Physical Length of a Lens?

[Maike]

I didn't know where to put this question but it feels like something even a beginner should know and I don't, even though I've been taking photographs for 50+ years, so I put it here.

When a manufacturer lists the length of a lens in the lens specs, is this the total length of the lens, or how far it sticks out from the camera (in other words minus the connector length). Or does this vary from lens maker to lens maker?

I tried a search but it just throws up hundreds of posts about focal length.

 

[Craig Gillette]

I found this on a Tamron page: "Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face."

I don't know that they all do it that way, though. I expect dealers copy the technical descriptions from manufacturer's spec sheets. I know when I was doing some looking for carry "bags," I would have wanted lengths incorporating the lens hood, usually reversed and front and back lens caps. I still did a fit check against the bag in store to be sure.

 

[Gam3r01]

Interesting question, doing a bit of looking myself I found reviews with a manufacturer supplied dimensions vs measured dimensions, and it would appear manufacturer measurements do not include the mounting flange.

I compared information here, both lenses were measured ~.32-.34" longer than listed, which is consistent.

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www.the-digital-picture.com

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www.the-digital-picture.com

I would assume it does vary depending on manufacturer though. You could always reach out directly and ask.

 

[FrancoD]

I mesured lenses from 2 manufacturers. The manufacturers specs correspond with the bit that sticks out. Lens base to front ring , not including the lens mount.

 

[Maike]

Thanks for the replies. Some great internet detective work.