CHANCCTV

CCTV lenses are now widely used, but to match a specific scenario, multiple technical parameters and actual application needs need to be considered, such as clearly defining the monitoring target, monitoring distance, and monitoring environment.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to select the appropriate CCTV lenses for various specific scenarios.

Selecting a CCTV lens suitable for a specific scenario requires comprehensive consideration of the following factors:

1.Define the requirements of the monitoring scenario

Before selecting a CCTV lens, it is essential—as a foundational step—to first identify the specific surveillance requirements of the intended application scenario. First, it is necessary to clarify the characteristics of the monitoring target and the scene.

For example, confirm whether the target is to observe a large area or small details, whether the monitoring distance is short or long, and whether the monitoring environment is indoors or outdoors, and what the lighting conditions are. Ultimately, the appropriate lens must be selected based on these distinct surveillance requirements.

2.Matching key lens parameters

Focal length, aperture, field of view, and resolution are all key lens parameters that need to be considered:

(1)Focal length. Focal length is a critical factor in determining both the field of view and the monitoring distance. Different focal lengths correspond to distinct monitoring scenarios: the shorter the focal length, the wider the field of view; conversely, the longer the focal length, the greater the viewing distance.

For example, a 2.8mm focal length is suitable for monitoring distances within 10 meters and a field of view of about 100 degrees, making it suitable for monitoring indoor cash registers, elevators, and other areas within a certain range; a focal length of 8mm or more is suitable for monitoring distances of more than 15 meters, making it suitable for long-distance detailed monitoring in large scenes such as warehouses and parking lots.

Focal length is an important parameter to consider

(2)Aperture. Aperture determines the amount of light entering the camera, directly affecting the imaging effect at night. A larger aperture allows more light to enter, resulting in clearer images in low-light environments and making it suitable for nighttime surveillance scenarios without supplemental lighting. A smaller aperture is better suited for well-lit environments where overall scene clarity is required—such as on production lines or in warehouses.

In outdoor settings or other environments where ambient lighting fluctuates significantly, it is recommended to select a lens equipped with an auto-iris feature, which can automatically adjust in response to changing light conditions.

(3)Field of View. The field of view is closely related to the focal length, and directly determines the range that the lens can cover. Generally, wide-angle lenses have a field of view greater than 90°, making them suitable for large-scale surveillance in settings such as parking lots and public squares; telephoto lenses have a field of view of less than 30° and are ideal for detailed, long-distance monitoring—for instance, in applications involving license plate recognition and facial recognition.

(4)Resolution. The higher the resolution of the lens, the clearer the image will be. However, the resolution must match the detail requirements of the monitored target. It is not always better to have a higher resolution.

At the same time, the resolution of the lens itself must also match the resolution of the camera. High-definition cameras need to be paired with lenses of corresponding resolution, otherwise image edges will be blurred; high-resolution lenses paired with low-resolution cameras also result in a waste of resolution.

For example, a 2-megapixel lens can meet basic detailed monitoring needs, such as seeing people's outlines and general behavior, and is suitable for overall monitoring of ordinary corridors and warehouses.

(5)Mount and sensors. Common lens mount include M12, C, and CS mounts. Before installation, it is imperative to ensure that the lens mount matches the camera's interface; failure to do so may result in an inability to produce a clear image or even lead to equipment damage.

The same principle applies to sensor size: the lens's image circle must correspond to the camera's sensor dimensions; otherwise, the image is highly susceptible to vignetting, making it impossible to capture a clear picture.

Parameter matching for CCTV lenses is crucial

3.Installation height and angle

The installation height and angle of the lens and camera also affect the monitoring results. Generally, the higher the camera is mounted, the greater its horizontal coverage area. When capturing a downward-looking view from a high vantage point, it is necessary to appropriately increase the focal length to avoid wasting space at the top of the frame.

4.Nighttime surveillance capabilities

If the application scenario requires night-time surveillance, it is also necessary to consider a lens that supports infrared (IR) night vision and features an automatic IR cut filter function, in order to ensure clear imagery for both day and night monitoring.

5.Environmental adaptability and durability

When selecting CCTV lenses, it is also essential to consider environmental adaptability and durability—particularly for lenses intended for outdoor use. Special attention should be paid to whether they possess protective features, such as dust and water resistance, to prevent rainwater intrusion that could lead to lens damage or image failure.

The selection of CCTV lenses must also take into account environmental adaptability and durability

6.Selection schemes for different application scenarios

(1)Home indoor surveillance: Primarily designed to cover entire rooms—such as the living room—the preferred choice is a wide-angle lens with a focal length of approximately 4mm and a field of view of around 70 degrees, eliminating the need for frequent angle adjustments.

(2)Entrances and corridor surveillance: Primarily focused on monitoring narrow passageways, this setup aims to clearly capture the movement of people and objects at medium range. Lenses with focal lengths of 2.8mm or 4mm are recommended to ensure extended longitudinal coverage. An installation height of 2.5 to 3 meters is advised to prevent an excessive downward angle, which could result in facial obstruction.

(3)Parking lot/warehouse perimeter surveillance: The main goal is to clearly see license plates or personnel features. You can choose an 8mm or longer focal length lens to identify license plates and vehicle models at a distance of 15-30 meters and to clearly see faces. When installing outdoors, be sure to pay attention to the lens's waterproof and dustproof rating.

(4)Store checkout/office surveillance: The space is relatively enclosed, and it is necessary to balance the perspective and details. The main focus is on the overall environment and details. 4mm or 6mm lenses can be selected. If it is necessary to clearly record transaction processes or facial features, a 6mm lens is recommended.

There are different options for different application scenarios

(5)Large open area surveillance: In large areas such as squares, a single lens is not enough to cover all the information. It is usually necessary to deploy a combination of lenses. For example, a 2.8mm lens can be used to view the panorama, while an 8mm lens can be used to view the details of a fixed point. A varifocal lens can be selected to flexibly adjust the focal length.

(6)Traffic intersection surveillance: Intersections such as highways require ultra-long-distance monitoring to clearly see license plates or objects hundreds of meters away. Systems can be equipped with optional lenses featuring focal lengths ranging from 30mm to 120mm; when paired with infrared thermal imaging cameras, they ensure effective surveillance even during nighttime hours or under adverse weather conditions.

In industrial imaging applications, distortion is the greatest adversary to image recognition and dimensional measurement. Through precision optical design, low distortion lenses minimize geometric image distortion—thereby ensuring measurement accuracy and inspection reliability—and have consequently become a core component in the field of industrial scanning.

Low distortion lenses can accurately reproduce the geometry of the object being measured, making them indispensable in industrial scenarios that require high-precision dimensional measurement and barcode scanning. The following are its main industrial scanning application scenarios:

1.Precision dimensional measurement

Precision dimensional measurement of industrial parts such as electronic components and mechanical parts is the core industrial application of low distortion lenses. These precision manufacturing scenarios usually require high-precision inspection at the sub-millimeter or even micrometer level. Distortion can easily cause dimensional measurement errors, while the high fidelity of low distortion lenses can ensure that the measurement results are true and reliable.

2.Barcode scanning and recognition

The accuracy of a machine vision system depends directly on the distortion control of its lens. As barcodes and QR codes serve as critical identifiers for product traceability, the use of low distortion lenses during rapid scanning on automated assembly lines prevents the stretching and deformation of barcode characters, thereby ensuring fast and accurate recognition by scanning equipment.

This is particularly beneficial in scenarios involving the batch scanning of high-density micro-barcodes or full-carton barcodes across a wide field of view; in such cases, low distortion lenses effectively reduce recognition error rates, ensuring the reliability of logistics sorting and product traceability systems.

Low distortion lenses are often used for precision dimensional measurement

3.Surface defect detection

The high-precision imaging capability of low distortion lenses facilitates the detection of minute flaws; they are frequently employed to inspect product surfaces for defects such as scratches, cracks, voids, bubbles, and character anomalies. Their low-distortion characteristics prevent the distortion of defect morphology, thereby avoiding missed detections or misjudgments.

For example, in the production and inspection of LCD panels, photovoltaic glass, and automotive glass, low distortion lenses can clearly capture defects such as scratches, bubbles, and foreign objects on the glass surface, while ensuring the geometric accuracy of the glass edge contour.

4.High-precision positioning and identification

Image distortion causes the positional coordinates of feature points within an image to shift, thereby directly impacting the precision of a robot's grasping, placement, or assembly operations.

As a visual guidance component within automated production lines, low distortion lenses provide accurate image data, enabling robots to precisely identify and locate workpieces. This guidance facilitates the execution of tasks—such as assembly and grasping—thereby realizing automated control and enhancing production efficiency.

Low distortion lenses are used in high-precision positioning and identification

5.Digitization of printed materials and documents via scanning

Low distortion lenses are also frequently employed in scenarios involving the digital scanning of printed materials, documents, and technical drawings.

For example, in the positioning of patterns in textile fabrics and the quality inspection of barcodes in printed materials, low distortion lenses can accurately restore the proportion and position of patterns, ensuring that the size of printed barcodes meets the standards; in scenarios such as industrial file management and digitization of engineering drawings, low distortion lenses can accurately restore the line proportions and text details of drawings, avoiding problems such as stretching and deformation, ensuring that the scanned electronic documents are consistent with the original drawings, and meeting the needs of subsequent CAD secondary editing, archiving and retrieval.

6.Logistics sorting and parcel measurement

The scanning applications of low distortion lenses in the logistics industry should not be underestimated. In intelligent logistics sorting centers, low distortion lenses, in conjunction with 3D vision sensors or 2D cameras, can quickly scan the contours and measure the volume of packages on conveyor belts, accurately obtaining data such as the length, width, and height of the packages for automated sorting path planning, freight calculation, and warehouse space optimization.

Low distortion lenses are also frequently used in the logistics industry

In addition, scanning and inspecting the packaging labels, seal integrity, and packaging appearance quality of special industries such as food and pharmaceuticals to ensure accurate and compliant information is also one of the industrial scanning applications of low-distortion lenses.

Pinhole lenses are small in size and simple in structure, making them highly concealed. Their applications are mainly concentrated in fields that require covert monitoring and miniaturized imaging. In this article, we will explore the main application scenarios of pinhole lenses.

The primary application scenarios for pinhole lenses can be categorized into the following types:

1.Concealed security monitoring

Security monitoring is the core application scenario for pinhole lenses. Because pinhole lenses can be made very small, they can be easily embedded in walls, ceilings, furniture, electronic product casings, and other carriers to achieve unobtrusive surveillance and are commonly used for monitoring in homes, commercial spaces, and other special locations.

For example, in home security monitoring, pinhole lenses are often hidden inside clocks, sockets, and picture frames to monitor abnormal situations indoors; in commercial monitoring, pinhole lenses are often installed near shop shelves, cash registers, etc., to prevent theft and record transaction disputes.

2.Artistic photography and creative applications

Pinhole lenses are capable of capturing images that are soft and imbued with a surreal quality. Frequently employed in artistic photography and creative shoots, they produce unique visual effects characterized by softness, haziness, and natural vignetting—evoking a profound sense of timelessness and surrealism.

Pinhole lenses are often used in creative photography

3.Industrial inspection and equipment monitoring

Pinhole lenses are small in size and have functions such as resistance to high and low temperatures and vibration. They can be embedded inside the housing of production equipment without affecting the operation of the equipment. They are often used in industrial occasions with complex environments, limited space or special requirements.

For example, when installed inside large machinery (such as engines or pipes), it can be used for internal fault monitoring; when installed on industrial production lines, it can be used for monitoring the production process of precision equipment.

4.Medical and scientific research applications

In the fields of medicine and scientific research, pinhole lenses are frequently employed in photomicrography, endoscopy, and biological microscopy—thanks to their exceptionally high optical transmittance and non-contact imaging capabilities—making them well-suited for applications such as documenting intricate details within operating rooms and observing animal behavior in laboratory settings.

Pinhole lenses are commonly used in medical and scientific research applications

5.Special reconnaissance applications

Due to their high degree of concealment, pinhole lenses are also used in special industries, such as covert evidence collection by the police in combating crimes such as theft, fraud, and drug trafficking; covert evidence collection in anti-corruption investigations by discipline inspection and supervision departments; preservation of evidence in civil disputes recognized by the court; and evidence collection of violations in the service industry. In this case, pinhole lenses are usually disguised as easily portable and usable items such as buttons, phone cases, glasses, watches, and backpack charms.

It is important to note that the use of pinhole lenses must be conducted within a legal and compliant framework. Whether for public surveillance or covert investigation and evidence collection, such activities must be carried out strictly within the bounds permitted by law. They must not be employed for illegal activities—such as extortion or the dissemination of private information—as doing so would render any resulting evidence inadmissible and subject the perpetrator to legal liability.

Final Thoughts:

With its ultra-low distortion, high resolution, large depth of field, compact size, robust durability, and strong environmental adaptability, the M12 low-distortion lens has a wide range of applications in barcode scanning, ensuring fast and accurate barcode recognition in various complex environments.

The application of the M12 low distortion lens in barcode scanning is mainly reflected in the following scenarios:

1.Logistics sorting and warehouse management

In logistics sorting, M12 low distortion lenses are mounted above high-speed conveyor belts to rapidly and accurately read barcodes on packages at varying distances, thereby enabling automated sorting. In warehouse management, barcode readers equipped with low distortion lenses can perform long-range scanning of barcodes on incoming and outgoing cargo boxes, facilitating inventory management and logistics tracking.

2.Industrial automated production line tracking

In high-speed production lines such as electronics manufacturing and automotive parts manufacturing, the M12 low distortion lens can be used to read QR codes or scan barcodes on products, enabling assembly line operation management, ensuring information recording and traceability during the production process, and significantly improving work efficiency and traceability accuracy.

M12 low distortion lenses are commonly used in logistics warehousing and industrial automated production lines

3.Medical and pharmaceutical traceability

M12 low distortion lenses are also frequently employed for barcode recognition on pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices, ensuring highly reliable traceability. Drug packaging barcodes are typically small in size and high in density. The M12 low-distortion lens can accurately reproduce barcode details, assisting in drug traceability, reagent management, and other scenarios in the medical industry, ensuring compliance with the industry's stringent requirements for recognition accuracy.

4.Electronic payments and retail automation

The M12 low distortion lens is compact and can be integrated into mobile devices such as barcode scanners and payment terminals. It is used to quickly read payment codes on product packaging, screens, or paper. It is commonly used in self-checkout machines, smart vending machines, and other devices to quickly identify product barcodes and improve shopping checkout efficiency.

M12 low distortion lenses are commonly used in electronic payment and automated retail applications

When selecting an M12 low distortion lens for barcode scanning applications, particular attention should be paid to the following parameters:

1.Distortion rate

To ensure accurate image geometry and smooth scanning, M12 lenses used for barcode scanning generally require a distortion rate of ≤1%, and for particularly high-precision scenarios, a distortion rate of ≤0.5% is recommended.

2.Focal length selection

The focal length needs to be selected according to the scanning distance. For example, for close-range scanning of 10–100mm, a focal length of 2.8mm or 4mm can be selected; for medium-range scanning of 50–500mm, a focal length of 6mm or 8mm can be selected; and longer focal lengths such as 12mm or 25mm are suitable for scenarios with a longer working distance or where a narrower field of view is needed to improve local resolution.

3.Aperture selection

Aperture range is generally chosen between F2.0 and F2.8. A larger aperture can increase the amount of light entering the camera, ensuring image brightness in low-light environments.

The selection of the aperture for M12 low distortion lenses is also crucial

4.Target size and resolution

The selected lens image circle must match—or be slightly larger than—the size of the camera sensor (chip) being used; common image circle sizes include 1/1.8-inch, 1/2-inch, and 1/3-inch. Additionally, the lens resolution must be compatible with the camera sensor's pixel count.

5.Mount and compatibility

M12 lenses feature a standardized M12×0.5 threaded mount; therefore, when selecting a lens, it is necessary to verify mount compatibility between the lens and the industrial camera.

In summary, M12 low distortion lenses deliver high-precision, high-clarity images in barcode scanning applications, enabling scanning systems to read barcode information quickly and accurately, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and data accuracy.

Final Thoughts:

Leveraging advantages such as non-contact operation, high precision, and high efficiency, industrial scanning technology plays a pivotal role in modern industrial manufacturing. Its applications are extensive, spanning virtually the entire product lifecycle—from research and development through to decommissioning—and have profoundly transformed workflows across numerous industries.

In general, industrial scanning applications can be summarized in the following aspects:

1.Quality inspection and control

Quality inspection and control is the core application area of industrial scanning. It is often used to scan and inspect the dimensional deviations and shape errors of product parts, detect whether there are scratches, dents, deformations and other defects on the product surface, and check the assembly consistency of the product.

For example, by performing non-contact measurements on aerospace parts, automotive engine parts, and other components, key indicators such as complex curved surfaces and coaxiality can be detected; by comparing the scanned data with CAD digital design drawings, millimeter-level or even micrometer-level precision inspection can be achieved, enabling zero-defect production.

2.Logistics and warehousing management

In logistics cargo sorting, it is often necessary to scan package barcodes to automatically identify the destination in order to achieve automated sorting, while recording the transportation status in real time and providing logistics tracking information.

In inbound and outbound warehouse management, barcode scanning can quickly collect data in the inbound, outbound, and inventory stages, improving efficiency and accuracy and reducing human error.

In warehousing, barcode scanning management can help update inventory information in real time, avoid backlog or stockouts, guide picking routes, and improve warehouse operation efficiency and security.

Logistics and warehouse management are common application scenarios for industrial scanning

3.Automated production line management

In smart manufacturing and automated production lines, scanning technology mainly exists in the form of barcode recognition and visual guidance.

For example, in barcode recognition, real-time scanning of workpiece barcodes can record production progress, pass rate, and responsible person, enabling full-process traceability of production; in robot vision guidance, scanning the position, angle, and posture of objects can guide the robotic arm to accurately grasp disordered workpieces; in the assembly process, it can guide the robot to automatically calibrate the position of parts, solving the error problem of manual alignment.

4.New product development and reverse engineering

Scanning also has important applications in the product development process. When original design drawings are lacking, or when improvements are needed to existing mature products, scanning is the best way to obtain geometric data. For example, scanning old molds and analyzing their wear can guide the design and manufacturing of new molds.

For example, for new products such as small internal flow channel castings, scanning their structure after molding and detecting problems such as mouth shrinkage and deformation can significantly shorten the new product development cycle by reverse iteratively correcting the design.

Scanning technology is commonly used in automated production line management

5.Equipment maintenance and repair

Scanning technology is also frequently employed in equipment maintenance and repair. By periodically scanning critical equipment—comparing the results against historical data to assess conditions such as wear, deformation, or damage—predictive maintenance can be achieved. For example, inspecting the wear of railway tracks and assessing the wear of water turbine blades.

6.Factory digitization and digital twins

For large-scale infrastructure or hard-to-access areas, industrial scanning offers a non-contact digital solution. For example, 3D data acquisition of factory equipment, pipelines, and steel structures can be used to build digital twin models, which can be used for factory planning and renovation, production line optimization, equipment maintenance management, and virtual simulation training.

Scanning technology is also commonly used in equipment maintenance and repair

7.Customized applications for specific industries

Industrial scanning is also used to solve core challenges in specific industries that make it difficult to measure objects that are large, complex, or of special value. For example, applications include the digital protection and restoration of cultural relics and historical sites, customized prostheses and surgical planning in the medical field, and the creation of 3D assets for film and television special effects and video games.

In summary, industrial scanning applications have evolved beyond simple barcode recognition; they now integrate a diverse range of technologies and span virtually every industry and product lifecycle stage. As different application scenarios impose varying requirements regarding scanning precision, speed, and environmental adaptability, it is essential to select and configure the appropriate scanning equipment and lenses based on specific operational needs.

Final Thoughts:

Pinhole lenses are extremely compact—typically featuring apertures of only a few millimeters—and possess exceptional covertness. They are frequently concealed within the minute crevices of everyday objects—such as nail holes in walls, electrical outlets, or decorative items—allowing them to be deployed in key surveillance zones without detection, thereby ensuring the continuity and integrity of the monitoring process.

It is evident, therefore, that while pinhole lenses achieve covert deployment through their extremely compact size, they inherently face optical limitations—such as limited light intake, a narrow field of view, and a high risk of distortion. When applied in security surveillance, ensuring adequate monitoring quality typically requires addressing these limitations through several key approaches:

1.Optical design optimization

The covert nature of pinhole lenses relies primarily on their small aperture and short focal length; however, their inherent optical limitations must be compensated for through precise design.

For instance, when designing the lens, it is essential to strike a balance between aperture and focal length: employing a wide aperture design increases light intake, thereby mitigating noise issues in low-light environments. Regarding focal length, while it should be short, it should not be excessively so—a range of 2.8 to 4 mm is optimal, as this ensures adequate coverage at close range while avoiding the distortion problems associated with extremely short focal lengths.

Furthermore, when selecting lens materials, one should eschew ordinary plastic lenses in favor of high-quality aspherical lenses; this choice minimizes light refraction losses and chromatic dispersion, effectively reducing issues such as image blurring and distortion at the edges.

Hidden surveillance using pinhole lenses

2.Core hardware optimization

The sensor size of a lens is a key factor affecting image quality. Within the maximum available space, one should utilize the largest possible image sensor—such as 1/2.8-inch or 1/1.8-inch models—as this significantly enhances low-light performance, reduces noise, and captures richer detail.

It is important to note that pinhole lenses have limited resolution, so there is no need to blindly pursue ultra-high pixel counts. A 2-4 megapixel sensor is sufficient. Excessive pixel counts can actually amplify the optical defects of the lens.

3.Installation location selection

The mounting position of a lens is critically important; it not only affects concealment but also directly determines the surveillance angle and image quality. The ideal location should balance concealment and unobstructed view. Its front end should be as close as possible to the surface of the obstruction to ensure that the field of view covers the key monitoring area and avoid black borders and target distortion in the image.

One should select a mounting location with uniform and stable lighting, avoiding direct alignment with strong light sources (such as windows or light fixtures), while also refraining from installation in overly dark corners.

Furthermore, when installing a pinhole lens, the "high-position principle" should be observed—specifically, the lens should be mounted at a height situated above the average human eye level.

The choice of lens mounting location is extremely crucial

4.Adjust parameters based on usage scenarios

The type of pinhole lens utilized may vary depending on the specific monitoring scenario. For example, in fixed indoor scenes such as bedrooms and offices, a fixed-focus pinhole lens can be selected; in moving target scenes such as corridors and doorways, a wide-angle pinhole lens can be selected; in low-light scenes, infrared fill light is required, while reducing the shutter speed to increase the amount of light entering the lens.

5.Ensure network and power supply stability

The stable operation of pinhole cameras and video cameras depends on a stable network and power supply. An unstable power source can lead to device restarts and interruptions in video recording; for wireless cameras, it is essential to ensure that the battery charge remains sufficient.

For pinhole cameras that transmit via WiFi, a stable signal is a prerequisite for ensuring smooth, uninterrupted, and frame-free video. Being too far from the router or having too many walls in between will seriously affect the image quality experience.

Common Surveillance and Application Scenarios for Pinhole Lenses

1.Home security monitoring: Used for remote home care of children/elderly, home dynamic observation of pets, and security monitoring of doors and windows.

2.Covert surveillance in public areas: Used for theft prevention around bank ATMs, anti-terrorism and anti-riot measures in subway/station public passages, theft prevention in campus corridors/libraries, and corner monitoring in parking lots, etc.

Pinhole lenses are also frequently used for covert surveillance in public areas

3.Traffic monitoring: Used to capture traffic violations, record traffic accident scenes, etc.

4.Artistic applications: Used to create photographic works with unique visual effects such as dreamlike or retro feel.

5.Legal and law enforcement evidence collection: Covert evidence collection for police in combating crimes such as theft, fraud, and drug trafficking (requires law enforcement authorization), covert evidence collection in anti-corruption investigations by discipline inspection and supervision departments, and preservation of evidence in civil disputes recognized by the court.

6.Industrial and equipment monitoring: Used for internal fault monitoring of large machinery, production process monitoring of precision equipment, and covert monitoring of power equipment/communication base stations, etc.

7.Vehicle-mounted concealed surveillance: Used for security monitoring inside ride-hailing/taxi vehicles, cargo monitoring in trucks/logistics vehicles, and evidence collection to prevent scratches/accidents on private cars.

8.Medical and scientific research monitoring: Used for detailed recording of the operating room interior, observation of laboratory animal behavior, and monitoring of the daily behavior of patients with chronic diseases.

A fisheye lens is a special type of wide angle lens. Due to its extreme optical characteristics, it can create unique visual effects that cannot be achieved with conventional lenses. Fisheye lenses provide an important tool for storytelling and visual creativity and is extremely powerful and expressive in film and television production.

Fisheye lenses are characterized by an extremely short focal length and pronounced barrel distortion; in film and video production, their visual effects primarily manifest in the following ways:

1.Extreme field of vision and sense of distortion

Fisheye lenses typically offer an angle of view reaching 180°—or even wider—enabling them to capture a nearly panoramic perspective and encompass an extremely vast scene situated directly in front of the lens.

At the same time, objects in the center of the image will bulge outwards, and straight lines at the edges will become curved lines, creating a strong distortion effect. In film and television production, this sense of distortion can be used to simulate subjective perspectives, such as a state of confusion like being drunk or dizzy, or to portray a character's mental breakdown or near collapse.

2.Fisheye lenses feature exaggerated perspective effects

Due to their significant distortion, fisheye lenses cause objects close to the lens to be drastically magnified, while those further away are sharply reduced in size, thereby creating a highly exaggerated perspective effect where near objects appear large and distant ones small.

By leveraging this effect—where proximity dictates size—fisheye lenses can capture characters with comically exaggerated noses or chins; consequently, they are frequently employed in comedy films to generate humorous visual effects.

Furthermore, when photographing people or objects, positioning the subject near the center of the frame—in extreme proximity to the lens—serves to accentuate the subject, making it appear colossal and imparting a powerful sense of oppression and visual impact upon the viewer.

Fisheye lenses have an exaggerated perspective effect

3.Create a special atmosphere

The distortion effect of fisheye lenses can render real-world scenes with a bubble-like or planetary visual aesthetic, and is frequently employed in science fiction, fantasy, or artistic narratives.

For example, in science fiction movies, fisheye lenses are often used to film street scenes or interior spaces of futuristic cities, enhancing their cold, bizarre, and surreal technological feel; in horror movies, fisheye lenses can be used to distort the normal form of the environment, making familiar scenes strange and eerie, and enhancing the sense of unease.

4.Fisheye lenses enhance the sense of dynamism and speed

When shooting action scenes such as extreme sports, chases, and fights, fisheye lenses expand the field of view of the image, capturing both the details of the subject's movements and information about the surrounding environment, creating a strong sense of dynamism and tension in the footage.

For example, when shooting racing scenes, a fisheye lens can simultaneously capture the speed of the race car and the curves of the track in the frame, making the audience feel as if they are there, creating a strong immersive experience.

Fisheye lenses can enhance the sense of dynamism and speed

5.Enhance visual impact expression

The expansive field of view and unique distortion effects of fisheye lenses generate a powerful visual impact, rendering images more captivating and striking. Consequently, they are frequently employed in attention-grabbing contexts—such as music videos, advertisements, or film opening sequences—to create effects that are exaggerated, humorous, or visually arresting, thereby enhancing the visual appeal and memorability of the footage.

6.Pseudo-planet scenery effects

By leveraging the barrel distortion characteristics of a fisheye lens—specifically by positioning the horizon line at the very top edge of the frame—the ground plane or horizon takes on a curved form that bulges in the center and dips at the edges, creating the illusion that one is gazing upon a tiny planet.

Fisheye lenses can create landscape effects resembling artificial planets

7.Fisheye lenses can simulate a surveillance perspective

Due to their panoramic coverage capabilities, fisheye lenses are frequently used to simulate surveillance footage, creating the effect of all-around observation.

CCTV lenses, as an important tool for security protection, are now widely used in business and have become an important part of business operations and management, covering multiple industries and fields.

The application of CCTV lenses in commercial scenarios is already very mature, and the common applications can be summarized as follows:

1.Commercial retail stores

Commercial retail stores, such as shopping malls, supermarkets, specialty stores, and convenience stores, often use wide-angle lenses or fixed-focus high-resolution lenses, which are installed in areas such as cash registers, entrances and exits, aisles, and shelves. These lenses are mainly used for theft prevention, monitoring of cash registers, customer flow statistics and analysis, employee safety, and hazard warnings.

2.Hotels, guesthouses and other service industries

Similar to retail stores, hotels, guesthouses, and other service industries often use CCTV lenses to monitor public areas such as entrances, lobbies, corridors, front desks, elevators, and parking lots to ensure the safety of guests and employees.

CCTV lenses are commonly used in service industries such as hotels and guesthouses

3.Banks and other financial institutions

Banks and other financial institutions have extremely high requirements for security and confidentiality, requiring CCTV lenses to possess high-definition, tamper-proof, and real-time transmission capabilities. 24-hour monitoring of bank entrances and exits, ATMs, lobbies, and vaults is a mandatory security requirement. Bank CCTV lenses are primarily used to protect personnel and property, ensure compliance of business processes, and mitigate financial risks; they can also be integrated with alarm systems.

4.Office buildings and parks

In office parks and office buildings, CCTV lenses are also an indispensable component, often used to monitor important areas such as entrances and exits, parking lots, computer rooms, and power distribution rooms, enabling functions such as personnel entry and exit, abnormal alarms, and remote viewing.

CCTV lenses are commonly used in office parks and office buildings

5.Industry and manufacturing

CCTV lenses are also commonly found in industrial production workshops and warehouses, focusing on production safety supervision and process compliance, and requiring high environmental adaptability (such as dustproof and high temperature resistance).

In industrial production, CCTV lenses are used to monitor production lines and warehouses to ensure that employees comply with safe operating procedures, ensure that production processes meet standards, and prevent accidents such as production safety issues and theft.

6.Catering industry

The catering industry is also a significant commercial application for CCTV lenses, with the core purpose of ensuring food safety and preventing loopholes in the checkout process. Used to monitor kitchen operations, ensuring food safety and hygiene, and making the kitchen transparent, which can enhance customer trust; used to monitor the checkout process, which can prevent loopholes in the checkout process.

CCTV lenses are also commonly used in the catering industry

7.Education and healthcare

In the education and healthcare sectors, such as schools and hospitals, security surveillance cameras are also a crucial component. In schools, cameras are primarily used to monitor school gates, playgrounds, canteens, and dormitories to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure student safety; they can also be used for exam monitoring, remote learning, and maintaining order in the teaching process.

In medical institutions, cameras are mainly used to monitor densely populated areas such as registration desks, emergency rooms, and pharmacies to maintain order and provide factual evidence for resolving doctor-patient disputes; additionally, they are used for key monitoring of warehouses and storage areas for important medical equipment to ensure the safety of medicines and equipment.

8.Transportation and Logistics

In key transportation hubs such as airports, train stations, and subway stations, CCTV lenses are indispensable. They are mainly used for large-scale crowd monitoring, counter-terrorism and stability maintenance, vehicle dispatching, and emergency response. Facial recognition cameras are often used for the surveillance of key personnel.

In logistics and warehousing, lenses primarily monitor the sorting and loading/unloading processes of packages to improve efficiency, facilitate the tracing of responsibility for lost or damaged packages, and monitor the on-duty status of staff at the stations.

CCTV lenses are very important in transportation hubs

9.Construction site

In special settings such as construction sites, CCTV lenses are often used to monitor building materials and equipment to prevent theft at night. They can also be used to remotely monitor construction progress and on-site safety, such as whether safety helmets are worn, to ensure construction safety.

In addition, CCTV lenses are gradually being used in some emerging scenarios, such as agriculture and animal husbandry, where large-scale farms, fish ponds, and breeding farms are being remotely monitored to reduce the cost of manpower patrols.

Final Thoughts:

As the title suggests, varifocal lenses are ideal for wildlife photography and are currently one of the most popular lens choices in wildlife photography. The focal length flexibility, focusing speed, and image stabilization of varifocal lenses allow photographers to quickly capture fleeting moments of animals while maintaining a safe distance, enabling them to handle complex and ever-changing wild environments.

1.The main advantages of varifocal lenses for shooting wildlife

(1)No need to frequently change lenses: Wild animals are often elusive, and you might miss a crucial shot if you switch to a fixed focus lens. Using a varifocal lens allows you to quickly compose a shot by adjusting the focal length, such as switching from a panoramic view to a close-up, without having to change lenses.

(2)Adaptable to diverse shooting needs: Using a varifocal lens, you can use the telephoto end (such as 200mm and above) to shoot close-ups of distant animals, or use the mid-range telephoto end (such as 70-100mm) to shoot images of animals and their environment, showcasing ecological scenes.

(3)Reduce equipment burden: Compared to carrying multiple fixed focus lenses (such as 300mm, 400mm, 600mm), a single telephoto varifocal lens (such as 200-600mm) can cover multiple focal lengths, reducing the weight carried and facilitating long-distance tracking and shooting in the wild.

(4)Reduce shooting difficulty: When shooting animals in the wild, it is often necessary to remain hidden, making it difficult for photographers to get close to the animals. The telephoto end of a varifocal lens can be used to shoot from a safe distance, avoiding disturbing the animals, reducing the difficulty of shooting, and also ensuring personal safety.

Advantages of using varifocal lenses to photograph wildlife

2.How to choose a varifocal lens suitable for wildlife photography?

Wildlife photography also has specific requirements for varifocal lenses; not all varifocal lenses are suitable. The following parameters need to be carefully considered:

(1)Focal length

Focal length is the most important factor when choosing a varifocal lens; a longer focal length is generally considered better in wildlife photography. Beginners typically choose a 70-300mm or 100-400mm focal length range, suitable for shooting relatively fearless large animals or at closer distances, allowing for a balance between animal and landscape photography.

Most professional photographers opt for focal length ranges such as 200-500mm or 150-600mm, suitable for shooting small animals or birds from a distance. Some lenses are also compatible with teleconverters, further extending the focal length to 800mm or even 1200mm, providing even greater telephoto capabilities.

(2)Aperture

Aperture size is also a key parameter to consider when choosing a varifocal lens. Variable aperture lenses like f/4.5-5.6 and f/5-6.3 are lighter and more affordable, making them the choice for most people. However, they have smaller apertures at the telephoto end, requiring higher light levels.

Constant aperture lenses, such as f/2.8 and f/4, offer powerful performance but are expensive and heavier. A large aperture increases light intake, ensuring faster shutter speeds, preventing blurry images, and also creates a shallow depth of field, highlighting the subject, such as animals.

Aperture is an important parameter to consider when choosing a varifocal lens

(3)Image stabilization and autofocus performance

Telephoto lenses are prone to blurring due to camera shake, making built-in optical image stabilization crucial! It helps you use slower shutter speeds when shooting handheld to obtain sharp photos. At the same time, a fast, quiet autofocus system that accurately tracks moving objects is equally important for capturing birds in flight or running animals.

(4)Weight and portability

Outdoor shooting often requires trekking, and the weight and size of the lens directly affect physical exertion. If you need to shoot on long hikes, you need to consider a lightweight design for the lens or use a carbon fiber lens body. If necessary, you will also need to use a lightweight tripod or monopod.

Weight and portability are also factors to consider for varifocal lenses

(5)Weather resistance and reliability

When shooting in the wild, the lens's weather resistance also needs to be considered. The lens uses an internal zoom design (the lens length remains unchanged when zooming) to help maintain a stable center of gravity and provides better dust and moisture protection; the dust and drip resistant structure can remain reliable in harsh environments such as rainforests and grasslands.

In conclusion, varifocal lenses, with their flexibility, convenience, and optical image stabilization, have become one of the mainstream lens choices for wildlife photography.

The image quality of CCTV lens is extremely important, and ensuring that the lens's image is not affected by backlighting is a complex process that requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple aspects.

To ensure that the monitoring footage from CCTV lens is not affected by backlighting, the following specific measures can be taken:

1.Equipment selection solutions

Choosing surveillance equipment with hardware capabilities to handle backlighting is fundamental to solving backlighting problems. Lenses with features such as wide dynamic range, backlight compensation, and strong light suppression can effectively mitigate backlighting issues.

For example, using backlight compensation, a basic anti-backlight function, allows the camera to use the brightness of the central area or a specified area of the image as a reference for exposure, ignoring the strong light in the background.

2.Install positioning solutions

Properly planning the lens's installation position and angle to physically reduce the occurrence of backlit scenes is the most cost-effective and direct method to combat the effects of backlighting. The basic principle for lens installation is: the angle between the lens axis and the strong light source (such as the sun or bright lights) should be ≥45°, avoiding the lens directly facing the light source.

For example, in areas with large glass surfaces such as entrances and corridors, the camera should be installed on the side or above whenever possible, so that the lens does not directly face the windows or doors. Before installation, observe the angle of sunlight at different times of the day to determine the optimal position.

Selection and installation considerations for CCTV lenses

If the window cannot be avoided, try positioning the camera at an angle to the window, rather than directly facing it. This can reduce the total amount of light entering the lens. If it's impossible to avoid the direction of strong light, adding a lens hood, baffle, or sunshade in front of the camera can also reduce the intensity of direct sunlight.

Furthermore, be careful to avoid pointing the lens directly at highly reflective objects such as glass curtain walls, water surfaces, or white walls. These objects can produce specular reflections under strong light, which is equivalent to backlighting and can easily lead to overexposure in parts of the image.

3.Environmental adjustment solutions

In nighttime or low-light conditions, backlighting problems can be more pronounced. In this situation, using the infrared night vision function of the surveillance camera can provide additional illumination by emitting infrared light, thus reducing the impact of backlighting on the image.

If the surveillance camera is installed at entrances or exits, increasing the illumination of the indoor light source can reduce the contrast between indoor and outdoor light, thereby improving the backlighting issue. For example, arranging uniform lighting in the indoor area facing the camera can reduce the difference in light intensity between indoor and outdoor areas, mitigating the backlighting effect.

Additionally, if a strong light source (such as a street lamp or spotlight) is shining directly into the camera, the light intensity can be reduced by blocking the light or adjusting the direction of the light fixture.

The lens installation can be adjusted based on environmental conditions

4.Parameter configuration solutions

In surveillance systems, backlight issues can also be addressed by adjusting image parameters. Generally, even with proper hardware and installation, further optimization of backlight compensation is needed through configuration on the device or backend platform, with the core principle being targeted parameter adjustment.

For example, adjusting parameters such as contrast, brightness, and saturation can make the image more balanced and clear; in scenes with significant light variations, the exposure time can be appropriately reduced or the aperture narrowed to prevent overexposure; if necessary, the ISO can be increased to preserve details in dark areas, but attention should be paid to noise control.

5.Other auxiliary measures

To combat the effects of backlighting, several other auxiliary measures can be employed. For example, laying dark-colored carpets on the ground near entrances and exits can reduce ground reflections; curtains can be used to block direct sunlight from entering the lens; and on cameras with interchangeable lenses, a polarizing filter can be fitted to filter out glare from specific directions, significantly improving image clarity in backlit environments.

Spherical aberration is one of the common aberrations in optical systems, and its formation mechanism is closely related to the spherical structure of the lens.

1.The nature of spherical aberration

Spherical aberration is a type of image blur caused by the fact that when a lens surface is spherical, light rays entering at different heights (different distances from the optical axis) converge at different points, thus affecting image sharpness.

Paraxial rays → focus at a farther position (closer to the theoretical focal point)

Marginal rays → focus at a closer position (before the theoretical focal point)

This difference in focal position can easily lead to a phenomenon where the center is sharp but the edges are blurry.

2.Physical explanation of the formation mechanism

(1)Difference in refraction angle. For a spherical surface, the radius of curvature varies with position; the further from the center, the faster the surface normal changes, resulting in a larger refraction angle.

(2)The accumulation of higher-order aberration terms. For large-aperture lenses, the impact of this difference is magnified.

(3)The difference between a single lens and multiple lenses: A single lens can hardly correct spherical aberration, while multiple lenses can compensate for it through a combination of different curvatures and different glass refractive indices.

Schematic diagram of spherical aberration

3.The dangers of spherical aberration

Spherical aberration directly degrades the image quality of a lens, specifically manifested in the following ways:

(1)Point spread: An ideal "point source" (such as a star or a pixel) will become a "blurred light spot," with a halo of varying brightness at its edges;

(2)Image quality degradation: Overall image sharpness is reduced, and details (such as text and textures) become blurry, especially when the lens aperture is fully open (when edge light is more prominent);

(3)Reduced contrast: Diffuse light spots can lead to a reduction in the contrast between light and dark areas of the image, resulting in loss of detail in dark areas and overexposure in bright areas.

4.Design methods to avoid spherical aberration

To avoid spherical aberration problems, the main methods used in lens manufacturing are as follows:

(1)Optical design phase

①Using aspherical lenses

Aspherical lenses, whose curvature varies with the radius, allow all light rays to converge to a single point, thus eliminating spherical aberration at its source.

Advantages: A single aspherical lens can compensate for the aberrations of multiple spherical lenses.

Disadvantages: High manufacturing difficulty and extremely strict tolerance requirements.

②Multi-lens combination optimization

By using a combination of lenses with different refractive indices and curvatures (commonly found in achromatic designs), ray tracing optimization allows the marginal rays and central rays to focus at the same point.

③Refractive index distribution lens

By using a gradual distribution of refractive index within the material, the light path is pre-compensated inside the lens.

Design methods to avoid spherical aberration

(2)Manufacturing and process stages

①High-precision grinding and polishing

The accuracy of the spherical surface must be within the nanometer-level surface shape error range; otherwise, aberrations will be amplified.

②Molded aspherical lenses

Suitable for mass production, but mold temperature control and stress release are crucial.

③Injection molded aspherical plastic lenses

Low cost, but limited by material thermal expansion and aging, it is mostly used in consumer-grade devices.

(3)Client-side assistance

①Reduce the aperture (f/8 or smaller)

Although reducing the aperture is not a complete solution, decreasing the effective light path can mitigate the effects of stray light at the edges.

②Software algorithm compensation

Some cameras perform sharpening compensation during JPEG/RAW processing based on the lens model.

5.Special considerations for 4K/high-resolution lenses

How to manufacture lenses with 4K and higher resolution, where the tolerance for spherical aberration is extremely low:

Small pixel size → any minute aberration will lead to a decrease in MTF (Modulation Transfer Function);

Full-frame or large-format sensors → require higher image quality at the edges;

High-speed aperture requirement → Spherical aberration is more difficult to suppress at large apertures.

Therefore, high-end designs often utilize:

Short focus lenses have a short focal length and a wide field of view, allowing them to capture more environmental information. They are commonly used in outdoor photography. In outdoor sports photography, short focus lenses can go beyond the perspective of conventional lenses, capturing the grandeur of the sports scene and delivering a unique visual impact.

In outdoor sports photography, you can try some practical shooting techniques using short-focus lenses:

1.Boldly approach the main body of the movement

Approaching the subject boldly is a crucial principle for photographing sports with a short-focus lens. To make the subject stand out and the distortion impactful, you must get very close to the athlete to fully utilize the advantages of short focus lenses, such as exaggerated perspective and strong visual impact, allowing you to take photos with a greater sense of presence and power. The so-called "visual impact" largely comes from this sense of pressure created by the close proximity to the subject.

2.Use a low-angle upward shot

Lowering the camera angle and shooting from a low angle upwards can make the subject appear taller and more imposing, enhancing the dynamism of the movement.  It also allows the sky to be used as a background, simplifying the image. Low-angle shots are more effective at capturing the impact of actions such as athletes jumping or leaping, highlighting their jumping height and power.

Short focus lenses can be used to shoot from a low angle upwards

3.Using foreground and background in composition

Short focus lenses offer a wide field of view, making it easy to include a large amount of the surrounding environment in the shot, which can easily lead to cluttered images. When shooting, you can use foreground elements such as rocks, branches, tents, or track fences to create a "natural frame," guiding the viewer's attention to the athletes while integrating the foreground, subject, and background to give the image more depth and dimension.

In addition, because short focus lenses capture a wide variety of elements in the frame, the background must be carefully selected to make it an integral part of the story rather than an obstruction. You can choose some clean and uniform backgrounds, such as the sky, lake, or snow, to highlight the subject.

4.Use lighting effectively when shooting

In the morning or evening (after sunrise and before sunset), when the light is softer, you can use front lighting to clearly show the details and colors of the moving subject, making the photos more textured and atmospheric. For example, when photographing outdoor athletes jogging by a lake in the morning, front lighting can make the colors of the person's clothes and facial expressions clearly visible, while also illuminating the lake surface and creating a fresh atmosphere.

When creative photography is required, using side lighting or backlighting can outline the subject's contours clearly, creating dramatic lighting effects and enhancing depth and dimensionality. For example, when photographing mountain climbers, the backlighting of the evening sun can create a stark contrast between the climber's silhouette and the sky, highlighting their outline and conveying an image of determination.

Proper use of light is very important when shooting with a short focus lens

5.Choose the right moment for shooting

Every sport has its key moments, such as the moment a goal is scored in a football match or the moment a runner crosses the finish line in a track and field event. It's crucial to maintain high concentration before these key moments arrive to ensure you don't miss the exciting action.

For fast-paced sports like skiing and skateboarding, it's essential to anticipate the athlete's movements and trajectory, compose the shot in advance, and press the shutter button at the right moment to capture the perfect shot. For example, when photographing a skier performing a flip in the air, you should be ready as they are about to jump and press the shutter button at the highest point of their jump.

6.Capturing atmosphere in low-light environments

Some short focus lenses perform well in low-light conditions, making them suitable for shooting at dusk or night. They can utilize natural or artificial light to create different atmospheres, such as shooting night marathons, early morning rock climbing, or camping and hiking under the starry sky, adding a sense of atmosphere to sports scenes.

For example, when shooting night cycling, a short focus lens allows the cyclist's headlights to become the light source. By focusing the lens on the cyclist, ensuring the headlights are not overexposed, and simultaneously capturing the surrounding streetlights and night scenery, a more atmospheric image can be created.

Short focus lenses can capture atmosphere in low-light environments

7.Maintain interaction with the environment

The wide field of view of short focus lenses allows them to capture more of the scene, often including both the athlete and the magnificent natural scenery or specific competition environment. This means the resulting photographs not only record the athlete's actions but also convey an atmosphere and emotion, telling a story in the process.

Because of their relatively simple optical structure and ability to provide excellent image quality, fixed focus lenses are favored by many photographers. As a newcomer to fixed focus lenses, do you not know what types of photos fixed focus lenses are suitable for? Today, let's learn about shooting with fixed focus lenses.

Fixed focus lenses have a fixed focal length and generally offer the advantage of a large aperture, making them suitable for shooting various types of photos. However, the specific applications depend on the focal length used and the shooting scenario. The following are the main types of photography for which fixed focus lenses are suitable:

1.Portrait photography

Due to their aperture advantages and excellent image quality, fixed focus lenses have become the favorite type of lens for portrait photographers. Lenses with focal lengths of 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm, in particular, can provide a natural perspective and a good background blur effect, allowing the subject to stand out from the cluttered environment and appear exceptionally prominent and graceful, making them suitable for shooting portrait close-ups and half-body portraits.

2.Street photography and portrait photography

Street photography typically requires "quick reflexes and discreet shooting." Fixed focus lenses have fast autofocus speeds, making them suitable for capturing fleeting moments on the street.

At the same time, fixed focus lenses are usually small in size and light in weight, so they are easy to hang on the camera and are suitable for long-term handheld shooting. They are also less likely to arouse the subject's suspicion when shooting, making them suitable for capturing natural street moments, such as the expressions of passersby and everyday scenes.

Fixed focus lenses are often used in street photography

3.Landscape photography

Although fixed focus lenses are not the primary lenses used in landscape photography, wide-angle fixed focus lenses are frequently used to capture expansive scenes and rich details. Compared to zoom lenses, fixed focus lenses offer superior edge sharpness and distortion control, making them suitable for landscape photography that demands extremely high image quality, such as shots of starry skies, snow-capped mountains, and coastlines.

4.Food and still life photography

Food and still-life photography demand extremely high standards for detail, texture, and light control, which fixed focus lenses can precisely meet with their superior image quality and aperture control. Fixed focus lenses offer better sharpness and contrast, clearly rendering the textures and materials of food and still-life subjects, such as the crispy crust of bread or the reflections on metal, making the images more appealing or sophisticated.

In addition, fixed focus lenses can also create the effect of "sharp local areas and blurred edges" by using a large aperture, such as highlighting the fruit on a cake and blurring the edges of the plate.

Fixed focus lenses are often used in food and still life photography

5.Night and low-light photography

Fixed focus lenses with large apertures can capture more light in low-light environments. Even with the shutter speed kept within a safe range, this avoids the graininess caused by high ISO settings, ensuring bright, clear photos that preserve the atmosphere of the scene. They are commonly used for shooting night scenes, cafes, and wedding venues.

For example, when shooting cityscapes at night, a large aperture can create a "starburst" effect from the lights, or when shooting night portraits, it can balance the clarity of the subject with the ambient night scene.

6.Macro photography

Fixed focus lenses typically offer high resolution, capable of capturing fine textures and details. They are also suitable for macro photography, ideal for subjects with intricate details such as flowers and insects. Macro photography demands extremely precise focusing, and fixed focus lenses have a longer focusing range and higher focusing accuracy, allowing them to precisely lock onto tiny subjects and avoid the "focus shift" problem often encountered with zoom lenses.

Fixed focus lenses can also be used for macro photography

7.Product photography

The high resolution and excellent color reproduction of fixed focus lenses allow for clear capture and reproduction of product details and colors. When composing the shot, try different angles and backgrounds to showcase the product's features and advantages.

In addition, fixed focus lenses are small and lightweight, making them suitable for extended handheld shooting and easy to carry, which makes them ideal for travel photography.

Final Thoughts:

Scanning lenses are specialized professional lenses that acquire images, data, or information of target objects through scanning. They are characterized by high precision and rapid data acquisition, and their applications span multiple industries and fields. In this article, we will explore the specific application scenarios of scanning lenses.

1.Electronic payments and QR code recognition

Scanning lenses are widely used in electronic payment devices, primarily for quickly reading barcodes or QR codes on paper, screens, or metal surfaces, ensuring the immediacy and security of the payment process. Their low distortion design allows for accurate image capture, making them suitable for applications such as mobile payment terminals and self-checkout machines.

2.Logistics sorting and package identification

The main applications of scanning lenses in the logistics field are in express delivery and warehouse sorting lines. They can quickly scan express packages (barcodes, QR codes) using accompanying software, and can also weigh and measure volume, improving sorting efficiency and logistics tracking capabilities. For example, line scan lenses can quickly capture information from moving packages, adapting to the continuous inspection requirements on conveyor belts.

In addition, in warehouse inventory management, staff can use devices with scanning lenses to scan the barcodes of products on the shelves, allowing for real-time updates of inventory information and facilitating inventory checks and restocking.

Scanning lenses are widely used in the logistics field

3.Industrial inspection and quality control

In industrial production lines, scanning lenses can be used to detect surface defects and internal structures of products, as well as for product size measurement and quality control.

For example, in the electronics industry, scanning lenses are commonly used to inspect the surface quality and internal structure of electronic components such as chips and circuit boards, helping engineers identify potential problems; in semiconductor wafer inspection and circuit board assembly, scanning lenses can track components and verify assembly accuracy; and in printed product quality inspection, they can detect printing defects on newspapers, packaging boxes, labels, banknotes, and plastic films, such as dirt spots, ink splashes, misregistration, color deviations, and character errors.

4.Scanning of archives, cultural relics, and documents

Scanning lenses are also commonly used for scanning archival materials and office documents. In libraries and archives, scanning lenses are used to scan valuable books, manuscripts, maps, and historical documents, capturing extremely high levels of detail and ensuring that every detail of the document is accurately recorded for easy access and dissemination.

For artifacts such as paintings, sculptures, and other works of art in museums or art galleries, scanning lenses can capture every detail, including texture, color, and subtle variations in shading, facilitating research and preservation. In daily office work, scanning lenses can also be used for high-resolution scanning of contracts, reports, and other important documents for archiving and electronic management.

Scanning lenses are also commonly used for scanning archival materials and office documents

5.Medical imaging applications

Scanning lenses also have widespread applications in the medical field. For example, they are used for scanning X-ray films and CT scan images, providing high-resolution images that help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately. In pathology, scanning lenses are primarily used for high-resolution scanning of tissue sections, revealing subtle structural changes in cells and tissues, thus assisting pathologists in making more accurate diagnoses.

6.Security and surveillance applications

Scanning lenses are also widely used in security and surveillance systems. They can capture facial images, and when combined with facial recognition algorithms, are used in access control systems and security monitoring scenarios to implement facial recognition applications such as identity verification and identification of suspicious individuals.

In traffic monitoring and parking management, scanning lenses can capture and recognize vehicle license plates, and are used in license plate recognition applications such as traffic violation monitoring and parking fee collection.

In addition, infrared scanning lenses can detect target objects through infrared radiation, enabling effective monitoring even in low light or at night. They are widely used for nighttime surveillance in places such as prisons, communities, and parks.

Scanning lenses are also widely used in security and surveillance systems

7.Scientific research applications

Scanning lenses also have important applications in the field of scientific research. In biological research, scanning lenses can be used for high-resolution scanning of biological samples such as cells, tissues, and organs. These high-resolution images can help researchers better understand biological structures and functions.

In geological research, scanning lenses are mainly used to scan rock and mineral samples, capturing details of their surface and internal structures, helping geologists conduct more accurate analyses.

In materials science, scanning techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are also widely used to observe the microstructure and analyze the properties of materials.

In addition, scanning lenses are also used in the field of education for teaching and research, improving teaching efficiency and research capabilities.