Based on MTF optical system modeling and ZEMAX ray tracing system to simulate the original image. Setting up the actual optical path, established the MTF simulation model and ZEMAX simulation model according to the actual optical path, analysis to simulate image. Analysis the difference between the two kinds of modeling method on the image, and evaluate modeling methods. Appling two modeling methods to real remote sensing images to simulate the degraded images. The results show that, modeling based on ZEMAX ray tracing is more realistic to reflect the change in optical system on image, as a result, it's more suitable for remote sensing image simulation.