How to understand this diagram?

Alright, let’s break it down simply:

This is a lens cross-section diagram — it shows the inside optical structure of a camera lens.

Specifically, this is the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S lens from Nikon (you can read it on the side of the lens body).

Blue shapes = individual lens elements (the glass inside the lens).
White lines = light rays traveling through the lens from left (front) to right (camera sensor side).
The curved white lines = how the lens bends (refracts) light.
The straight white line = the optical axis (center path through the lens).

You can see how complex the lens design is: many elements are used to:
- Correct aberrations (color fringing, distortion, etc.)
- Achieve sharpness across the frame.
- Allow a large aperture (f/1.2) for great low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
The light paths cross and refocus toward the image sensor — this shows how the lens gathers and corrects light into a sharp point.

Part	Meaning
Blue shapes	Glass elements inside the lens
Straight white line	Central optical path
Curved white lines	Light bending through the lens
Light crossing at center	Focus point for sharp images

Camera News