Field reference for lenses and related optical products¶

This page explains the canonical records for lenses and related optical products and the fields included in each product entry in the distribution data. You do not need to read it from beginning to end; use the product type or field name to find the section you need.

To first review the relationship between canonical records, Lens Full, and Lens Light, see the data model.

The JSON examples on this page contain only the portions needed for each explanation, taken from actual canonical records or distribution data. Some examples show only part of an array. See the JSON Schema reference for field types, required fields, and permitted values.

Mount adapters use a different data structure and are documented in the mount adapter field reference.

Product types and blocks¶

productType identifies the product type. Product-specific information is stored in the block with the same name as productType.

{
  "id": "nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii",
  "productType": "lens",
  "lens": {
    "focalLength": {
      "kind": "zoom",
      "rangeMm": {
        "minimum": 24,
        "maximum": 70
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "id": "z-teleconverter-tc-2p0x",
  "productType": "teleconverter",
  "teleconverter": {
    "magnification": 2
  }
}

{
  "id": "lensbaby-obscura-16",
  "productType": "pinhole",
  "pinhole": {
    "focalLength": {
      "kind": "fixed",
      "millimeters": 16
    }
  }
}

Each product contains only the lens, teleconverter, or pinhole block that corresponds to its productType.

Common fields¶

Identity, publication information, mount, physical characteristics, controls, and accessories are recorded in the same locations for every product type.

Identity and publication information (identity, lifecycle, and officialProductPages)¶

The following example shows how identity, the product release announcement date, and official product pages are recorded for the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikkor/nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii.json

{
  "id": "nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii",
  "productType": "lens",
  "identity": {
    "manufacturerId": "nikon",
    "brandId": "nikkor",
    "productName": "NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II",
    "modelNumberOptions": null,
    "alternateNames": null,
    "variants": null
  },
  "lifecycle": {
    "announcementDate": "2025-08-22",
    "officialDesignations": []
  },
  "officialProductPages": [
    {
      "url": "https://nij.nikon.com/products/lineup/nikkor/zmount/nikkor_z_24-70mm_f28_s_2/",
      "pageFamilies": [
        "nikon-imaging-japan"
      ],
      "region": "JP",
      "language": "ja",
      "publisher": {
        "type": "manufacturer-or-brand",
        "name": "Nikon"
      }
    }
  ]
}

identity.manufacturerId records the manufacturing entity ID, while identity.brandId records the ID of the brand displayed on the product. In this example, nikon represents Nikon and nikkor represents NIKKOR. In a distribution JSON, display names are available from the root referenceData object. identity.productName preserves the official spelling of the product name.

lifecycle.announcementDate is the official product release announcement date. A development-announcement date is not used in its place. lifecycle.officialDesignations: [] means that no official status designations were confirmed. It does not mean that the product is currently sold, in stock, or available. A deleted official product page alone is not treated as evidence that sales have ended.

The distinction between pages included in officialProductPages and other sources used for research is explained under URLs and sources.

Mount (mount)¶

The following example shows how the mount and electronic contacts are recorded for the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikkor/nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii.json

{
  "mount": {
    "systemId": "nikon-z",
    "replaceability": "fixed",
    "mountOwnerRelationship": "mount-owner",
    "electronicContacts": {
      "present": true,
      "metadataTransmission": {
        "present": true,
        "standards": [
          "exif"
        ]
      }
    }
  }
}

systemId contains an ID defined in the mount-system registry. In this example, replaceability and electronicContacts indicate that the product has a fixed Nikon Z mount and electronic contacts. Here, mount-owner means that the product manufacturer also provides the Nikon Z mount system.

Adapters recorded under mount.adapter¶

mount.adapter records a Z-mount adapter supplied with the product. It also covers a Z-mount adapter officially designated by the manufacturer for that lens or product series. This is mounting information in a canonical record for a lens or related optical product, not a canonical mount adapter record. Adapters intended for a broad range of lenses, such as FTZ, are not recorded under mount.adapter.

The following example shows how a Z-mount adapter supplied with the SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF is recorded.

Source: data/records/lenses/tokina/tokina-szx-super-tele-400mm-f8-reflex-mf.json

{
  "mount": {
    "adapter": {
      "relationship": "supplied",
      "dedicatedToProduct": null,
      "nativeMountSystemId": "t-mount",
      "name": "Tokina Mount Adapter TA-016 for Nikon Z",
      "modelNumberOptions": [
        "TA-016",
        "TA-0016",
        "SZX-TA0016"
      ]
    }
  }
}

In this example, relationship: "supplied" indicates that the Tokina Mount Adapter TA-016 for Nikon Z is supplied with the product.

Firmware updates and connections (electronicServices)¶

The following example shows how the availability of published firmware updates and connections used for updates, configuration, or control are recorded for the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikkor/nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii.json

{
  "electronicServices": {
    "hasPublishedFirmwareUpdate": null,
    "connections": null
  }
}

hasPublishedFirmwareUpdate: null means that accepted published evidence did not establish whether a product firmware update had been published. connections: null means that the connection methods could not be confirmed from accepted published evidence. electronicServices is independent of the mount contacts. A product without mount contacts may still record an officially published USB connection, dock, or other direct service.

Physical characteristics (physical)¶

The following example shows how dimensions, weight, the filter interface, and changes in the barrel's external length are recorded for the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikkor/nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii.json

{
  "physical": {
    "dimensionMeasurements": [
      {
        "maximumDiameterMm": 84,
        "lengthMm": 142,
        "conditions": {}
      }
    ],
    "weightMeasurements": [
      {
        "grams": 675,
        "conditions": {
          "attachedComponents": []
        }
      }
    ],
    "officialEnvironmentalProtectionClaims": [
      {
        "types": [
          "dust-resistant",
          "drip-resistant"
        ],
        "scope": {
          "kind": "product"
        },
        "conditions": {}
      }
    ],
    "filterInterfaces": [
      {
        "type": "front-thread",
        "diameterMm": 77,
        "host": {
          "kind": "product"
        }
      }
    ],
    "tripodSupport": {
      "present": false
    },
    "externalLengthDuringZoom": "constant",
    "externalLengthDuringFocus": "constant",
    "isRetractableForStorage": false
  }
}

In this example, the maximum diameter is 84 mm and the length is 142 mm. The weight is 675 g, and the front filter thread diameter is 77 mm. officialEnvironmentalProtectionClaims records the officially stated dust- and drip-resistant performance of the product as a whole. The constant values for externalLengthDuringZoom and externalLengthDuringFocus mean that the barrel's external length does not change during zoom or focus operation. tripodSupport.present: false means that no tripod mounting hardware is present, and isRetractableForStorage: false means that the product has no storage mechanism that must be extended before use. When tripod support is present, tripodSupport.components keeps its collar, foot, mounting interface, product relationship, and removability together. Measurement conditions are explained under Numbers and conditions, and states such as null are explained under Value states.

Controls and accessories (controls and accessories)¶

The following example shows how controls on the product and accessories are recorded for the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikkor/nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii.json

{
  "controls": [
    {
      "type": "focus-ring",
      "quantity": 1
    }
  ],
  "accessories": {
    "lensHoods": [
      {
        "relationship": "supplied",
        "modelNumberOptions": [
          "HB-117"
        ],
        "quantity": 1
      }
    ]
  }
}

The lens block¶

The lens block records optical specifications, focus, stabilization, and specialized features. Photographic and cinema lenses use the same lens block; their differences are represented by the values and combinations of fields they require.

The conditions attached to numeric values are explained under Numbers and conditions. See Lens Full and Lens Light for the focus information retained in Lens Light.

Focal length and aperture (focalLength and aperture)¶

The following example shows how the focal length and aperture of the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II zoom lens are recorded.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikkor/nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii.json

{
  "lens": {
    "focalLength": {
      "kind": "zoom",
      "rangeMm": {
        "minimum": 24,
        "maximum": 70
      }
    },
    "aperture": {
      "fNumber": {
        "maximumAperture": [
          {
            "value": 2.8,
            "conditions": {}
          }
        ],
        "minimumAperture": [
          {
            "value": 22,
            "conditions": {}
          }
        ],
        "effective": null
      },
      "diaphragm": {
        "present": true,
        "bladeCount": 11,
        "bladeShape": "rounded"
      },
      "controlMechanism": "electronic"
    }
  }
}

In this example, the 24-70 mm focal-length range is recorded under focalLength.rangeMm. The maximum aperture that Nikon denotes as f/2.8 is recorded numerically as maximumAperture[].value: 2.8. Likewise, the minimum aperture of f/22 is recorded as minimumAperture[].value: 22.

Largest image format and angle of view (coverage and anglesOfView)¶

The following example shows how the largest supported image format and the angle of view at each focal length are recorded for the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikkor/nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii.json

{
  "lens": {
    "coverage": {
      "format": "full-frame"
    },
    "anglesOfView": [
      {
        "format": "full-frame",
        "orientation": "diagonal",
        "degrees": 84,
        "conditions": {
          "focalLength": {
            "kind": "point",
            "millimeters": 24
          }
        }
      }
    ]
  }
}

In this example, anglesOfView records a diagonal angle of view of 84 degrees at the 24 mm wide-angle end.

Optical construction (opticalConstruction, specialElements, and coatings)¶

The following example shows how element groups, elements, special elements, and coatings are recorded for the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikkor/nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii.json

{
  "lens": {
    "opticalConstruction": {
      "groups": 10,
      "elements": 14
    },
    "specialElements": [
      {
        "types": [
          "low-dispersion"
        ],
        "officialName": "ED glass",
        "quantity": 2
      }
    ],
    "coatings": [
      {
        "types": [
          "anti-reflective"
        ],
        "officialName": "Meso Amorphous Coat",
        "appliedTo": null
      }
    ]
  }
}

Focus and zoom (focus, zoom)¶

The following example shows how autofocus (AF), manual focus (MF), focusing systems, minimum focus distances, and maximum reproduction ratios are recorded for the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikkor/nikkor-z-24-to-70mm-f2p8-s-ii.json

{
  "lens": {
    "focus": {
      "autofocus": {
        "present": true,
        "motors": [
          {
            "type": "voice-coil-motor",
            "quantity": null,
            "officialName": "Silky Swift VCM"
          }
        ]
      },
      "manualFocus": {
        "present": true,
        "mechanism": null
      },
      "opticalFocusingSystems": [
        {
          "type": "internal-focusing",
          "officialName": "Internal Focusing system"
        },
        {
          "type": "multiple-group-focusing",
          "officialName": "Multi-focusing system"
        }
      ],
      "minimumFocusDistances": [
        {
          "distanceM": 0.24,
          "conditions": {
            "focalLength": {
              "kind": "point",
              "millimeters": 24
            }
          }
        }
      ],
      "reproductionMagnifications": [
        {
          "kind": "maximum",
          "value": 0.32,
          "conditions": {
            "focalLength": {
              "kind": "point",
              "millimeters": 70
            }
          }
        }
      ],
      "officialFocusBehaviorClaims": [
        {
          "type": "focus-breathing-suppressed",
          "conditions": {}
        }
      ]
    },
    "zoom": {
      "drive": null,
      "opticalZoomingSystems": null
    }
  }
}

opticalFocusingSystems records the focusing systems published by the manufacturer. The minimum focus distance and maximum reproduction ratio are associated with their respective focal lengths through conditions. officialFocusBehaviorClaims records the official statement that focus breathing is suppressed. Every zoom lens has a zoom object. drive records manual, motorized, or combined operation, while opticalZoomingSystems records published systems such as internal zooming. The null values in this example mean that accepted published evidence does not establish either property. Prime lenses omit zoom.

Stabilization (stabilization)¶

stabilization records whether in-lens stabilization is present, together with any published stop ratings and official name. When its presence or absence can be confirmed, present is set to true or false.

{
  "lens": {
    "stabilization": {
      "present": true,
      "ratings": [
        {
          "stops": 5.5,
          "conditions": {
            "focalLength": {
              "kind": "point",
              "millimeters": 400
            },
            "standard": "CIPA",
            "mode": "Normal",
            "imageFormat": "full-frame"
          }
        }
      ],
      "officialName": "Vibration Reduction"
    }
  }
}

{
  "lens": {
    "stabilization": {
      "present": false
    }
  }
}

stabilization is null only when accepted published evidence does not establish whether stabilization is present. See Value states for how these states are used.

Cinema-lens specifications¶

The following example shows how the T-stop, image-circle diameter, and cinema-lens feature are recorded for the LAOWA Argus 33mm T1 S35 Cine.

Source: data/records/lenses/laowa/laowa-argus-33mm-t1-s35-cine.json

{
  "lens": {
    "aperture": {
      "fNumber": null,
      "tNumber": {
        "maximumAperture": [
          {
            "value": 1,
            "conditions": {}
          }
        ],
        "minimumAperture": [
          {
            "value": 11,
            "conditions": {}
          }
        ],
        "effective": null
      },
      "diaphragm": {
        "present": true,
        "bladeCount": 9,
        "bladeShape": null
      },
      "controlMechanism": "mechanical"
    },
    "coverage": {
      "format": "super-35"
    },
    "imageCircleDiameters": [
      {
        "diameterMm": 31.5,
        "conditions": {}
      }
    ],
    "specialized": {
      "cinema": {}
    }
  }
}

Composable features (specialized)¶

specialized is a block whose keys identify the features that apply to the product. A lens may combine multiple keys, so the block does not classify a lens into only one type. For a product with none of these features, specialized is an empty object ({}).

Differences between Lens Full and Lens Light¶

The LAOWA 24mm F14 2x Macro Probe illustrates how multiple features are recorded and what Lens Full and Lens Light retain.

{
  "id": "laowa-24mm-f14-2x-macro-probe",
  "lens": {
    "specialized": {
      "cinema": {},
      "macro": {
        "workingDistances": [
          {
            "distanceM": 0.02,
            "conditions": {}
          }
        ]
      },
      "probe": {
        "viewConfigurations": [
          {
            "directionDegrees": 0,
            "relationship": "integrated"
          }
        ],
        "integratedLights": [
          {
            "type": "led",
            "location": "lens tip",
            "quantity": 1
          }
        ]
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "id": "laowa-24mm-f14-2x-macro-probe",
  "lens": {
    "specialized": {
      "cinema": {},
      "macro": {},
      "probe": {}
    }
  }
}

Specifications with the built-in teleconverter engaged¶

The following example shows where the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S records its specifications with the built-in teleconverter disengaged and engaged. The normal focal length and maximum aperture are placed directly under lens. Values with the teleconverter engaged are recorded under builtInTeleconverter.engagedSpecifications.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikkor/nikkor-z-400mm-f2p8-tc-vr-s.json

{
  "id": "nikkor-z-400mm-f2p8-tc-vr-s",
  "lens": {
    "focalLength": {
      "kind": "prime",
      "millimeters": 400
    },
    "aperture": {
      "fNumber": {
        "maximumAperture": [
          {
            "value": 2.8,
            "conditions": {}
          }
        ]
      }
    },
    "specialized": {
      "builtInTeleconverter": {
        "magnification": 1.4,
        "unitOpticalConstruction": {
          "groups": 4,
          "elements": 7
        },
        "engagedSpecifications": {
          "focalLength": {
            "kind": "prime",
            "millimeters": 560
          },
          "aperture": {
            "fNumber": {
              "maximumAperture": [
                {
                  "value": 4,
                  "conditions": {}
                }
              ]
            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

In this example, the normal focal length and maximum aperture are 400 mm and f/2.8; with the built-in teleconverter engaged, they are 560 mm and f/4. A teleconverter sold as a separate product is recorded with productType: "teleconverter", not under specialized. See the lens JSON Schema reference for the exact types and permitted values of each key.

The teleconverter block¶

The teleconverter block records magnification, exposure impact, optical specifications, and compatible lenses.

The following example shows how magnification, exposure impact, optical specifications, and compatible lenses are recorded for the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x.

Source: data/records/lenses/nikon/z-teleconverter-tc-2p0x.json

{
  "teleconverter": {
    "coverage": {
      "format": "full-frame"
    },
    "magnification": 2,
    "apertureLossStops": 2,
    "supportsAutofocus": true,
    "opticalConstruction": {
      "groups": 5,
      "elements": 8
    },
    "specialElements": [
      {
        "types": [
          "aspherical"
        ],
        "officialName": "Aspherical lens",
        "quantity": 1
      }
    ],
    "coatings": [
      {
        "types": [
          "anti-reflective"
        ],
        "officialName": "Nikon Super Integrated Coating",
        "appliedTo": null
      }
    ],
    "compatibleLensIds": [
      "nikkor-z-70-to-180mm-f2p8",
      "nikkor-z-70-to-200mm-f2p8-vr-s"
    ]
  }
}

The compatibleLensIds shown here contains only two entries extracted from the actual array. Compatible lenses are referenced by their canonical-record id values.

The pinhole block¶

The pinhole block records the largest supported image format, focal length, imaging modes, and angles of view.

The following example uses the Lensbaby Obscura 16 to show how multiple imaging modes in one product are recorded.

Source: data/records/lenses/lensbaby/lensbaby-obscura-16.json

{
  "pinhole": {
    "coverage": {
      "format": "full-frame"
    },
    "focalLength": {
      "kind": "fixed",
      "millimeters": 16
    },
    "imagingModes": [
      {
        "type": "zone-plate",
        "fNumber": 22,
        "opening": null
      },
      {
        "type": "pinhole-sieve",
        "fNumber": 45,
        "opening": null
      },
      {
        "type": "pinhole",
        "fNumber": 90,
        "opening": null
      }
    ],
    "anglesOfView": null
  }
}

In this example, zone-plate, pinhole-sieve, and pinhole are the imaging modes provided by the Lensbaby Obscura 16. The null values for opening and anglesOfView mean that the applicable information could not be confirmed from accepted published evidence.

Related pages¶

• Glossary: terms used by this project
• Value-state rules: meanings of null, empty arrays, false, and conditional numeric values
• Data model: relationships among research results, canonical records, and distribution data
• Mount adapter field reference: fields for mount adapters
• JSON Schema reference: types, required fields, and permitted values