Actuation systems and methods for actuating a telescopic structure are provided. The actuation system can include a chain cartridge including a drive chain engageably coupled to a drive mechanism actuated by an actuator coupled to a power supply. The drive chain can include a plurality of inter-connected links conveying at least one cable within an interior space of each inter-connected link. The system can also include a telescopic structure including a plurality of segments configured to extend and retract telescopically and conveying the drive chain therein. The drive chain can couple to a distal segment of the plurality of segments. The drive mechanism can impart a linear translation force on the plurality of inter-connected links to cause the distal segment to extend or retract from the telescopic structure. Methods of actuating the actuation system described herein are also provided.

Actuation systems and methods for actuating a telescopic structure are provided. The actuation system can include a chain cartridge including a drive chain engageably coupled to a drive mechanism actuated by an actuator coupled to a power supply. The drive chain can include a plurality of inter-connected links conveying at least one cable within an interior space of each inter-connected link. The system can also include a telescopic structure including a plurality of segments configured to extend and retract telescopically and conveying the drive chain therein. The drive chain can couple to a distal segment of the plurality of segments. The drive mechanism can impart a linear translation force on the plurality of inter-connected links to cause the distal segment to extend or retract from the telescopic structure. Methods of actuating the actuation system described herein are also provided.

A lens apparatus includes: an optical member; a driver that drives the optical member; a position detector that detects a position of the optical member; a target position deriver that sets a target position to which to drive the optical member; a speed deriver that derives a target speed for the driver to drive the optical member based on a difference between the target position and the position of the optical member; and a controller that controls the driver. The controller controls driving of the driver such that a speed of the optical member is equal to the target speed.

A lens apparatus includes: an optical member; a driver that drives the optical member; a position detector that detects a position of the optical member; a target position deriver that sets a target position to which to drive the optical member; a speed deriver that derives a target speed for the driver to drive the optical member based on a difference between the target position and the position of the optical member; and a controller that controls the driver. The controller controls driving of the driver such that a speed of the optical member is equal to the target speed.