A color-splitting optical element is disclosed that includes a first prism having a first transmissive curved outer side, a second transmissive curved outer side and an inner side. The color-splitting optical element also includes a second prism having a first transmissive curved outer side, a second side and an inner side. A dichroic element is disposed between the inner side of the first prism and the inner side of the second prism. The first transmissive curved outer side of the first prism is disposed generally opposite the first transmissive curved outer side of the second prism along a first direction and the second transmissive curved outer side of the first prism is disposed generally opposite the second side of the second prism along a second direction. Also disclosed are optical systems utilizing such color-splitting optical elements.