Lens device, imaging device, control method for lens device, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a lens device that allows for easy identification of the optical region after switching. [Solution] The lens device (100) has a plurality of optical regions (302, 303, 304) that can be inserted into and removed from the optical path, switching means (104, 110) for switching which optical region is inserted into the optical path from the plurality of optical regions, and control means (112) for controlling the driving of the switching means in response to a command from the user. The plurality of optical regions include a first optical region (302), a second optical region (303), and a third optical region (304). The control means provides a first switching method between the first optical region and the second optical region, and a second switching method between the second optical region and the third optical region, which are different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens device, an imaging device, a control method for a lens device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In cinema shooting, a blurring effect or a soft image expression is required for a subject, while in sports shooting, a high-resolution and sharp image is required. For this reason, for example, by configuring a lens (soft focus lens) that intentionally causes aberration to be insertable and removable with respect to the optical path, it is possible to cope with both cinema shooting and sports shooting.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens system in which an extender can be switched by a command signal and the magnification of the extender when the power is off is held to set the initial position when the power is on.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A lens device capable of easily discriminating the optical region after switching is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lens device as one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of optical regions that can be inserted into and removed from an optical path, a switching means for switching which optical region is inserted into the optical path from among the plurality of optical regions, and a control means for controlling the driving of the switching means in response to a command from the user, wherein the plurality of optical regions include a first optical region, a second optical region, and a third optical region, and the control means is characterized in that it makes a first switching method between the first optical region and the second optical region and a second switching method between the second optical region and the third optical region different from each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens device that allows for easy identification of the optical element after switching. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of the imaging device in Example 1. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the turret in Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the control method for the lens device in Example 1. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of the imaging device in Example 2. [Figure 5] This figure shows the relationship between the rotational position of the speed control unit and the output voltage in Example 2. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the control method for the lens device in Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and redundant explanations are omitted. [Examples]

[0010] First, with reference to Figure 1, the imaging system 10 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram of the imaging system 10. The imaging system 10 includes a lens device 100 and an imaging device (camera body) 200. The lens device 100 is configured to be detachably attached to the imaging device 200. However, this embodiment is not limited to this and can also be applied to imaging devices in which the camera body and lens device are integrally configured.

[0011] The lens device 100 has an imaging optical system including a focus lens group 102, an aperture mechanism (aperture means) 103, and a turret 104. The turret 104 has a plurality of optical unit groups whose optical characteristics can be varied, as will be described later.

[0012] The focus lens group 102 can adjust the focus to bring the subject into focus by moving in a direction along the optical axis OA (in the direction of the optical axis). The focus position detection unit 105 and the focus drive unit 106 are position detection means and drive means that are mechanically, magnetically, or optically connected to the focus lens group 102, and are composed of known encoders, motors, and driver circuits.

[0013] The aperture mechanism 103 is positioned on the optical axis and can adjust the amount of light from the subject and the depth of field by changing the aperture diameter (aperture diaphragm). The aperture position detection unit 107 and the aperture drive unit 108 are position detection means and drive means that are mechanically, magnetically, or optically connected to the aperture mechanism 103, and are composed of known encoders, motors, and driver circuits.

[0014] The turret 104 is a switching means that can switch between an optical unit (first optical element and second optical element) capable of changing the shooting magnification (magnification) and an optical unit (third optical element) having a soft focus function. Details of the turret 104 will be described later. The turret position detection unit 109 and the turret drive unit 110 are position detection means and drive means mechanically connected to the turret 104, and are composed of known encoders, motors, and driver circuits. The turret 104 and the turret drive unit 110 constitute a switching means that electrically switches between the optical units inserted into the optical path from among the multiple optical units.

[0015] The lens CPU 101 is the control unit of the lens device 100. The lens CPU 101 acquires position information of the focus lens group 102 and the aperture mechanism 103 from the focus position detection unit 105 and the aperture position detection unit 107, respectively. The lens CPU 101 also uses the acquired position information to output commands (target position commands) to the focus drive unit 106 and the aperture drive unit 108, and can control the driving of the focus lens group 102 and the aperture mechanism 103 to the target position.

[0016] The lens communication unit 111 can communicate with the imaging device 200. For example, the lens communication unit 111 can receive target position commands for the focus lens group 102 from the imaging device 200 and transmit position information detected by the focus position detection unit 105. The turret switching control unit 112 is located inside the lens CPU 101 and controls the turret 104 so that the target optical unit is inserted into the optical path (on the optical axis) in response to communication from the imaging device 200 and commands from the turret switching operation unit 113, which will be described later. Details of this will be described later. The turret switching operation unit 113 is an operating means and is composed of, for example, a known mechanical switch.

[0017] The imaging device 200 includes a camera CPU 201, an imaging unit 202, a video signal processing unit 203, and a camera communication unit 204. The imaging unit 202 has an imaging element such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor. The imaging unit 202 photoelectrically converts the light (optical image) formed by the imaging optical system of the lens device 100 and outputs a video signal to the video signal processing unit 203. The video signal processing unit 203 performs various processes on the video signal output from the imaging unit 202 and adjusts the video signal. The camera CPU 201 is a control unit of the imaging device 200 and can communicate with the lens device 100 via the camera communication unit 204.

[0018] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the turret 104 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the turret 104. The turret 104 has a mechanism that can rotate in both the clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) directions around the axis 301 by the turret drive unit 110. The turret 104 can also switch the optical unit (optical element) disposed (inserted) on the optical axis OA (optical path) of the lens device 100 according to a command from the imaging device 200 or the turret switching operation unit 113.

[0019] In this embodiment, the turret 104 has a plurality of optical units (optical elements, optical regions) that can be inserted into and removed from the optical path. That is, the turret 104 includes an optical unit (first optical element, first optical region) 302, an optical unit 303 (second optical element, second optical region), and an optical unit (third optical element, third optical region) 304. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the optical unit 302 is disposed (inserted) on the optical axis OA (optical path).

[0020] The optical unit 302 is an optical unit having a 1x zoom function. The optical unit 303 is an optical unit having a 2x zoom function. The optical units 302 and 303 constitute the first optical unit group. The optical unit 304 is an optical unit (soft focus lens) having a 1x zoom function and a soft focus function. The optical unit 304 is the second optical unit group.

[0021] Here, a soft-focus lens is a lens that changes aberrations by inserting or removing it from the optical path (optical axis OA). When the optical unit 304 is inserted into the optical path, the optical unit 304 can intentionally produce spherical aberration to give a cinematic blur effect. In other words, with the optical unit 304, the subject can be depicted with a soft atmosphere while in focus. This embodiment is not limited to this, and the optical unit 304 may be configured to intentionally produce aberrations other than spherical aberration, such as chromatic aberration. However, to give a better effect on the subject, it is preferable that the optical unit 304 is a lens that produces at least one of spherical aberration or chromatic aberration.

[0022] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the operation of the turret switching control unit (control means) 112 (control method for the lens device 100) will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a flowchart of the control method for the lens device 100a. The turret switching control unit 112 controls the drive of the turret 104 based on commands from the turret switching operation unit 113 in response to user operations (in accordance with user commands). The turret switching control unit 112 may also control the drive of the turret 104 based on commands from the lens CPU 101 or the camera CPU 201.

[0023] First, in step S301, the turret switching control unit 112 receives (acquires) a command (turret switching command) from the turret switching operation unit 113. Based on this command, the turret switching control unit 112 acquires information (optical unit information of the driven target) regarding the optical unit (target unit) of the driven target.

[0024] Next, in step S302, the turret switching control unit 112 obtains information regarding the current position of the turret 104 (turret position information) from the turret position detection unit 109. Next, in step S303, the turret switching control unit 112 determines whether the switching of optical units is within the same optical unit group, based on the optical unit information of the drive target and the current position information. Here, switching within the same optical unit group means switching to an optical unit belonging to the same optical unit group (for example, switching between optical unit 302 and optical unit 303). If the switching of optical units is a move to the same optical unit group, the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if the switching of optical units is not a switch within the same optical unit group (i.e., a move to a different optical unit group), the process proceeds to step S304.

[0025] In step S304, the turret switching control unit 112 determines, based on the optical unit information of the drive target and the current position information, whether the optical unit switching is a switch (move) to an optical unit with approximately the same magnification. If the optical unit switching is a switch to approximately the same magnification, the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if the optical unit switching is not a switch to approximately the same magnification (i.e., it is a move to a different magnification), the process proceeds to step S306.

[0026] In step S305, the turret switching control unit 112 drives the turret 104 so that the current optical unit (optical unit before switching) switches directly to (moves to) the optical unit of the drive target (optical unit after switching, target unit), and this flow ends.

[0027] In step S306, the turret switching control unit 112 drives the turret 104 to move to the target optical unit (target unit) via another unit. That is, the turret switching control unit 112 inserts another unit into the optical path once before switching to the target unit. In this embodiment, the other unit is, for example, an optical unit with the same magnification (variable magnification) or aberration (spherical aberration). After switching to the other unit, the turret switching control unit 112 drives the turret 104 to switch to the target unit, and this flow ends.

[0028] For example, if the magnification and spherical aberration (optical characteristics) of the optical units before and after switching are different, the optical change due to the switch may be large, potentially causing the user to misidentify the optical unit after the switch. Therefore, in this embodiment, before switching to the target optical unit, the system switches to an optical unit where either the magnification or spherical aberration (optical characteristics) is the same, thereby reducing the likelihood of user misidentification.

[0029] This embodiment is not limited to the specific switching method described above; other switching methods are also acceptable as long as they reduce the likelihood of misjudging the optical unit after switching. In other words, the turret switching control unit 112 may use different methods for the first switching method between the first optical element (e.g., optical unit 302) and the second optical element (e.g., optical unit 303) and the second switching method between the second optical element and the third optical element (e.g., optical unit 304). The first and second switching methods may differ in either both clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) directions, or in one direction. The turret switching control unit 112 may also use different methods for the third switching method between the first and third optical elements and the second switching method. The third and second switching methods may also differ in either both directions, or in one direction.

[0030] Preferably, in the first switching method, the turret switching control unit 112 drives the switching means to directly switch between the first optical element and the second optical element without inserting the third optical element into the optical path. On the other hand, in the second switching method, the turret switching control unit 112 drives the switching means to switch between the second optical element and the third optical element after inserting the first optical element into the optical path.

[0031] Preferably, when switching from the second optical element to the first optical element in the first switching method, the turret switching control unit 112 drives the switching means so that the second optical element and the first optical element are inserted into the optical path in that order. Also, when switching from the second optical element to the third optical element in the second switching method, the turret switching control unit 112 drives the switching means so that the second optical element, the first optical element, and the third optical element are inserted into the optical path in that order.

[0032] In this embodiment, each optical element includes, but is not limited to, lenses with different magnifications and spherical aberrations. Preferably, the third optical element is a lens with different optical characteristics from the first and second optical elements, respectively. More preferably, the third optical element is a lens that changes aberrations such as spherical aberration by insertion or removal from the optical path. Preferably, the first and second optical elements are lenses with different magnifications. Also preferably, the second and third optical elements are lenses with substantially the same magnification.

[0033] In this embodiment, the multiple optical elements that can be switched by the turret 104 may include four or more optical elements. Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to a configuration in which all of the multiple optical elements are lenses, and may include optical elements other than lenses, such as optical filters for changing optical properties.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system is configured to allow switching between multiple optical elements using a turret, but it is not limited to this. For example, the system may include an air layer (a spatial region where no optical elements are provided (an optical region with a refractive index of 1)) that can be switched between using a turret as an optical region. The same applies to the embodiments described later. [Examples]

[0035] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the imaging system 10a in Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram of the imaging system 10a. The imaging system 10a includes a lens device 100a, an imaging device (camera body) 200a, and a controller device (external device) 400. The lens device 100a and the imaging device 200a are configured to be detachable, and the imaging device 200a and the controller device 400 are configured to be detachable, but at least two of these devices may be configured as an integral unit.

[0036] The speed control unit 114 is configured, for example, with a variable resistor. The output signal from the speed control unit 114 is acquired by the lens CPU 101 as an analog value by an AD converter (not shown). The speed setting unit 115 changes the drive speed of the turret 104, which is set by the turret switching control unit 112, based on the analog value acquired by the lens CPU 101. Further details will be described later.

[0037] In this embodiment, the speed control unit 114 is equipped with a variable resistor, but it is not limited to this, and other operating members may be used. The external controller communication unit 205 is located inside the imaging device 200 and is capable of communicating with the controller device 400.

[0038] The controller device 400 is electrically connected to the imaging device 200 and can communicate various information and drive commands via the controller communication unit 403, which will be described later. The controller CPU 401 is the control unit of the controller device 400 and can communicate with the imaging device 200 via the controller communication unit 403. The turret external switching operation unit 402 is an operating means that allows the turret 104 to be remotely controlled from the lens device 100 via the imaging device 200.

[0039] Next, the speed setting unit 115 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the rotational position of the speed control unit 114 and the output voltage, and shows the voltage (output voltage of the speed control unit 114) taken into the lens CPU 101 when the user operates the speed control unit 114 in the CW direction and CCW direction. In Figure 5, the horizontal axis shows the rotational position of the speed control unit 114, and the vertical axis shows the output voltage of the speed control unit 114.

[0040] The solid line 501 shows the relationship between the rotational position of the speed control unit 114 and the output voltage in response to operation in the CW and CCW directions. The dashed line 502 indicates the CW end of the speed control unit 114, where the output voltage is 20% of its maximum value. The dashed line 503 indicates the CCW end of the speed control unit 114, where the output voltage is 80% of its maximum value.

[0041] Region 504 is the region where the output voltage is 0% to 35% of the maximum value. In region 504, the drive speed of the turret 104 is set to the lowest speed, the first drive speed. Region 505 is the region where the output voltage is 35% to 50% of the maximum value. In region 505, the drive speed of the turret 104 is set to the second drive speed, which is faster than the first drive speed. Region 506 is the region where the output voltage is 50% to 65% of the maximum value. In region 506, the drive speed of the turret 104 is set to the third drive speed, which is faster than the second drive speed. Region 507 is the region where the output voltage is 65% to 100% of the maximum value. In region 507, the drive speed of the turret 104 is set to the highest speed, the fourth drive speed. In this embodiment, hysteresis may be provided at the threshold of each region in order to suppress fluctuations in the drive speed near the threshold (boundary) of each region.

[0042] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the operation of the turret switching control unit 112 (control method of the lens device 100a) in this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control method of the lens device 100a.

[0043] First, in step S601, the turret switching control unit 112 receives a command (turret switching command) from the imaging device 200 or the turret switching operation unit 113 and acquires the switching destination (target unit information) for the optical unit of the drive target. At this time, the turret switching control unit 112 stores information (command source information) indicating whether the command was issued from the turret switching control unit 112 or the turret external switching operation unit 402.

[0044] Next, in step S602, the turret switching control unit 112 obtains the current position information of the turret 104 from the turret position detection unit 109. Next, in step S603, the turret switching control unit 112 obtains the current aperture value (aperture position information, F number) from the position information of the aperture position detection unit 107. Next, in step S604, the turret switching control unit 112 obtains the drive speed setting information of the turret 104 set by the speed operation unit 114.

[0045] Next, in step S605, the turret switching control unit 112 determines whether the optical unit switching is within the same optical unit group based on the optical unit information of the drive target and the current position information. If the optical unit switching is a move to the same optical unit group, the process proceeds to step S609. On the other hand, if the optical unit switching is not a switch within the same optical unit group (i.e., a move to a different optical unit group), the process proceeds to step S606.

[0046] In step S606, the turret switching control unit 112 determines, based on the optical unit information of the drive target and the current position information, whether the optical unit switching is a switch (move) to an optical unit with approximately the same magnification. If the optical unit switching is a switch to approximately the same magnification, the process proceeds to step S609. On the other hand, if the optical unit switching is not a switch to approximately the same magnification (i.e., it is a move to a different magnification), the process proceeds to step S607.

[0047] In step S607, the turret switching control unit 112 determines whether the command (turret switching command) is a command from an external device (controller device 400). If the command is from an external device, the process proceeds to step S609. On the other hand, if the command is not from an external device (i.e., the command is from the turret switching operation unit 113), the process proceeds to step S608.

[0048] In step S608, the turret switching control unit 112 determines whether the aperture value (aperture value information) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (F5.6). If the aperture value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S609. If the aperture value is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S610.

[0049] In step S609, the speed setting unit 115 sets the drive speed of the turret 104 to the maximum speed (first speed), regardless of the drive speed setting information acquired in step S604. In step S610, the speed setting unit 115 sets the drive speed of the turret 104 to the drive speed of the turret 104 using the drive speed setting information acquired in step S604 (setting value: second speed, which is slower than the first speed). In step S611, the turret switching control unit 112 drives the turret 104 to the target position (the position where the target unit is inserted into the optical path) at the drive speed set in step S609 or step S610.

[0050] In this embodiment, the optical unit is switched using aperture value information, but the optical unit may also be switched using depth of field obtained from aperture value, focal length, and subject distance, for example.

[0051] In this embodiment, the magnification and spherical aberration (optical characteristics) of the optical unit before and after switching are different, and if the optical change due to switching is large, the user's misjudgment can be reduced by lowering the drive speed of the turret 104 during switching. That is, the turret switching control unit 112 drives the turret 104 at a first speed in the first switching method, and drives the turret 104 at a second speed that is slower than the first speed in the second switching method. Preferably, the turret switching control unit 112 can be changed by the user by operating the speed control unit 114 (within a speed range slower than the first speed).

[0052] In this embodiment, if the command is from an external device, the possibility of misjudgment is low, so it is preferable to set the drive speed of the turret 104 to the maximum speed. That is, when the turret switching control unit 112 receives a command from an external device, it may set the second speed to the same speed as the first speed, regardless of the user's settings.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the F-number is above a predetermined value and the effect of spherical aberration is small, both operability and accuracy can be achieved by setting the drive speed to the maximum speed. That is, when the F-number is above a predetermined value, the turret switching control unit 112 may set the second speed to the same speed as the first speed, regardless of the user's setting.

[0054] (Other examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0055] According to each embodiment, it is possible to provide a lens device, an imaging device, a control method for the lens device, and a program that can easily identify the optical element after switching.

[0056] Each embodiment's disclosure includes the following configuration and method. (Composition 1) Multiple optical regions that can be inserted into and removed from the optical path, A switching means for switching the optical region inserted into the optical path from among the plurality of optical regions, It includes a control means that controls the driving of the switching means in response to a command from the user, The plurality of optical regions include a first optical region, a second optical region, and a third optical region. The lens device is characterized in that the control means makes the first switching method between the first optical region and the second optical region and the second switching method between the second optical region and the third optical region different from each other. (Configuration 2) The lens device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the control means makes the third switching method between the first optical region and the third optical region and the second switching method different from each other. (Composition 3) The control means is In the first switching method, the switching means is driven to directly switch between the first optical region and the second optical region without inserting the third optical region into the optical path. The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the second switching method, the switching means is driven to switch between the second optical region and the third optical region after inserting the first optical region into the optical path. (Composition 4) The control means is In the first switching method, when switching from the second optical region to the first optical region, the switching means is driven so that the second optical region and the first optical region are inserted into the optical path in that order. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, when switching from the second optical region to the third optical region in the second switching method, the switching means is driven so that the second optical region, the first optical region, and the third optical region are inserted into the optical path in that order. (Composition 5) The control means is In the first switching method, the switching means is driven at a first speed, The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching means is driven at a second speed slower than the first speed in the second switching method. (Composition 6) The lens device according to configuration 5, characterized in that the control means can change the second speed. (Composition 7) The lens device according to configuration 6, characterized in that the control means sets the second speed according to the user's settings. (Composition 8) The control means is capable of communicating with an external device, The lens device according to any one of configurations 5 to 7, characterized in that when the control means receives the command from the external device, it sets the second speed to the same speed as the first speed. (Composition 9) It further has an aperture mechanism for adjusting the amount of light, The lens device according to any one of configurations 5 to 8, characterized in that the control means sets the second speed to the same speed as the first speed when the F value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. (Composition 10) The lens apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the third optical region is a lens with optical properties different from those of the first optical region and the second optical region, respectively. (Composition 11) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the third optical region is a lens that changes aberration by insertion and removal from the optical path. (Composition 12) The lens apparatus according to configuration 11, characterized in that the aberration is spherical aberration. (Composition 13) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that the first optical region and the second optical region are lenses with different magnifications. (Composition 14) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that the second optical region and the third optical region are lenses having the same magnification. (Composition 15) The first optical region is the first optical element, The aforementioned second optical region is a second optical element, The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, characterized in that the third optical region is a third optical element. (Composition 16) An imaging device characterized by having a lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15 and an image sensor. (Method 1) A control method for a lens device having multiple optical regions that can be inserted into and removed from an optical path, Steps to obtain user commands, The process includes the step of switching the optical region inserted into the optical path from among the plurality of optical regions in accordance with the command, The plurality of optical regions include a first optical region, a second optical region, and a third optical region. A control method for a lens device, characterized in that, in the step of switching the optical regions, the first switching method between the first optical region and the second optical region and the second switching method between the second optical region and the third optical region are made different from each other. (Composition 17) A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the lens device control method described in Method 1.

[0057] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its essence. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 100, 100a Lens device 104 Turret (Switching mechanism) 110 Turret drive unit (switching means) 112 Turret switching control unit (control means) 302 Optical Unit (First Optical Region) 303 Optical Unit (Second Optical Region) 304 Optical Unit (Third Optical Region)

Claims

1. Multiple optical regions that can be inserted into and removed from the optical path, A switching means for switching the optical region inserted into the optical path from among the plurality of optical regions, It includes a control means that controls the driving of the switching means in response to a command from the user, The plurality of optical regions include a first optical region, a second optical region, and a third optical region. The control means is characterized by making the first switching method between the first optical region and the second optical region and the second switching method between the second optical region and the third optical region different from each other.

2. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means makes the third switching method between the first optical region and the third optical region and the second switching method different from each other.

3. The control means is In the first switching method, the switching means is driven to directly switch between the first optical region and the second optical region without inserting the third optical region into the optical path. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the second switching method, the switching means is driven to switch between the second optical region and the third optical region after inserting the first optical region into the optical path.

4. The control means is In the first switching method, when switching from the second optical region to the first optical region, the switching means is driven so that the second optical region and the first optical region are inserted into the optical path in that order. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when switching from the second optical region to the third optical region in the second switching method, the switching means is driven so that the second optical region, the first optical region, and the third optical region are inserted into the optical path in that order.

5. The control means is In the first switching method, the switching means is driven at a first speed, The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the second switching method, the switching means is driven at a second speed slower than the first speed.

6. The lens device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control means is capable of changing the second speed.

7. The lens device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means sets the second speed according to the user's settings.

8. The control means is capable of communicating with an external device, The lens device according to claim 5, characterized in that when the control means receives the command from the external device, it sets the second speed to the same speed as the first speed.

9. It further has an aperture mechanism for adjusting the amount of light, The lens device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control means sets the second speed to the same speed as the first speed when the F value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

10. The lens apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the third optical region is a lens with optical properties different from those of the first optical region and the second optical region, respectively.

11. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the third optical region is a lens that changes aberration by insertion and removal from the optical path.

12. The lens apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the aberration is spherical aberration.

13. The lens apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first optical region and the second optical region are lenses with different magnifications.

14. The lens apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second optical region and the third optical region are lenses having the same magnification.

15. The first optical region is the first optical element, The aforementioned second optical region is a second optical element, The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the third optical region is a third optical element.

16. An imaging device characterized by having a lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an image sensor.

17. A control method for a lens device having multiple optical regions that can be inserted into and removed from an optical path, Steps to obtain user commands, The process includes the step of switching the optical region inserted into the optical path from among the plurality of optical regions in accordance with the command, The plurality of optical regions include a first optical region, a second optical region, and a third optical region. A control method for a lens device, characterized in that, in the step of switching the optical regions, the first switching method between the first optical region and the second optical region and the second switching method between the second optical region and the third optical region are made different from each other.

18. A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the control method for the lens device described in claim 17.

Images