How to programmatically add a link to an image field in a view
As per your question, I assume that you want the image link to open the image in existing/new tab. For this you can add a relationship of 'File Usage : File'.Post that you get the file path field in the fields section of the view. 
Add that file path field and in the rewrite result section or in template file you can create  tag with the required image.
PS: In field image setting select noting in link image to setting.