Hi everyone,   
      
   I'd love to revisit this discussion.  I am researching the best optical   
   engineering software packages and note that the offerings have changed a lot   
   since the 90's!  Zemax, OSLO and FRED seem to be lower-cost, more basic   
   packages, while Synopsys' Code V    
   and LightTools as well as ASAP and TracePro seem to be more high-end   
   solutions.  What I am having a tough time understanding is why anyone would   
   pay so much extra for the high-end solutions, when the less expensive ones   
   seem to have broad functionality    
   across optical/illumination/laser applications.  What software packages do you   
   think are best suited for light vs. heavy users for optical, illumination and   
   laser?  I'd really appreciate you passing along any resources and opinions you   
   have.  And if    
   anyone can provide more in-depth consulting services for my research, let me   
   know because I'm willing to provide compensation.   
      
   Thanks everybody and warm wishes,   
   Chris   
      
   On Monday, August 21, 1995 3:00:00 AM UTC-4, JBCooper3 wrote:   
   > >I like Zemax a lot and have several years ( daily ) experience with it.   
   > > IMHO it isn't necessary for a program to do everything.  Zemax can   
   > >export data in many formats to be further processed by whatever other   
   > >graphics or math or CAD programs you have.  It does this very well.   
   > >Also, IMHO a program that attempts to be jack of all trades is master   
   > >of none.   
   > >Put Zemax on a laptop, drive up into the mountains, do your lens design   
   > >under a nice big tree.  Now which program do you like better?   
   >    
   > BTW, I do all of the above with Zemax (keep the pine straw out of the   
   > key!).    
   >    
   > Code V does a lot of things very well IMHO. Your mileage may vary. Note   
   > that I don't use it; I use Zemax (no affiliation with either Focusoft or   
   > ORA).   
   >    
   > John   
   > jbcooper3@aol.com   
      
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