An imaging lens includes at least one lens element having a surface that includes: a light transmitting region that transmits incident light; a second region; a step that extends in a direction generally parallel to a normal to said surface, that connects the light transmitting region to the second region, and that forms a boundary between the light transmitting region and the second region; and a light blocking coating that covers the entire second region. The entire surface of the second region, or only a portion thereof, may project or be recessed from the surface of the light transmitting region. The second region may extend completely or partially around the light transmitting region, and may function as an aperture stop, a field stop, or other stop. A method of manufacturing such a lens element is also disclosed.