Objektiva

Objektiva is the plural form of the noun objektiv in several European languages, where the term refers to an optical component that produces a magnified image. In everyday usage, objektiva commonly denote the lenses used in photography, cinematography, microscopy, and telescopes. The singular objektiv translates to “lens” or “objective,” depending on the context.

In many languages such as Czech and related languages, objektiva are the multiple lenses used on cameras or in optical instruments. The exact form and gender of the plural can vary by language, but the underlying concept remains the same: objektiva are the optical elements that gather light and form an image or contribute to magnification. The term is cognate with the French objectif and the German Objektiv, which both denote the same class of optical components.

In photography and cinematography, an objektiv is chosen for its focal length, maximum aperture, optical design, coatings, and compatibility with a camera system’s mount. Lenses can be fixed to a camera or interchangeable, and common types include wide-angle, standard, telephoto, macro, and fisheye. Features such as image stabilization and aspheric elements influence performance.

In microscopy and astronomy, objective lenses (also referred to as objektiva in some languages) are the primary lenses closest to the subject or distant object, providing the main magnification and resolving power. They are typically labeled by magnification and numerical aperture.

See also: camera lens, microscope objective, focal length, aperture, lens mount.