An exemplary imaging based barcode reader has an imaging system that includes a photosensitive array, a focusing lens fixed with respect to the light detecting array which creates an image of a target object on the light detecting array; and an aperture stop fixed in relation to the focusing lens having an opening that allows light from the target object to impinge upon the lens for focusing onto the light detecting array. The focusing lens has a surface facing the aperture stop that is toroidal and in one exemplary embodiment approximates a cylinder that balances or optimizes. Astigmatism of the lens in the imaging plane located in the close proximity to the photosensitive array.