A system and method for estimating lens temperature is disclosed. In one embodiment, a camera comprises a body and a lens assembly. The lens assembly comprises a focus mechanism. The body comprises a heat generating element, a sensor proximally located to the heat generating element, and a processor. The sensor is configured to provide a signal responsive to temperature. The processor is configured to apply an input responsive to the signal to a heat transfer model to determine a temperature of the lens assembly. The processor further determines a focus error correction responsive to the temperature of said lens assembly.