Prismatic lens

Period: 1850–1890    Tags: Glossary / Optics / Stereoscope component
Brewster-type stereoscope 8.5 x 17, Mattey (attributed), France, c. 1900
Brewster-type stereoscope 8.5 x 17, Mattey (attributed), France, c. 1900
The opened front panel shows the prismatic lenses.
© Collection Ruiter

A prismatic lens is an optical element that bends (deviates) light sideways without bringing it to a focus. It has a wedge shape (thicker on one side, thinner on the other). Light entering the prism is bent toward the base of the prism. The image is shifted in position, but not magnified or focused. Prismatic lenses were mainly used in early stereoscopes.

Related items: Refracting stereoscope
Published: 06-02-2026    Last modified: 25-03-2026