Guide system for optical systems, particularly zoom systems

A guide system for a zoom system for guiding movement of zoom components along an optical axis in relation to each other, the guide system comprising:

• a housing including a passage extending along the optical axis, the passage accommodating an internal diameter;
• at least two slides, each slide being adapted to hold one of the zoom components and including only one sleeve segment having an outer wall and a plurality of contact surfaces on the outer wall for abutment against an inner wall of the housing, the sleeve segment describing an arc of less than 180°;
• a spindle cam coupled to the at least two slides for moving the at least two slides along the optical axis, the spindle cam being arranged laterally of the at least two slides in an opening of the housing when the guide system is viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the optical axis;
• means for biasing the plurality of contact surfaces of the sleeve segment in a radial direction for abutment with the inner wall of the housing;
• and
• means for securing the slide against rotation relative to the housing about the optical axis.