# SF5 optical glass

SF5 is a type of optical glass characterized by its high refractive index and moderate to high dispersion, indicated by a lower Abbe number. This makes it particularly useful in applications where significant light bending capabilities are needed, such as in the design of compact lenses. However, the higher dispersion means that it tends to separate different wavelengths of light more than other types of glass, which can lead to chromatic aberration if not properly managed. To counteract this, SF5 is often paired with other types of optical glass in complex lens systems to optimize performance across a range of wavelengths. Common applications for SF5 glass include high-quality camera lenses, microscopes, and other optical instruments where precise image quality is paramount. Though it is generally more expensive than standard optical glasses like BK7, its specialized properties make SF5 a valuable resource for optical designers aiming to achieve superior optical performance.

## SF5 and similar glasses produced by different makers

Maker | Glass
--- | ---
Schott | N-SF5
Hikari | E-SF5
HOYA | E-FD5
Sumita | K-SFLD5
CDGM | ZF2