond increased cost). This coating can cost anywhere from $20 to $90 to add to a pair of glasses. This cost is sometimes covered by insurance, although this will depend on your exact plan. Many doctors recommend getting an anti-reflective coating. In some cases, a coating may even save you money in the long run since the coating can reduce scratching, making a pair of glasses last longer. In the past, AR coating got a bad reputation in the United States. The technology was still in its infancy and had a serious durability problem. Nearly all modern lenses should last much longer, although there are still some drawbacks (discussed below). What Does This Coating Do? The short answer is that each extra layer blocks more wavelengths of light. The longer answer is more complicated, with some claims more controversial than others. Anti-reflective coatings may be able to: Make you more photogenic. Probably the least controversial and demonstrably true claim about AR lenses is that they make your glasses have less of a reflection. This can make you appear more fashionable. They can specifically be nice in high light environments, such as with photo flashes, as your eyes will be more visible to others. Reduce glare. The idea that an AR coating’s ability to reduce reflections would also reduce glare from light (which may normally bounce off your glasses, almost making it appear like a wall of light in front of your eyes) makes logical sense. However, the validity of this claim is sometimes doubted (discussed more below). Increase glasses durability. Not necessarily true of all coatings, many anti-reflective coatings (such as Crizal or the TechShield line) make glasses more scratch-resistant and durable. This is why, despite their increased cost, they can sometimes actually save you money since you may need to replace glasses less often. Misconceptions and ControversiesThere are some things often believed, and even claimed by sellers, about anti-reflective coatings that either aren’t true or are at least debated and controversial.One of the most important misconceptions to dispel is the notion that an AR coating equals UV protection. An AR coating does not protect your eyes from UV rays (such as those from the sun), which can cause eye damage.While many pairs of sunglasses come with both an anti-reflective coating and UV protection, it is important to know that not all pairs of glasses with an AR coating protect your eyes from sunlight. Be sure to research the coating you’re choosing carefully as even some sellers, willfully or not, may have misinformation on their sites claiming a coating can protect your eyes from the sun when it cannot.Websites and dispensing opticians often claim AR coating protects against glare. This is a claim you will see almost everywhere that offers anti-reflective coatings. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) takes issue with this claim.In a 2015 response to a question on the nature of anti-reflective coatings on glasses, AAO claims the ability for an AR coating to protect against glare is very slim. They go on to explain that in actuality only polarized lenses, which only come in dark tints, can properly guard against glare.Whether one should side with AAO on this issue is difficult to say. There is little hard data on the subject. Most information on the lenses is either anecdotal or coming from a source biased toward the coating being portrayed positively, such as a manufacturer or retailer. AAO’s criticisms are certainly worth bearing in mind, as the organization is a reliable source of information.Why Modern AR Coatings Are DurableAnti-reflective coatings have come a long since they were introduced. Original AR technology was ground-breaking, of course, but it had its flaws. AR lenses were more easily scratched than non-AR lenses, the coatings often peeled away over time and lenses seemed in constant need of cleaning.Many of the AR lens problems were solved in the early 2000s, and modern manufacturing continues to make improvements in the lens performance. AR coatings are now a misnomer: they aren’t coatings at all. Rather, anti-reflection chemicals are part of the lens production process. These days, there’s nothing to peel off or scratch.What’s more, many modern AR lenses include a chemical composition that helps keep dirt, water marks and smudges away from the lens.The average effective period for AR lenses is up to two years with proper care and without constant exposure to extreme temperatures. If you work in a profession that will make your glasses-wearing more demanding, consider investing in an eyeglass insurance policy—one that will enable you to replace your eyewear more than every two years. (Most vision policies permit replacement glasses once every two years.)How to Improve Your Lens DurabilityProper care for long-term durability of anti-reflective lenses includes following the basic cleaning rules for all glasses: Wipe your lenses only with soft clothes designed for eyeglass cleaning Never clean your glasses with your shirt or blouse Never clean your glasses with tissue or toilet paper Never clean your lenses with washcloths or towels Use a spray cleaner that does not contain alcohol, which can break down the ability of your lens composition Top Anti-Reflective Coatings BrandsFor those on a budget, even a very basic anti-reflective coating should generally suffice. This is doubly true if you are frequently cycling through prescriptions as you and your doctor try to find what is best for your needs. You primarily will just want a coating that is not prone to smudging or scratching.Hundreds of companies across the globe manufacture and distribute anti-reflective coatings and lenses. Some of the more popular brands come from Essilor, Asahi Glass, Essilor, PPG Industries, Royal DSM and Zeiss.Essilor (Crisal)Essilor’s top anti-reflective lenses are branded Crizal and Crizal A2, and they rank as one of the most popular lenses sold today.Asahi Glass (Clearsight)Asahi Glass has its Clearsight brand, an anti-reflective glass product that is enhanced with chemical-resistant and improved weather coating. It also has an anti-reflective coating for outdoor wear under brands names Solite Plus and Solatex Plus.PPG Industries (SOLARPHIRE AR)Sold under the brand name SOLARPHIRE AR, PPG’s anti-reflective glass lens boasts anti-glare, anti-smudge and anti-reflective coatings to protect and enhance vision for glasses and a number of other products with display screens (tablets, laptops, monitors, TVs and cell phones).ZEISSZEISS sells its anti-reflective coatings under the brands DuraVision Platinum, DuraVision Silver and LotuTec. It recently unveiled its PureCoat lens, which it says improves reflection, night vision and sight. ZEISS and DuPont jointly produced Teflon Clear Coat Lenses for “the clearest anti-reflective coatings.”Various AR BrandsSome quality brand name AR coatings are: Crizal Alize’ (Essilor) Crizal Avance’ with Scotchguard (Essilor) Hi Vision (Hoya) Super Hi Vision with ViewProtect (Hoya) Teflon Clear Coat (Zeiss) Carat Advantage (Zeiss) Other premium AR lenses (in alphabetical order): BluCrystal Crizal Easy UC Crizal Prevencia Kids Hi Vision Hoya Premium Kirland Premium AR KODAK CleAR RF Endura EZ VISO Zperio Sun UV Xperio Sun UV with mirrors Zeiss Dura Vision Chrome ReferencesAnti-Reflective (AR) Coating. Eyeglasses.com.TechShield Anti-Reflective Coatings. Vision Service Plan.What Are the Advantages of Anti-Reflective Coatings on Eyeglasses, if Any? (February 2015). American Academy of Ophthalmology.Antireflective Lens Coatings: Waste of Money or Must-Have for Happy Eyes? (November 2015). EndMyopia.UV Protection and Glare Protection. (July 2018). Zeiss.Crizal. Essilor of America.What Is the Cost of Crizal Lenses? (February 2019). cost-finder.com.The Best Anti-reflective Coatings of 2019. (August 22, 2019). Eyeson Eyecare.Antireflection Coating. (July 2021). Photonics.Top 5 Vendors in the Anti-Reflective Coaching Market from 2017 to 2021. (April 24, 2017). Technavio.Anti-Reflective Coating for Eyeglasses: Worth the Money? (May 28, 2020). RX-Able.What You Need to Know about Eyeglass Lens Coatings. (March 23, 2020). Consumer Reports.Progressive tier classifications 2020. (January 1, 2020). EyeMed.

For those on a budget, even a very basic anti-reflective coating should generally suffice. This is doubly true if you are frequently cycling through prescriptions as you and your doctor try to find what is best for your needs. You primarily will just want a coating that is not prone to smudging or scratching.