How to find the right Surveillance Camera Lenses AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Surveillance Camera Lenses
- Lens mount
- CS-mount cameras take CS lenses. C-mount lenses need a 5 mm spacer on CS cameras. Board cameras use M12 (S-mount). The wrong flange distance makes focus impossible.
- Sensor format coverage
- The lens's rated format (for example 1/2.7" or 1/1.8") must be equal to or larger than the camera sensor. An undersized image circle causes dark corners (vignetting).
- Resolution rating
- Choose a lens rated at or above the camera's megapixel count. A low-resolution lens blurs a high-resolution sensor.
- IR correction
- Day/night cameras need IR-corrected lenses. Uncorrected lenses go out of focus when the camera switches to IR at night.
- Iris type
- Match the iris to the camera: DC auto-iris, P-iris or manual. Use auto-iris outdoors. A manual iris outdoors washes out in sun or goes dark at dusk.
Brands that matter
- Fujinon: High-quality varifocal and fixed CCTV lenses.
- Computar: Broad range of CS/C-mount and megapixel surveillance lenses.
- Tamron: Varifocal security lenses including IR-corrected models.
- Kowa: Industrial and security C-mount lenses.
What to avoid
- Buying lenses for dome, bullet or consumer cameras with built-in lenses, which are not replaceable
- Non-IR-corrected lenses on day/night cameras
- Lenses whose format is smaller than the sensor
Questions
Can I put a CS lens on a C-mount camera?
No. A CS lens on a C-mount camera cannot reach focus. Only C-lens to CS-camera works, using a 5 mm spacer.