How much does a custom lens cost?

This is one of the most common unknowns when it comes to beginning a custom optics

project. How much does a custom lens cost? Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial consult: Free! We love geeking out on what you have in mind!

2. Discovery Work: $1,500 USD/1-2 weeks; determines project viability

3. Custom Design: $5,000+ USD/1-3 weeks, based on project scope and complexity

4. Prototyping: As you can imagine, cost varies GREATLY at this step; typical prototype production timing is around 10 weeks or more based on complexity.

Here are some factors that affect your cost and timeline:

-How many lens elements are in the design? Typical designs include 3-12 elements

-What kind of material is needed?

-Are there any special features on the lens?

-Do the lenses require grinding (i.e. spherical optics), diamond-turning ($1,000-$2,000 USD/unit ), or molded ($20k+ USD for the mold, plus additional time for the molding process)?

- If your system needs assembly/alignment/testing you can add another 2-4 weeks to your timeline

5. Production: Manufacturers give unit discounts as you increase in quantity. One unit may cost $5000-$10,000 USD but drop to $300/unit if you order a quantity of 200. Price/unit will continue to decrease as you increase quantity, but at some point has diminishing returns. Below is a chart showing the price vs. quantity for a 4 element lens assembly with standard tolerances and lead time.

For more information visit our webpage on custom lens cost.