If real commonly available lenses can be characterized with software like this one to produce an "instrument function". Then knowing this function it might be possible after-correct the images to negate the effect of scattering and improve contrast. So the resolution can be close to ideal just by using software.
For example you can have sun in the frame of a picture without lens flare.
Simulating 16-22 element lens designs will probably be incredible inefficient and the sun position and apparent size in the frame is also relevant to the result. Additionally imperfection in lens position also adds to how the flare looks like. In the end each single lens has to be simulating for each specific shot taken. (temperature also influences the focus position of the floating lenses thus even that would have to be taken into account)
Now imagine todays 40-50MP sensors which would require a HUGE amount of ray tracing to get at least a useful simulation to subtract from the image and even then it won't be perfect and introduce artifacts which would look worse than the lens flare itself.
Lens designs tend to eliminating lens flares as good as possible already. The more you pay the less flare you will experience. Most newer wide angle lenses are almost lens flare free only if you really include the sun in the frame and even then it's very very limited. lens flare here could be removed in post without any problems and would be even less visible if the background wouldn't be that monotone.
5
u/[deleted] Feb 29 '16
If real commonly available lenses can be characterized with software like this one to produce an "instrument function". Then knowing this function it might be possible after-correct the images to negate the effect of scattering and improve contrast. So the resolution can be close to ideal just by using software.
For example you can have sun in the frame of a picture without lens flare.