Machine vision lenses bridge the physical workpiece and the digital camera sensor. Select industrial optics based on sensor format, field of view (FOV), working distance (WD), optical resolution (MTF), distortion tolerance, depth of field (DOF), and spectral transmission (UV/Visible/SWIR).
Use product, process, facility, and inspection images to check whether the page claim is tied to a visible engineering condition.
Selection follows the observable condition, the optical setup, and the production constraint.
Set the camera sensor format, field of view, working distance, and smallest feature or measurement tolerance first.
Fixed focal length lenses are commonly compared for general area-scan inspection where cost, working distance, and field coverage fit the setup.
Check resolution at the smallest relevant feature with the intended sensor, aperture, and working distance.
Share sensor model or format, pixel size, field of view, working distance, target feature, tolerance, and object-height range.
Start with the camera sensor format and pixel size, required field of view, working distance, smallest feature to resolve, object-height variation, and measurement tolerance. These inputs establish magnification, lens coverage, resolution demand, and depth-of-field trade-offs before a lens family is chosen.
Consider telecentric optics when perspective variation, edge position, or magnification change across object height could affect a measurement. It still needs to be checked against the sensor, field of view, working distance, illumination, and the actual tolerance of the task.
No. Focal length is only one input. A useful selection also checks sensor coverage, field of view, working distance, required feature contrast, aperture, distortion, depth of field, wavelength, and mounting constraints.
Compare the four primary machine vision optical configurations across target requirements and applications:
| Lens Category | Primary Target | Typical Focal / Magnification | Key Application Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Focal Length (FA Lens) | Standard 2D Area Scan | 6mm, 8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm | General inspection, presence/absence, barcode reading, robot guidance. |
| Telecentric Lens (Object / Bi-telecentric) | High-Precision Measurement | 0.05X to 10X Fixed Magnification | Zero perspective distortion; constant magnification across object depth variation. |
| Macro Lens | Close-up Detail Inspection | High magnification (0.5X - 5.0X) | Micro-defect inspection on semiconductors, watch components, and medical devices. |
| Line-Scan Lens | Continuous Web / High-Resolution | Large Image Circle (Ø30mm - Ø62mm) | Matched to 2K, 4K, 8K, 16K line-scan cameras with M42, M58, M72, or V-mount. |
Mechanical interface compatibility between industrial camera sensors and optics:
| Mount Standard | Flange Focal Distance (FFD) | Thread Specification | Recommended Sensor Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-Mount | 17.526 mm (0.69 in) | 1-32 UN (25.4 mm thread) | Standard machine vision area-scan cameras up to 1.1" sensors. |
| CS-Mount | 12.526 mm (0.49 in) | 1-32 UN (25.4 mm thread) | Compact cameras; can accept C-mount lenses with a 5mm spacer ring. |
| M42 Mount | 45.5 mm / Variable | M42 × 1.0 or M42 × 0.75 | Large format area-scan (APS-C, Full Frame) and 2K - 8K line-scan sensors. |
| M72 / M90 / V-Mount | Flange distance per spec | M72 × 0.75 / V-groove | High-end 16K line-scan inspection and ultra-large image circle optics. |
Industrial lens selection is strongest when the camera, field of view, working distance, smallest feature, lighting method, and tolerance are evaluated together. Use these inputs before treating focal length as a final answer.
| Input | What to provide | Selection value |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor coverage | Sensor format, resolution, pixel size, and image circle | Prevents vignetting and links lens resolving power to the camera. |
| Field of view | Required target width and height in millimeters | Sets magnification and determines whether the lens can cover the part. |
| Working distance | Allowed lens-to-object distance and mechanical clearance | Controls focal length class, lighting clearance, and installation envelope. |
| Feature resolution | Smallest feature or defect, tolerance, contrast, and pixel target | Determines whether lens, camera, and lighting can resolve the task. |
| Depth and distortion | Object-height variation, measurement tolerance, edge accuracy, and allowable distortion | Determines whether fixed focal, macro, telecentric, or line-scan optics should be compared. |
