Field of view
The required width and height must fit within one image at the available working distance.
Machine vision optics
Industrial lenses for machine vision cameras
Field of view, sensor size, working distance and smallest relevant detail determine which lens fits the camera and inspection. The available range includes standard, low-distortion, high-resolution, large-sensor and telecentric optics.
Lens specifications
What matters when selecting a machine vision lens
A lens is suitable when its optical and mechanical properties match the complete imaging setup. These six characteristics determine the available field of view, detail and focus margin.
Sensor size
The lens must cover the sensor completely without dark corners.
Resolution and detail
The optics must transfer the smallest relevant detail to the sensor.
Working distance
Available installation space helps determine the required focal length.
Aperture and depth of field
Part variation and motion determine the required margin around the focal plane.
Lens mount and mechanics
Lens mount, filter thread, overall length and access to focus locks must fit the camera and available space.
Focal length and optical performance
Calculating the required focal length
As a first approximation, focal length follows from sensor width, working distance and required field of view. Focus range, distortion, edge resolution and mechanical fit then determine whether the calculated lens works in the actual setup.
First approximation
Focal length ≈ sensor width × working distance ÷ field-of-view width
Applications requiring specialist optics
- Low distortion: for geometric inspection and reliable calibration.
- Telecentric optics: for dimensional inspection where perspective error is unacceptable.
- High resolution: for sensors with small pixels or applications requiring fine detail across the image.
- Large sensor: when the image circle of a standard C-mount lens is too small.
Lens, camera and lighting as one system
Compare lenses within the complete imaging setup
The catalogue filters help compare the available lenses. Sensor size, lens mount, working distance and required detail reproduction must match the selected camera and application.
In-depth guide
Selecting machine vision lenses
How field of view, working distance, distortion and telecentricity affect lens selection.
Read the guide →Capture the imageIndustrial cameras
How sensor, resolution and interface affect the camera choice.
View cameras →Create contrastMachine vision lighting
How light direction and geometry make contours, texture, print or defects visible.
View lighting →Browse lenses
View full catalog
Questions about lens selection?
Discuss the optical combination with Vincent or Jeroen
Sensor size, field of view, working distance and smallest relevant detail allow us to assess the lens, camera and lighting as one setup. A product photo, drawing or representative part helps when geometry or surface properties affect the image.
Vincent van Montfoort
Jeroen van den Berg