System and method for converting between Keplerian and Galilean telescope magnification

A system comprising:

• a first lens subsystem comprising a first fixed focal length lens and a first liquid-based lens;
• a second lens subsystem comprising a second fixed focal length lens and second liquid-based lens, the first lens subsystem and the second lens subsystem are configured for light to pass through both the first and second lens subsystems;
• a controller configured to actuate the first liquid-based lens and the second liquid-based lens to change a focal length of the first liquid-based lens and a focal length of the second liquid-based lens between a positive focal length and a negative focal length;
• wherein a varied collimated magnification of light is produced dependent upon a net focal length wherein the collimated magnification of the light is produced as Keplerian telescopic magnification when the positive focal length is applied and as Galilean telescopic magnification when the negative focal length is applied.

A method comprising:

• passing a light through a first fixed focal length lens and a first liquid-based lens in a field of view to a second fixed focal length lens and a second liquid-based lens;
• electronically actuating the first liquid-based lens and the second liquid-based lens with an electrical charge;
• and
• changing, in response to the electronically actuating, a focal length for each liquid-based lens between a positive focal length and a negative focal length with each lens remaining stationary to produce a collimated magnification of the light that varies based on whether the first liquid-based lens and the second liquid-based lens has the positive focal length or the negative focal length wherein the collimated magnification of the light is produced as Keplerian telescopic magnification when the focal length is the positive focal length and as Galilean telescopic magnification when the focal length is the negative focal length.