beta = sensor dimension / field of viewChecks whether the target area fits the sensor at the required image scale.
MACHINE VISION LENS SELECTION TOOL
Machine Vision Lens Selection Calculator
Use this manual calculator to estimate sensor size, field of view, single-pixel accuracy, magnification, working distance, focal length and viewing angle for early machine vision lens screening. The result is a practical first pass for engineers preparing a lens, lighting and camera RFQ, not a final lens approval.
InputsCamera, sensor, target, WD and focal dataOutputsFOV, magnification, angle and lens classLimitsFinal selection requires datasheet and sample test
Manual machine vision lens selection inputs
Please enter as many parameters as possible. The system automatically derives missing first-order values; calculated values are approximate references.
Calculated result
Machine vision lens screening values
Results recalculate automatically whenever any parameter changes. Use Fill derived values only when you want to write calculated values back into empty fields.
Sensor size8.45 x 7.07mm
Target field120 x 100mm
Magnification0.0704x
Focal length21.1mm
Working distance300mm
Pixel accuracy0.0490 / 0.0488mm/px
Viewing angle22.6 / 19.0deg H/V
Image circle11.01mm
Thin-lens check19.73mm
Candidate lens class comparison
| Lens class | Focal | FOV at WD | Magnification | Release check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mm fixed focal lens class | 10 mm | 253.4 x 212.0 mm | 0.0333x | Verify MOD, distortion, image circle, mount and extension ring. |
| 12 mm fixed focal lens class | 12 mm | 211.1 x 176.6 mm | 0.0400x | Verify MOD, distortion, image circle, mount and extension ring. |
| 16 mm fixed focal lens class | 16 mm | 158.4 x 132.5 mm | 0.0533x | Verify MOD, distortion, image circle, mount and extension ring. |
| Closest standard class | 20 mm | 126.7 x 106.0 mm | 0.0667x | Verify MOD, distortion, image circle, mount and extension ring. |
| 25 mm fixed focal lens class | 25 mm | 101.3 x 84.8 mm | 0.0833x | Verify MOD, distortion, image circle, mount and extension ring. |
Engineering validation notes
- The entered values are sufficient for a first-order screening estimate. Confirm final selection with real samples and the selected lens datasheet.
- Do not treat this calculator as inventory, price, delivery, certification or final performance confirmation.
Selection method
How the manual machine vision lens calculator works
- Sensor size
Sensor width and height come from manual sensor dimensions or from resolution multiplied by pixel size.
- Field of view
Target width and height define the object area that must fit inside the image. Pixel accuracy can also derive FOV from resolution.
- Magnification
Magnification is estimated as sensor size divided by object field. When both axes are known, the lower ratio is used to keep the full target inside the image.
- Focal screening
The first-order focal estimate uses focal length near working distance multiplied by magnification. Close-range or high-magnification setups need datasheet verification.
Next action
Send camera, lens, FOV and sample details for engineering review
LuxMV can discuss lens class, lighting geometry, wavelength, controller timing and mounting constraints after the target, defect and imaging conditions are defined.
Use the formulas as screening evidence, not final approval
These references explain what the calculator is doing without turning the lower page into a dense manual. Final selection still depends on lens datasheet limits, lighting clearance, sample images, and installation geometry.
f approx WD x sensor size / FOVScreens a practical focal class before checking the lens datasheet.
accuracy = FOV / camera pixelsTurns camera resolution into the physical size represented by one pixel.
WD approx f x (1 + 1 / beta)Flags close-range setups that need MOD, distortion, and extension-ring review.
Sensor reference
Standard industrial sensor formats
FormatWHCircle
1/3 inch4.803.606.00
1/2.5 inch5.704.287.13
1/2 inch6.404.808.00
1/1.8 inch7.185.328.93
2/3 inch8.806.6011.00
1 inch12.809.6016.00
1.1 inch14.1910.3817.60
4/3 inch17.3013.0021.64
APS-C22.3014.9026.80
Machine Vision Lens Selection FAQ
What does a machine vision lens selection calculator do?
A machine vision lens selection calculator converts camera sensor size, resolution, target field of view, working distance and focal length into first-order values such as magnification, viewing angle and candidate focal classes. It is useful for early screening before checking a specific lens datasheet.
Which manual values are most important for selecting a machine vision lens?
Start with target width and height, required pixel accuracy, camera resolution, pixel size or sensor size, and the allowed working distance. Those values determine whether a lens focal length can cover the required field of view at the planned installation distance.
Can this calculator replace a lens datasheet or sample test?
No. The result is a first-order estimate and does not confirm distortion, depth of field, modulation transfer, minimum object distance, extension-ring image quality, interface fit, lighting clearance or production repeatability.
How should I use the result for an RFQ?
Send the calculated FOV, working distance, candidate focal class, camera sensor data, target feature, sample images, speed, exposure and mounting limits. LuxMV can then discuss lens, light, wavelength, controller and fixture constraints together.