An optical system for use with a multi-channel wide field imaging system, the optical system including an objective lens, a dichroic element to split light into a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range, the dichroic element positioned to receive near parallel chief rays from the objective lens, a first channel lens system to receive light of the first wavelength range from the dichroic element; and a second channel lens system to receive light of the second wavelength range from the dichroic element.