1. A dataform reader for reading a dataform, comprising: a hand-portable sized housing; an image assembly included within the housing, the image assembly including means for obtaining a plurality of sets of image data representing the dataform when positioned a given distance from the dataform, each of the plurality of sets of image data being obtained relative to a different respective best focus length from the image assembly, the image assembly including a lens array having a body portion adapted to house a plurality of lens assemblies, each of the lens assemblies being designed to image the dataform at one of the different respective best focus lengths in order to obtain a corresponding one of the plurality of images, and wherein the body of the lens array includes a plurality of threaded bores adapted to threadedly engage one of the plurality of lens assemblies, and wherein a prism is provided at the base of each bore to redirect the image of the respective lens assembly to a location on a photosensor array; and means within the housing for selecting, from among the plurality of sets of image data, image data satisfying a predefined focus criteria.