Case Study: NWS Instruments achieves groundbreaking high-resolution wide-angle and telephoto lenses with Synopsys CODE V

NWS Instruments - Customer Case Study

NWS Instruments AG, founded in 2016 in Lenzburg, Switzerland, develops high-performance, ergonomic optical and mechanical systems for demanding commercial and technical photography. The company set out to create groundbreaking wide-angle and telephoto lenses for modern 50MP full‑frame cameras—complex, multi‑element designs that had to deliver exceptional resolution, large image circles, reliable manual controls, and innovative mechanical features.

Using Synopsys CODE V for design, global optimization (Global Synthesis®), and glass substitution (Glass Expert), NWS optimized and supported fabrication of its 23APO wide‑angle and 110APO telephoto lenses. The resulting handmade lenses deliver ~120 lp/mm performance with high MTF (≥50% for the 23APO), large image circles, precise manual controls and patented mechanical features, producing professional‑grade optics for architectural, automotive, industrial, landscape, advertising and jewelry photography.

NWS Instruments

Christoph Horneber

Co-Founder and Director of Optical Design