Patent Publication Number: US-9904030-B2

Title: Teleconverter, and imaging system comprising the same

Description:
This is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/673,194, filed on Mar. 30, 2015, which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/892,253, filed on May 11, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,075,291, granted on Jul. 7, 2015, and claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2012-109239 filed in Japan on May 11, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a tele-converter that is mounted on a master lens apparatus to obtain a lens system having a focal length longer than that of the master lens apparatus, and an imaging system comprising the same. 
     So far, there has been a rear teleconverter known in the art that comprises mounts corresponding to the mount of a master lens apparatus and the mount of a camera body, wherein a converter lens is interposed between the master lens apparatus and the camera body via those mounts to extend or elongate the focal length of the whole lens system. 
     Such rear teleconverters are convenient to and preferably used by those who use single-lens reflex cameras with interchangeable lenses in general and those who carry out telephotography, because of capable of making the focal length longer simply. Such rear teleconverter lenses, for instance, are set forth in Patent Publications 1 to 6. 
     Patent Publication 1: JP(A) 2004-226648 
     Patent Publication 2: JP(A) 2005-043788 
     Patent Publication 3: JP(A) 2005-107261 
     Patent Publication 4: JP(A) 2009-080176 
     Patent Publication 5: JP(A) 2010-191211 
     Patent Publication 6: JP(A) 2011-081111 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a teleconverter comprising: 
     a master lens apparatus-side mount on which a master lens apparatus is mounted, 
     a camera body-side mount on which a camera body is mounted, and 
     a converter lens unit that has a generally negative refracting power for mounting said master lens apparatus thereon to obtain a lens system having a focal length longer than that of said master lens apparatus, wherein: 
     said converter lens unit comprises a first lens group on said master lens apparatus side and a second lens group on said camera body side with an on-axis longest air separation interposed there-between, 
     said first lens group has positive refracting power, and 
     said second lens group has negative refracting power, with satisfaction of the following condition (1):
 
−1.53&lt; f 1 /f&lt;− 0.66  (1)
 
where f is a focal length of a whole system of said converter lens unit, and
 
     f 1  is a focal length of said first lens group. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a teleconverter comprising: 
     a master lens apparatus-side mount on which a master lens apparatus is mounted, 
     a camera body-side mount on which a camera body is mounted, and 
     a converter lens unit that has a generally negative refracting power for mounting said master lens apparatus thereon to obtain a lens system having a focal length longer than that of said master lens apparatus, wherein: 
     said converter lens unit satisfies the following condition (6):
 
1.1&lt; D/fb&lt; 3.0  (6)
 
where D is an on-axis thickness of said converter lens unit, and
 
     fb is an on-axis distance in air from an exit surface of said converter lens unit to an image plane when said teleconverter lens is attached to said master lens apparatus. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a teleconverter comprising: 
     a master lens apparatus-side mount on which a master lens apparatus is mounted, 
     a camera body-side mount on which a camera body is mounted, and 
     a converter lens unit which has a generally negative refracting power for mounting said master lens apparatus thereon to obtain a lens system having a focal length longer than that of said master lens apparatus, wherein: 
     said converter lens unit comprises a first lens group on said master lens apparatus side and a second lens group on said camera body side with an on-axis longest air separation interposed there-between, 
     said first lens group has positive refracting power, 
     said second lens group has negative refracting power, 
     said converter lens unit consists of five lenses: in order along an optical path, a first positive lens, a first negative lens, a second positive lens, a second negative lens, and a third positive lens, 
     said first lens group consists of one lens: said first positive lens, and 
     said second lens consists of four lenses: said first negative lens, said second positive lens, said second negative lens, and said third positive lens. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides an imaging system, comprising: 
     a master lens apparatus, 
     a camera body, and 
     a teleconverter attachable between said master lens apparatus and said camera body, wherein: 
     said camera body includes an imaging device that is located in a position of an image formed by a combined optical system of said master lens apparatus and said teleconveter, and operable to convert the image formed by said combined optical system into electric signals. 
     Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent form the specification. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a sectional view of the master lens at the wide-angle end, as taken apart along the optical axis. 
         FIG. 1B  is a sectional view of the master lens at the telephoto end, as taken apart along the optical axis. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the converter lens of Example 1 as taken apart along the optical axis. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the converter lens of Example 2 as taken apart along the optical axis. 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the converter lens of Example 3 as taken apart along the optical axis. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the converter lens of Example 4 as taken apart along the optical axis. 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the converter lens of Example 5 as taken apart along the optical axis. 
         FIGS. 7A-7D  show a set of aberration diagrams for the 
       master lens at the wide-angle end. 
         FIGS. 7E-7H  show a set of aberration diagrams for the master lens at the telephoto end. 
         FIGS. 8A-8D  show a set of aberration diagrams for the 
       converter lens of Example 1 at the wide-angle end. 
         FIGS. 8E-8H  show a set of aberration diagrams for the 
       converter lens of Example 1 at the telephoto end. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  show a set of aberration diagrams for the 
       converter lens of Example 2 at the wide-angle end. 
         FIGS. 9E-9H  show a set of aberration diagrams for the 
       converter lens of Example 2 at the telephoto end. 
         FIGS. 10A-10D  show a set of aberration diagrams for the converter lens of Example 3 at the wide-angle end. 
         FIGS. 10E-10H  show a set of aberration diagrams for the 
       converter lens of Example 3 at the telephoto end. 
         FIGS. 11A-11D  show a set of aberration diagrams for the converter lens of Example 4 at the wide-angle end. 
         FIGS. 11E-11H  show a set of aberration diagrams for the 
       converter lens of Example 4 at the telephoto end. 
         FIGS. 12A-12D  show a set of aberration diagrams for the converter lens of Example 5 at the wide-angle end. 
         FIGS. 12E-12H  show a set of aberration diagrams for the 
       converter lens of Example 5 at the telephoto end. 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view of one embodiment of the imaging system wherein a converter lens/master lens combination is used for a taking lens. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     In recent years, lens-interchangeable camera systems that dispense with any quick-return mirror and make their flange back short have acquired wide popularity because of their small-format, low-profile layout. However, the teleconverters disclosed in Patent Publications 1-6 are tailored to conventional single-lens reflex cameras, laying its base on long flange backs, so they are not compatible with small-format, low-profile new camera systems. The teleconverters of Patent Publications 1-6 all involve much more lenses, adding up to cost. 
     According to the first aspect of the invention, there is a teleconverter provided that may also be applied to a new camera system having a short flange back to make the focal length of its master lens long in a simple manner. According to the second aspect of the invention, there is a teleconverter provided that works more in favor of cost reductions. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is an imaging system provided that comprises such a teleconverter. 
     The inventive teleconverter is embodied as follows. 
     The inventive teleconverter typically comprises: 
     a master lens apparatus-side mount on which a master lens apparatus is mounted, 
     a camera body-side mount on which a camera body is mounted, and 
     a converter lens unit which has a generally negative refracting power for mounting said master lens apparatus thereon to obtain a lens system having a focal length longer than that of said master lens apparatus, wherein: 
     said converter lens unit comprises a first lens group on said master lens apparatus side and a second lens group on said camera body side with an on-axis longest air separation interposed there-between, 
     said first lens group has positive refracting power, and 
     said second lens group has negative refracting power, preferably with satisfaction of the following condition (1):
 
1.53&lt; f 1 /f&lt;− 0.66  (1)
 
where f is the focal length of said whole converter lens system, and
 
     f 1  is the focal length of said first lens group. 
     The converter lens unit used in the inventive teleconverter is made up of the first lens group and the second lens group with the on-axis longest air separation interposed between them. There is then a power profile such that the first lens group has positive refracting power and the second lens group has negative refracting power so that the converter lens unit itself is of the telephoto type of positive refracting power and negative refracting power. Such a power profile enables the principal point positions to be spaced more away from the center of the converter lens unit. In addition, it makes sure the converter lens unit has a certain magnification while the teleconverter is located within a small space between the master lens apparatus and the camera body. 
     Condition (1) defines the preferable focal length of the first lens group. 
     By keeping the focal length of the first lens group against exceeding the upper limit to Condition (1) thereby keeping the positive refracting power of the first lens group moderate, the negative refracting power of the second lens group may be kept small too, for facilitation of aberration correction. This may also lead to a decrease in the lenses count, working in favor of size and cost reductions of the teleconverter. 
     By keeping the focal length of the first lens group against running short of the lower limit to Condition (1) thereby making sure the first lens group has sufficient positive power, the effect of the telephoto type may be enhanced so that the teleconverter is more advantageously be used with camera bodies having a short flange back. This may also work more in favor of size reductions of the whole imaging system. 
     Preferably, the inventive teleconverter should satisfy the following Condition (2):
 
−3.0&lt; f /( B×D )&lt;−1.2  (2)
 
where B is the magnification of said converter lens unit, and
 
     D is the on-axis thickness of said converter lens unit. 
     To be well compatible with the camera body having a short flange back, it is preferable to increase the negative refracting power of the whole system that defines the converter lens unit. To take hold of magnification while reducing any increase in the lenses count, on the other hand, it is preferable to impose some moderate limitation on the negative refracting power of the converter lens unit thereby achieving full correction of aberrations with just only a limited space. Condition (2) defines the preferable whole focal length of the converter lens unit; it is preferable to satisfy Condition (2) for the magnification and thickness of the converter lens unit. 
     As the negative refracting power is kept moderately weak in such a way as not to exceed the upper limit to Condition (2), it may work more in favor of aberration reductions upon the attachment of the converter. 
     As the moderate negative refracting power is ensured in such a way as not to fall short of the lower limit to Condition (2), it facilitates taking hold of the desired magnification. 
     The inventive teleconverter should also preferably satisfy the following Condition (3):
 
0.04&lt; d 12/ D&lt; 0.3  (3)
 
where d 12  is an air separation between said first lens group and said second lens group, and
 
     D is the on-axis thickness of said converter lens unit. 
     Making sure the air separation between the first lens group and the second lens group may work in favor of correction of field curvatures in general and sagittal field curvature in particular. To this end, it is preferable to satisfy Condition (3). 
     Not exceeding the upper limit to Condition (3) may work more in favor of size reductions because of reducing full length increases. 
     Not running short of the lower limit to Condition (3) is preferable for making sure the effect on aberration correction. 
     Further, the aforesaid converter lens unit should preferably consist of five lenses: in order along the optical path, the first positive lens, the first negative lens, the second positive lens, the second negative lens, and the third positive lens, wherein: 
     the aforesaid first lens group consists of one lens: said first positive lens, and 
     said second lens group consists of four lenses: said first negative lens, said second positive lens, said second negative lens, and said third positive lens. 
     Such a symmetrical layout having a limited lenses count may work more in favor of reductions in various aberrations. In the case of the teleconverter in particular, it is preferable for the second lens group to have strong negative refracting power. For this reason, it is preferable to use two negative lenses and two positive lenses thereby making sure the negative power and, at the same time, aberration reductions. 
     It is to be noted that as could be seen from the examples given later, if three lenses: the first negative lens, the second positive lens and the second negative lens are cemented to one another, it is then possible to reduce the influences of decentration between them. Alternatively, one of the negative lenses may be cemented to the second positive lens alone. 
     For correction of coma, the third positive lens should preferably be made up of a single lens. Especially if the third positive lens is in a double-convex shape, it may work in favor of correction of coma. 
     Preferably, two negative lenses in the second lens group should each be a double-concave lens, and two positive lenses in the second lens group should each be a double-convex lens. This may work much more in favor of making sure the second lens group has negative refracting power, and making sure the positive lenses have a function of canceling various aberrations. 
     Still further, the inventive teleconverter should preferably satisfy the following Conditions (4) and (5):
 
15&lt; νd 1&lt;35  (4)
 
50&lt; νd 5&lt;100  (5)
 
where νd 1  is the Abbe constant of said first positive lens, and
 
     νd 5  is the Abbe constant of said third positive lens. 
     Both Conditions (4) and (5) are preferably provided for good correction of chromatic aberrations. 
     Not exceeding the upper limit to Condition (4) may work in favor of cancelation of chromatic aberrations likely to occur at the second lens group of negative refracting power, because the dispersion of the first lens group is enhanced. In addition, this may facilitate making the refractive index of the first lens group high, working in favor of the telephoto layout effect and correction of spherical aberrations. 
     Running short of the lower limit to Condition (4) is preferable for cutting down the material cost of the first positive lens. 
     To make the first positive lens satisfy Condition (4), it is preferable for the Abbe constant of the third positive lens not to fall short of the lower limit to Condition (5), because the influence of the third positive lens on chromatic aberration of magnification is easily mitigated. 
     Not exceeding the upper limit to Condition (5) is preferable for cutting down the material cost of the third positive lens. 
     The inventive teleconverter comprises: 
     a master lens apparatus-side mount on which a master lens apparatus is mounted, 
     a camera body-side mount on which a camera body is mounted, and 
     a converter lens unit which has a generally negative refracting power for mounting said master lens apparatus thereon to obtain a lens system having a focal length longer than that of said master lens apparatus, wherein: 
     said converter lens unit preferably satisfies the following condition (6):
 
1.1&lt; D/fb&lt; 3.0  (6)
 
where D is the on-axis thickness of said converter lens unit, and
 
     fb is the on-axis distance in air from the exit surface of said converter lens unit to the image plane when said teleconverter lens is attached to said master lens apparatus. 
     When it comes to the imaging system in which the camera body has a short flange back, the teleconverter is going to be located in a narrow space. To make sure the desired magnification and implement full correction of aberrations on that presupposition, it is preferable to satisfy Condition (6). 
     Not exceeding the upper limit to Condition (6) is preferable for slimming down the teleconverter and making sure the moderate magnification. 
     Not running short of the lower limit to Condition (6) is preferable for taking hold of the space for receiving lenses, and making it easy to achieve aberration correction capability. 
     Preferably, the inventive teleconverter comprises: 
     a master lens apparatus-side mount on which a master lens apparatus is mounted, 
     a camera body-side mount on which a camera body is mounted, and 
     a converter lens unit which has a generally negative refracting power for mounting said master lens apparatus thereon to obtain a lens system having a focal length longer than that of said master lens apparatus, wherein: 
     said converter lens unit comprises a first lens group on said master lens apparatus side and a second lens group on said camera body side with the on-axis longest air separation interposed there-between, 
     said first lens group has positive refracting power, 
     said second lens group has negative refracting power, 
     said converter lens unit consists of five lenses: in order along the optical path, a first positive lens, a first negative lens, a second positive lens, a second negative lens, and a third positive lens, 
     said first lens group consists of one lens: said first positive lens, and 
     said second lens consists of four lenses: said first negative lens, said second positive lens, said second negative lens, and said third positive lens. 
     Such arrangement corresponds to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention. Such a symmetrical layout having a lower lenses count may work in favor of reductions in various aberrations. In the case of the teleconverter in particular, it is preferable for the second lens group to have strong negative refracting power. To this end, it is preferable to use two negative lenses and two positive lenses to make sure the negative refracting power and aberration reductions. 
     The inventive imaging system preferably comprises: 
     a master lens apparatus, 
     a camera body, 
     a teleconverter attachable between said master lens apparatus and said camera body, wherein: 
     said teleconverter is the inventive one, 
     said camera body is located in a position of an image formed by a combined optical system of said master lens apparatus and said teleconverter, and includes an imaging device for converting the image formed by said combined optical system into electric signals. 
     Preferably, the inventive imaging system should satisfy the following Condition (7):
 
0.6&lt; fb/IH&lt; 1.6  (7)
 
where fb is the on-axis distance in air from the exit surface of said converter lens unit to the image plane when said teleconverter lens is attached to said master lens apparatus, and
 
     IH is the maximum image height of said imaging system. 
     When the teleconverter is attached to the camera body too, the proper BF value also depends on the size of the imaging plane, corresponding to the flange back length. In particular, it is preferable to provide proper determination of the angle of incidence of off-axis light beams on the imaging device. 
     As the space of the converter lens unit for receiving lenses is ensured in such a way as not to exceed the upper limit to Condition (7), it may work in favor of making sure the telephoto layout effect while keeping the full length of the imaging system short. 
     Not running short of the lower limit to Condition (7) may work in favor of making the angle of incidence on the imaging plane small (spacing the exit pupil away from the imaging plane) while keeping the diameter of the exit surface of the rear converter small. 
     More preferably, the requirements for the respective embodiments of the invention should be satisfied mutually at the same time. 
     More preferably, the upper and lower limit values of each condition should be limited as follows, because it could work much more. 
     Of Condition (1), the lower limit value should more preferably be set at −1.51, and the upper limit value should more preferably be set at −0.75, and especially −0.80. 
     Of Condition (2), the lower and upper limit values should more preferably be set at −2.8 and −1.70, respectively. 
     Of Condition (3), the lower and upper limit values should more preferably be set at 0.10 and 0.25, respectively. 
     Of Condition (4), the lower and upper limit values should more preferably be set at 18 and 32, respectively. 
     Of Condition (5), the lower and upper limit values should more preferably be set at 60 and 85, respectively. 
     Of Condition (6), the lower and upper limit values should more preferably be set at 1.3 and 2.5, respectively. 
     Of Condition (7), the lower and upper limit values should more preferably be set at 0.9 and 1.4, respectively. 
     According to the present invention, the tele-converter capable of making the focal length of a master lens longer in a simple manner could be provided for use even on a new camera system having a short flange back. Also, the teleconverter working in favor of cost reductions could be provided. Further, the invention could provide an imaging system incorporating such a teleconverter. 
     The teleconverters according to some embodiments of the invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Reference will first be made to the master lens MSL used with the inventive teleconverter. 
       FIG. 1  is a sectional view of the master lens MSL. More specifically,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  are sectional views of the master lens MSL at the wide-angle end and the telephoto end, respectively. 
     The master lens MSL is a telephoto zoom lens having a focal length variable between about 40 mm and about 150 mm and an Fno of about 2.8. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the master lens MSL is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first lens group G 1  of positive refracting power, the second lens group G 2  of negative refracting power, the third lens group G 3  of positive refracting power, the fourth lens group G 4  of negative refracting power, and the fifth lens group G 5  of positive refracting power. In  FIG. 1 , S, M I , C, and I stand for an aperture stop, an image side-mount surface, a cover glass, and an image plane, respectively. 
     The first lens group G 1  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, a cemented lens SU 11  of a negative meniscus lens L 11  convex on its object side and a double-convex positive lens L 12 , and a positive meniscus lens L 13  convex on its object side. 
     The second lens group G 2  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, a negative meniscus lens L 21  convex on its object side, a cemented lens SU 21  of a double-concave negative lens L 22  and a positive meniscus lens L 23  convex on its object side, and a negative meniscus lens L 24  convex on its image side. 
     The third lens group G 3  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the  3   a   th  lens group G 3a  and the  3   b   th  lens group G 3b . The  3   a   th  lens group G 3a  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, a double-convex positive lens L 3a1 , a double-convex positive lens L 3a2 , and a double-concave negative lens L 3a3 , and the  3   b   th  lens group G 3b  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, a positive meniscus lens L 3b1  convex on its object side, a positive meniscus lens L 3b2  convex on its object side, a negative meniscus lens L 3b3  convex on its object side, and a double-convex positive lens L 3b4 . 
     There is the aperture stop S interposed between the  3   a   th  lens group G 3a  and the  3   b   th  lens group G 3b  in the third lens group G 3 . 
     The fourth lens group G 4  is made up of one double-concave negative lens L 41 . 
     The fifth lens group G 5  is made up of a double-concave negative lens L 51 , and a double-convex positive lens L 52 . 
     Reference will then be made to how the respective lens groups in the master lens MSL move upon zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. 
     During zooming, the first lens group G 1 , the second lens group G 2 , the third lens group G 3 , the fourth lens group G 4 , and the fifth lens group G 5  move independently. 
     From the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G 1  moves just only toward the object side with an increasing spacing between it and the second lens group G 2 . 
     From the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the second lens group G 2  moves toward the object side with an increasing spacing between the first lens group G 1  and it and a decreasing spacing between it and the third lens group G 3 . The second lens group G 2  is positioned more on the object side at the telephoto end than at the wide-angle end. 
     From the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the third lens group G 3  moves together with the aperture stop S with a decreasing spacing between the second lens group G 2  and it and an increasing spacing between it and the fourth lens group G 4 . The third lens group G 3  is positioned more on the object side at the telephoto end than at the wide-angle end. 
     From the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the fourth lens group G 4  moves toward the object side with an increasing spacing between the third lens group G 3  and it and an increasing spacing between it and the fifth lens group G 5 . The fourth lens group G 4  is positioned more on the object side at the telephoto end than at the wide-angle end. 
     From the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the fifth lens group G 5  moves toward the image side with an increasing spacing between the fourth lens group G 4  and it. The firth lens group G 5  is positioned more on the image side at the telephoto end than at the wide-angle end. 
     Four aspheric surfaces are used: two at both surfaces r 20  and r 21  of the object-side positive meniscus lens L 3b1  in the  3   b   th  lens group G 3b , and two at both surfaces r 28  and r 29  of the double-concave negative lens L 41  forming the fourth lens group G 4 . 
     The converter lenses TCL in Examples 1 to 5 of the invention will now be explained with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 6 . More specifically,  FIGS. 2 to 6  are sectional views of the converter lenses TCL of Examples 1 to 5 as taken apart along the optical axis. 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the converter lens TCL of Example 1. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the converter lens TCL of Example 1 is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first lens group G 1  of positive refracting power, and the second lens group G 2  of negative refracting power. In  FIG. 2 , M o , M I , C, and I stand for an object side-mount surface, an image side-mount surface, a cover glass, and an image plane, respectively. 
     The first lens group G 1  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first positive lens or one positive meniscus lens CL 11  convex on its image side. 
     The second lens group G 2  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first negative lens or a double-concave negative lens CL 21 , a cemented lens SU 21  of the second positive lens or a double-convex positive lens CL 22  and the second negative lens or a double-concave negative lens CL 23 , and the third positive lens or a double-convex positive lens CL 24 . 
       FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the converter lens TCL of Example 2. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the converter lens TCL of Example 2 is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first lens group G 1  of positive refracting power, and the second lens group G 2  of negative refracting power. In  FIG. 3 , M o , M I , C, and I stand for an object side-mount surface, an image side-mount surface, a cover glass, and an image plane, respectively. 
     The first lens group G 1  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first positive lens or one double-convex positive lens CL 11 . 
     The second lens group G 2  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first negative lens or a double-concave negative lens CL 21 , a cemented lens SU 21  of the second positive lens or a double-convex positive lens CL 22  and the second negative lens or a double-concave negative lens CL 23 , and the third positive lens or a double-convex positive lens CL 24 . 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the converter lens TCL of Example 3. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the converter lens TCL of Example 3 is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first lens group G 1  of positive refracting power, and the second lens group G 2  of negative refracting power. In  FIG. 4 , M o , M I , C, and I stand for an object side-mount surface, an image side-mount surface, a cover glass, and an image plane, respectively. 
     The first lens group G 1  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first positive lens or one positive meniscus lens CL 11  convex on its image side. 
     The second lens group G 2  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, a cemented lens SU 21  of the first negative lens or a double-concave negative lens CL 21 , the second positive lens or a double-convex positive lens CL 22  and the second negative lens or a double-concave negative lens CL 23 , and the third positive lens or a double-convex positive lens CL 24 . 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the converter lens TCL of Example 4. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the converter lens TCL of Example 4 is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first lens group G 1  of positive refracting power, and the second lens group G 2  of negative refracting power. In  FIG. 5 , M o , M I , C, and I stand for an object side-mount surface, an image side-mount surface, a cover glass, and an image plane, respectively. 
     The first lens group G 1  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first positive lens or one positive meniscus lens CL 11  convex on its image side. 
     The second lens group G 2  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first negative lens or a double-concave negative lens CL 21 , the second positive lens or a double-convex positive lens CL 22 , the second negative lens or a double-concave negative lens CL 23 , and the third positive lens or a double-convex positive lens CL 24 . 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the converter lens TCL of Example 5. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the converter lens TCL of Example 5 is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first lens group G 1  of positive refracting power, and the second lens group G 2  of negative refracting power. In  FIG. 6 , M o , M I , C, and I stand for an object side-mount surface, an image side-mount surface, a cover glass, and an image plane, respectively. 
     The first lens group G 1  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first positive lens or one positive meniscus lens CL 11  convex on its image side. 
     The second lens group G 2  is made up of, in order from the object side to the image side, the first negative lens or a double-concave negative lens CL 21 , a cemented lens SU 21  of the second positive lens or a double-convex positive lens CL 22  and the second negative lens or a double-concave negative lens CL 23 , and the third positive lens or a double-convex positive lens CL 24 . 
     Set out below are a variety of numeral data (surface data, etc.) about the master lens MSL and converter lenses TCL. 
     The surface data include the radius of curvature r and surface separation d of each lens surface (optical surface) for each surface number, the d-line (587.6 nm) refractive index nd of each lens (optical medium), and the d-line Abbe constant νd of each lens (optical medium). The radius of curvature r and surface separation d are all given in mm. In the surface data, “∞” in the radius-of-curvature column stands for infinity. 
     Aspheric data include data about aspheric lens surfaces in the lens data. Aspheric surface may be represented by the following formula provided that z defines an optical axis where the direction of propagation of light is taken as positive and y defines a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.
 
 z =( y   2   /r )/[1+{1−(1+ K )·( y/r ) 2 } 1/2 ]+ A 4 y   4   +A 6 y   6   +A 8 y   8   +A 10 y   10  
 
     Note here that r is the paraxial radius of curvature, K is the conical coefficient, and A4, A6, and A8 are the aspheric coefficients of the 4 th , 6 th  and 8 th  degrees. It is also to be noted that the capital “E” indicates that the following numerical value is a power exponent having a base of 10. For instance, “1.0E−5” means “1.0×10 −5 ”. 
     Various data include focal lengths, F-numbers (FNO), angles of view 2ω (°), variable surface separations d, back focuses BF (in air), full lengths (in air), and image heights, all but F-numbers and angles of view being given in mm. Note here that BF is a distance from the final lens surface to the image plane as calculated on an air basis. 
     WE and TE are the abbreviations for the wide-angle end and telephoto end, respectively. 
     The focal length data about the respective lens groups include focal lengths f 1  to f 5  of the respective lens groups, all given in mm. 
     It is to be noted that an assortment of data set out in the numeral examples are based on the presupposition of an imaging system comprising a camera body in which a master lens apparatus including the master lens MSL is attached to the teleconverters of Examples 1 to 5, and an imaging plane is located in the position of the image plane. Filters (low-pass filters, wavelength selection filters, dustproof filters, etc.) built in the camera body, and a cover glass for the imaging device are supposed as the plane-parallel plates located just in front of the image plane, providing optical plane-parallel plate equivalents. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Mater lens 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface data 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface No. 
                 r 
                 d 
                 n d 
                 ν d 
               
               
                  1 
                 105.4432 
                 2.400 
                 1.85026 
                 32.27 
               
               
                  2 
                 73.5728 
                 8.379 
                 1.49700 
                 81.54 
               
               
                  3 
                 −383.7411 
                 0.150 
                   
                   
               
               
                  4 
                 94.5553 
                 4.286 
                 1.60300 
                 65.44 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                  5 
                 289.6284 
                 D1 (Variable) 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                  6 
                 93.6811 
                 2.000 
                 1.83481 
                 42.71 
               
               
                  7 
                 27.3524 
                 5.724 
                   
                   
               
               
                  8 
                 −61.7968 
                 1.800 
                 1.48749 
                 70.23 
               
               
                  9 
                 30.7192 
                 5.169 
                 1.84666 
                 23.78 
               
               
                 10 
                 738.2770 
                 3.915 
                   
                   
               
               
                 11 
                 −38.1621 
                 2.000 
                 1.76200 
                 40.10 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 12 
                 −154.2096 
                 D2 (Variable) 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 13 
                 40.1727 
                 6.046 
                 1.80400 
                 46.57 
               
               
                 14 
                 −257.1582 
                 0.150 
                   
                   
               
               
                 15 
                 26.7593 
                 8.420 
                 1.43875 
                 94.93 
               
               
                 16 
                 −113.3976 
                 0.569 
                   
                   
               
               
                 17 
                 −102.0000 
                 1.800 
                 1.90366 
                 31.32 
               
               
                 18 
                 33.8270 
                 4.447 
                   
                   
               
               
                 19 (Stop) 
                 ∞ 
                 1.500 
                   
                   
               
               
                 20 (Aspheric surface) 
                 53.0521 
                 2.282 
                 1.74320 
                 49.34 
               
               
                 21 (Aspheric surface) 
                 113.0112 
                 0.150 
                   
                   
               
               
                 22 
                 28.9682 
                 4.305 
                 1.64000 
                 60.08 
               
               
                 23 
                 149.0277 
                 0.150 
                   
                   
               
               
                 24 
                 44.8443 
                 1.600 
                 1.90366 
                 31.32 
               
               
                 25 
                 20.3711 
                 5.252 
                   
                   
               
               
                 26 
                 27.3174 
                 6.191 
                 1.72916 
                 54.68 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 27 
                 −76.1282 
                 D3 (Variable) 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 28 (Aspheric surface) 
                 −2331.1195 
                 1.200 
                 1.80610 
                 40.88 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 29 (Aspheric surface) 
                 22.9849 
                 D4 (Variable) 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 30 
                 −139.5760 
                 1.600 
                 1.51633 
                 64.14 
               
               
                 31 
                 45.7459 
                 2.294 
                   
                   
               
               
                 32 
                 56.5885 
                 4.072 
                 1.90366 
                 31.32 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 33 
                 −75.5666 
                 D5 (Variable) 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 34 (Image side-mount  
                 ∞ 
                 15.200 
                   
                   
               
               
                 surface) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 35 
                 ∞ 
                 4.000 
                 1.51633 
                 64.14 
               
               
                 36 
                 ∞ 
                 0.800 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Image plane 
                 ∞ 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Aspheric coefficient 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 20 th  surface 
               
               
                 K = 0.000, A4 = −1.1681E−05, A6 = −6.9531E−09, A8 = 7.8500E−12 
               
               
                 21 th  surface 
               
               
                 K = 0.000, A4 = 5.8382E−08, A6 = −1.6466E−10, A8 = −7.4745E−13 
               
               
                 28 th  surface 
               
               
                 K = 0.000, A4 = 1.7112E−06, A6 = −5.3162E−09 
               
               
                 29 th  surface 
               
               
                 K = 0.000, A4 = −1.6310E−06, A6 = −1.7956E−08 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Various data 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 WE 
                 TE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Focal length 
                 40.80 
                 147.00 
               
               
                 FNO. 
                 2.88 
                 2.88 
               
               
                 Angle of view 2 ω (° ) 
                 29.79 
                 8.28 
               
               
                 BF (in air) 
                 32.137 
                 28.750 
               
               
                 Full length (in air) 
                 151.882 
                 195.839 
               
               
                 Image height 
                 10.82 
                 10.82 
               
               
                 D5 
                 1.5000 
                 41.2615 
               
               
                 D11 
                 25.4170 
                 1.5000 
               
               
                 D25 
                 1.5000 
                 3.5170 
               
               
                 D29 
                 3.4776 
                 32.9593 
               
               
                 D31 
                 13.4987 
                 10.1120 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Focal length about the respective lens groups 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 f1 
                 113.667 
               
               
                 f2 
                 −27.169 
               
               
                 f3 
                 32.042 
               
               
                 f4 
                 −28.229 
               
               
                 f5 
                 71.790 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Converter lens 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Numeral example 1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface data 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface No. 
                 r 
                 d 
                 n d 
                 ν d 
               
               
                 34 (Object side-mount  
                 ∞ 
                 −5.429 
                   
                   
               
               
                 surface) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 35 
                 −93.2149 
                 2.348 
                 1.92286 
                 20.88 
               
               
                 36 
                 −40.5105 
                 4.384 
                   
                   
               
               
                 37 
                 34.0886 
                 1.300 
                 1.83400 
                 37.16 
               
               
                 38 
                 27.6880 
                 0.239 
                   
                   
               
               
                 39 
                 25.1698 
                 6.557 
                 1.74077 
                 27.79 
               
               
                 40 
                 −22.0429 
                 1.300 
                 2.00100 
                 29.13 
               
               
                 41 
                 47.7726 
                 1.955 
                   
                   
               
               
                 42 
                 25.3471 
                 5.048 
                 1.49700 
                 81.54 
               
               
                 43 
                 −81.1748 
                 −4.438 
                   
                   
               
               
                 44 (Image side-mount  
                 ∞ 
                 15.200 
                   
                   
               
               
                 surface) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 45 
                 ∞ 
                 4.000 
                 1.51633 
                 64.14 
               
               
                 46 
                 ∞ 
                 0.800 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Image plane 
                 ∞ 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Various data 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 WE 
                 TE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Focal length 
                 57.06 
                 205.60 
               
               
                 FNO. 
                 4.03 
                 4.03 
               
               
                 Angle of view 2 ω (° ) 
                 21.85 
                 6.07 
               
               
                 BF (in air) 
                 14.200 
                 14.200 
               
               
                 Full length (in air) 
                 165.146 
                 209.103 
               
               
                 Image height 
                 10.82 
                 10.82 
               
               
                 Magnification 
                 1.40 
                 1.40 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Focal length about the respective lens groups 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 f1 
                 76.012 
               
               
                 f2 
                 −34.881 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Converter lens 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Numeral example 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface data 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface No. 
                 r 
                 d 
                 n d 
                 ν d 
               
               
                 34 (Object side- 
                 ∞ 
                 −2.816 
                   
                   
               
               
                 mount surface) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 35 
                 210.9376 
                 3.945 
                 1.92286 
                 20.88 
               
               
                 36 
                 −41.1544 
                 1.816 
                   
                   
               
               
                 37 
                 −34.4483 
                 1.300 
                 2.00100 
                 29.13 
               
               
                 38 
                 23.8340 
                 0.219 
                   
                   
               
               
                 39 
                 21.7769 
                 6.518 
                 1.76182 
                 26.52 
               
               
                 40 
                 −21.5952 
                 1.300 
                 2.00100 
                 29.13 
               
               
                 41 
                 34.5454 
                 0.699 
                   
                   
               
               
                 42 
                 25.1598 
                 3.980 
                 1.52249 
                 59.84 
               
               
                 43 
                 −148.9062 
                 −5.511 
                   
                   
               
               
                 44 (Image side- 
                 ∞ 
                 15.200 
                   
                   
               
               
                 mount surface)  
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 45 
                 ∞ 
                 4.000 
                 1.51633 
                 64.14 
               
               
                 46 
                 ∞ 
                 0.800 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Image plane 
                 ∞ 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Various data 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 WE 
                 TE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Focal length 
                 55.98 
                 201.70 
               
               
                 FNO. 
                 3.95 
                 3.95 
               
               
                 Angle of view 2 ω (° ) 
                 21.86 
                 6.07 
               
               
                 BF (in air) 
                 13.127 
                 13.127 
               
               
                 Full length (in air) 
                 163.332 
                 207.289 
               
               
                 Image height 
                 10.82 
                 10.82 
               
               
                 Magnification 
                 1.40 
                 1.40 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Focal length about the respective lens groups 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 f1 
                 37.597 
               
               
                 f2 
                 −19.132 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Converter lens 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Numeral example 3 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface data 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface No. 
                 r 
                 d 
                 n d 
                 ν d 
               
               
                 34 (Object side- 
                 ∞ 
                 −4.077 
                   
                   
               
               
                 mount surface) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 35 
                 −116.5752 
                 2.326 
                 1.92286 
                 20.88 
               
               
                 36 
                 −43.6023 
                 3.683 
                   
                   
               
               
                 37 
                 −41.8780 
                 1.300 
                 1.83400 
                 37.16 
               
               
                 38 
                 17.8581 
                 7.464 
                 1.72825 
                 28.46 
               
               
                 39 
                 −19.0163 
                 1.300 
                 2.00100 
                 29.13 
               
               
                 40 
                 50.4433 
                 0.150 
                   
                   
               
               
                 41 
                 23.8452 
                 4.405 
                 1.49700 
                 81.54 
               
               
                 42 
                 −121.9352 
                 −4.344 
                   
                   
               
               
                 43 (Image side- 
                 ∞ 
                 15.200 
                   
                   
               
               
                 mount surface) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 44 
                 ∞ 
                 4.000 
                 1.51633 
                 64.14 
               
               
                 45 
                 ∞ 
                 0.800 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Image plane 
                 ∞ 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Various data 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 WE 
                 TE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Focal length 
                 57.06 
                 205.60 
               
               
                 FNO. 
                 4.03 
                 4.03 
               
               
                 Angle of view 2 ω (° ) 
                 21.85 
                 6.07 
               
               
                 BF (in air) 
                 14.200 
                 14.200 
               
               
                 Full length (in air) 
                 165.146 
                 209.103 
               
               
                 Image height 
                 10.82 
                 10.82 
               
               
                 Magnification 
                 1.40 
                 1.40 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Focal length about the respective lens groups 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 f1 
                 74.340 
               
               
                 f2 
                 −28.179 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Converter lens  
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Numeral example 4 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface data 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface No. 
                 r 
                 d 
                 n d 
                 ν d 
               
               
                 34 (Object side- 
                 ∞ 
                 −4.077 
                   
                   
               
               
                 mount surface) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 35 
                 −222.2349 
                 2.459 
                 1.92286 
                 18.90 
               
               
                 36 
                 −49.7456 
                 5.247 
                   
                   
               
               
                 37 
                 −25.9802 
                 1.448 
                 1.90366 
                 31.32 
               
               
                 38 
                 31.0147 
                 0.654 
                   
                   
               
               
                 39 
                 35.7226 
                 8.195 
                 1.69895 
                 30.13 
               
               
                 40 
                 −21.6871 
                 0.150 
                   
                   
               
               
                 41 
                 −30.8000 
                 4.593 
                 1.90366 
                 31.32 
               
               
                 42 
                 56.5450 
                 0.150 
                   
                   
               
               
                 43 
                 24.0688 
                 5.284 
                 1.48749 
                 70.23 
               
               
                 44 
                 −105.5726 
                 −4.439 
                   
                   
               
               
                 45 (Image side- 
                 ∞ 
                 15.200 
                   
                   
               
               
                 mount surface) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 46 
                 ∞ 
                 4.000 
                 1.51633 
                 64.14 
               
               
                 47 
                 ∞ 
                 0.800 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Image plane 
                 ∞ 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Various data 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 WE 
                 TE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Focal length 
                 57.06 
                 205.60 
               
               
                 FNO. 
                 4.03 
                 4.03 
               
               
                 Angle of view 2 ω (° ) 
                 21.85 
                 6.07 
               
               
                 BF (in air) 
                 14.200 
                 14.200 
               
               
                 Full length (in air) 
                 165.146 
                 209.103 
               
               
                 Image height 
                 10.82 
                 10.82 
               
               
                 Magnification 
                 1.40 
                 1.40 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Focal length about the respective lens groups 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 f1 
                 68.978 
               
               
                 f2 
                 −36.955 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Converter lens 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Numeral example 5 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface data 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Surface No. 
                 r 
                 d 
                 n d 
                 ν d 
               
               
                 34 (Object side- 
                 ∞ 
                 −4.396 
                   
                   
               
               
                 mount surface) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 35 
                 −106.5559 
                 2.347 
                 1.69895 
                 30.13 
               
               
                 36 
                 −39.5757 
                 4.471 
                   
                   
               
               
                 37 
                 −29.8091 
                 1.300 
                 1.72916 
                 54.68 
               
               
                 38 
                 21.9609 
                 0.356 
                   
                   
               
               
                 39 
                 21.6356 
                 6.500 
                 1.69895 
                 30.13 
               
               
                 40 
                 −23.6427 
                 1.300 
                 2.00100 
                 29.13 
               
               
                 41 
                 42.8083 
                 0.708 
                   
                   
               
               
                 42 
                 37.7055 
                 5.164 
                 1.51633 
                 64.14 
               
               
                 43 
                 −26.8409 
                 −5.000 
                   
                   
               
               
                 44 (Image side- 
                 ∞ 
                 15.200 
                   
                   
               
               
                 mount surface) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 45 
                 ∞ 
                 4.000 
                 1.51633 
                 64.14 
               
               
                 46 
                 ∞ 
                 0.800 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Image plane 
                 ∞ 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Various data 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 WE 
                 TE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Focal length 
                 55.95 
                 201.58 
               
               
                 FNO. 
                 3.95 
                 3.95 
               
               
                 Angle of view 2 ω (° ) 
                 21.75 
                 6.04 
               
               
                 BF (in air) 
                 13.638 
                 13.638 
               
               
                 Full length (in air) 
                 164.632 
                 208.589 
               
               
                 Image height 
                 10.82 
                 10.82 
               
               
                 Magnification 
                 1.37 
                 1.37 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Focal length about the respective lens groups 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 f1 
                 88.797 
               
               
                 f2 
                 −42.891 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIGS. 7 to 12  are sets of aberration diagrams for Examples 1 to 5 of the master lens MSL and converter lens TCL at the A to D wide-angle end (WE) and E to H telephoto end (TE). 
     In these aberration diagrams, SA, AS, DT, and CC are the abbreviations for spherical aberrations, astigmatisms, distortions, and chromatic aberrations of magnification, respectively. There are the spherical aberrations SA given at the wavelengths: 587.6 nm (d-line; a solid line), 435.8 nm (g-line; a long broken line), and 656.3 nm (C-line; a short broken line). There are the chromatic aberrations of magnification CC given at the wavelengths: 435.8 nm (g-line; a long broken line) and 656.3 nm (C-line; a short broken line) on a d-line basis. The astigmatisms AS are shown by a solid line for that of the sagittal image surface, and by a broken line for that of the meridional image surface. Note here that FNO is indicative of an F-number. 
     Set out below are the values of Conditions (1) to (7) in Examples 1 to 5. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                   
                 Example 1 
                 Example 2 
                 Example 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Condition (1) 
                 −1.136 
                 −0.811 
                 −1.503 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (2) 
                 −1.086 
                 −1.708 
                 −1.715 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (3) 
                 0.190 
                 0.092 
                 0.179 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (4) 
                 20.88 
                 20.88 
                 20.88 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (5) 
                 81.54 
                 59.84 
                 81.54 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (6) 
                 1.629 
                 1.507 
                 1.443 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (7) 
                 1.312 
                 1.213 
                 1.321 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Example 4 
                 Example 5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Condition (1) 
                 −0.852 
                 −1.086 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (2) 
                 −2.054 
                 −2.693 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (3) 
                 0.186 
                 0.202 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (4) 
                 18.90 
                 30.13 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (5) 
                 70.23 
                 64.14 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (6) 
                 1.985 
                 1.624 
               
               
                   
                 Condition (7) 
                 1.312 
                 1.260 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     To cut off undesired light such as ghosts and flares, a flare stop other than the aperture stop may be located in the inventive master lens MSL. This flare stop may be located in any desired site, for instance, on the object side of the first lens group, between the first and the second lens group, between the second and the third lens group, between the third and the fourth lens group, between the fourth and the fifth lens group, or between the fifth lens group and the image plane. 
     Flare rays may also be cut off by a frame member or other member. The flare stop may be printed directly, coated, sealed or otherwise bonded to the optical system. The flare stop may be configured in any desired shape such as circular, oval, rectangular or polygonal shape, or may otherwise be formed by a range surrounded by a function curve. In addition to harmful light beams, light beams such as coma flares around the screen may also be cut. 
     Each lens may be provided with an anti-reflection coating to reduce ghosts and flares. In particular, an antireflection multicoating is preferable because of the ability to effectively reduce ghosts and flares. An infrared cut coating may optionally be applied to each lens surface, cover glass, etc. Optionally, brightness shading around images may be reduced by shifting the micro-lenses of a CCD. For instance, microlens design for the CCD may be altered in association with the angle of incidence of rays at the respective image heights, and image processing may be applied to correct a decrease in light around images. 
     In general, an antireflection coating is applied to the surface of a lens in contact with air to prevent occurrence of ghosts and flares. At the cementing surface of a cemented lens, on the other hand, the refractive index of an adhesive is ever higher than that of air. For this reason, the cementing surface has often a reflectivity on a par with, or lower than, that of a single-layer coating; so it is less likely to be coated. If the antireflection coating is purposefully applied to the cementing surface too, however, it is then possible to achieve further ghost and flare reductions, thereby making sure good images. Especially in recent years, high-refractive-index vitreous materials have gained popularity, and have often been used on camera optical systems because of having good action on correction of aberrations. However, when such vitreous materials are used for cemented lenses, there is going to be difficult-to-neglect reflection occurring from the cementing surface. In that case, it is particularly effective to apply the antireflection coating to the cementing surface. 
     How to make effective use of cementing surface coating is set forth typically in JP(A)&#39;s 2-27301, 2001-324676 and 2005-92115 as well as U.S. Pat. No. 7,116,482. According to the teachings of these publications referring to the surface coating of a cemented lens in the first lens group of positive power in a zoom lens in particular, the cemented lens surface in the first lens group in the embodiment of the invention may be coated too. 
     The coating material used may optionally be selected from materials having relatively high refractive indices such as Ta 2 O 5 , TiO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , ZrO 2 , HfO 2 , CeO 2 , SnO 2 , In 2 O 3 , ZnO and Y 2 O 3 , and materials having relatively low refractive indices such as MgF 2 , SiO 2  and Al 2 O 3  depending on the refractive index of the lens to be used and the refractive index of the associated adhesive, and the coating thickness may be set in such a way as to meet phase conditions. 
     It is a matter of course that multicoating may be applied to the cementing surface as is the case with the coating of the air contact surface of a lens. If double coatings or multicoatings are optionally combined with film thicknesses, it is then possible to achieve further reflectivity reductions and gain control of the spectral and angular characteristics of reflectivity, etc. It goes without saying that coating on the same idea may also be effectively applied to any cementing surface in other lens group(s). 
       FIG. 13  is a schematically sectional view of the imaging system in which a combination of the inventive rear converter lens apparatus and master lens apparatus is used for a taking lens. The lens unit is schematically shown, and the aforesaid lens system or the like is used for it. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a camera body shown by reference numeral  1  does not include any quick return mirror in the optical path involved. Reference numeral  2  is indicative of a mount in the camera body, where the holder  5  of master lens apparatus MSL or the holder  4  of teleconverter TC is attachable to or detachable from the camera body  1 , and reference numeral  3  is a mount in the master lens apparatus MSL, where the holder  5  of master lens apparatus MSL is attachable to or detachable from the camera body  1  or the holder  4  of tele-converter TC. 
     Further, the holder  4  in the teleconverter TC includes a master lens apparatus-side mount a for attachment of the master lens apparatus MSL and a camera body-side mount b for the attachment or detachment of the camera body, and has an object side-mount surface M 1  and an image side-mount surface M 2  that, upon attachment, are in engagement with the mount  3  of master lens apparatus MSL and the camera body  1 , respectively. 
     The mount used may be typically of either the screw type, or the bayonet type (used in  FIG. 13 ). 
     In  FIG. 13 , P is the imaging plane of an imaging device such as a CCD or C-MOS where a subject image is formed by the master lens apparatus MSL and teleconverter TC. The imaging device is operable to convert the image formed on the imaging plane into electric signals that are then sent to a control circuit  12 . Just in front of the imaging plane P there are a cover glass and filters F located. 
     The imaging system is designed to have the maximum image height IH. 
     Reference numerals  12 ,  15 , and  18  are indicative of control circuits for regulating or otherwise controlling the aperture stop S, the focal length of master lens apparatus MSL, focusing operation and so on, reference numerals  13   a ,  13   b ,  16   a , and  16   b  are indicative of electric contacts for making electric connections between the master lens apparatus MSL, teleconverter TL and camera body  1  for transmission of the aforesaid regulation and control signals, and reference numeral  17  is indicative of a control unit for the aperture stop S. This control unit is electrically connected together with lens control units (not shown) for controlling the respective lens groups to the control circuit  12  of the camera body  1 . 
     Information about the layouts of the respective lens groups in the master lens apparatus MSL may be sent to the camera body  1 . 
     The teleconverter according to the present invention may be used as the optical system (rear teleconverter) of the thus constructed imaging system. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been explained, it is to be understood that the present invention is never limited thereto, and embodiments comprising combinations of the essential requirements and limitations are embraced in the category of the invention too.