Some simple analytical expressions for two important optical characteristics of focused high‐resolution circular arrays are derived, specifically those for beam patterns and depths of field. The expressions generated, in addition to providing simple estimational tools for array design purposes, also lend themselves to straightforward interpretation in terms of the Fourier (farfield) and Fresnel (nearfield) kernels. Applications to refocusing arrays are discussed, as well as similarities and differences between such (sonar oriented) systems and radar and optical systems.