Microelectronic imaging devices and associated methods for attaching transmissive elements are disclosed. A manufacturing method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes providing an imager workpiece having multiple image sensor dies configured to detect energy over a target frequency. The image sensor dies can include an image sensor and a corresponding lens device positioned proximate to the image sensor. The method can further include positioning standoffs adjacent to the lens devices while the image sensor dies are connected to each other via the imager workpiece. At least one transmissive element can be attached to the workpiece at least proximate to the standoffs so the lens devices are positioned between the corresponding image sensors and the at least one transmissive element. Accordingly, the at least one transmissive element can protect the image sensors while the image sensor dies are still connected. In a subsequent process, the image sensor dies can be separated from each other.