Electro-magnetic actuators used to provide a displacement of an optical element such as a lens carrier comprise at least one ferromagnetic frame associated with a large air gap and at least one ferromagnetic member parallel to and separated from an elongated section of a frame by a small air gap. Actuation causes a magnetic circuit that appears in the at least one frame, the at least one member and small air gaps and by-passes or bridges the large air gap. In some embodiments, the resultant magnetic force moves the at least one member and leads to the displacement of an optical element attached thereto. In some embodiments, at least one frame and at least one member are arranged to provide a center hole and are dimensioned to enable insertion of a lens carrier in the hole. In some embodiments, the displacement is for auto-focus. In other embodiments, the displacement is for optical image stabilization.

[Problem]

Provided is an optical element holder which makes it possible to demount an optical element such as a lens therefrom without taking a lot of time and effort.

[Solution]

A lens holder 30 for holding a lens 50 comprises: a frame 32; a lens holding part attached to the frame 32 and configured to hold the lens 50; and a holder mounting part (34, 35) attached to the frame 32 and formed of a magnet-attractable material, wherein the lens holder 30 is mountable to a pallet 16 comprising a pallet-side mounting part formed of a magnet 26, by a magnetic force between the holder mounting part (34, 35) and the pallet-side mounting part.

To solve the problems of the prior art, an optical element driving mechanism is provided. The optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed part, a movable part, and a driving assembly. The movable part is movable relative to the fixed part. The driving assembly drives the movable part to move relative to the fixed part.