Key Takeaways

• Sensor Basics: 1/1.8″ sensors (≈8.9mm diagonal) excel in high-resolution, compact setups; 2/3″ sensors (≈11mm diagonal) offer better light gathering for low-light scenarios.
• Compatibility Core: Match lens mount type (M12/S-mount, C-mount, CS-mount), flange focal distance, and imaging circle size to sensor dimensions.
• Cross-Compatibility: 2/3″ lenses work with 1/1.8″ sensors (no vignetting); 1/1.8″ lenses on 2/3″ sensors cause dark corners (not recommended for critical use).
• TOWIN Advantage: Our M12/C-mount/CS-mount lenses (Low Distortion, IR-corrected, Megapixel) are optimized for both sensor sizes across surveillance, industrial, and ITS applications.

Introduction

Choosing the right lens-sensor combination is critical for achieving sharp, high-quality images—whether for security cameras, machine vision systems, or intelligent traffic solutions. As a professional optical lens supplier, TOWIN Lens understands that sensor size (especially 1/1.8″ and 2/3″) is a key factor in compatibility. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about 1/1.8″ vs 2/3″ sensor-lens compatibility, helping you select the perfect TOWIN lens for your project.

Lens Sensor Size Compatibility: Core Overview

Sensor size directly impacts a lens’s ability to project a clear, full-frame image. The “compatibility” refers to whether a lens’s imaging circle (the area of light it projects) fully covers the sensor, and whether its mount/mechanical specs align with the camera’s design. Mismatched combinations lead to issues like vignetting (dark corners), reduced resolution, or failed installation—problems TOWIN’s engineered lenses avoid when paired correctly.

1/1.8″ vs 2/3″ Sensor: Basic Parameter Comparison

Core Criteria for Lens-Sensor Compatibility

To ensure seamless integration, verify these key factors before purchasing:

Imaging Circle Coverage: The lens’s imaging circle must be equal to or larger than the sensor’s diagonal (e.g., 2/3″ lenses have a larger circle than 1/1.8″ sensors).

Mount Type Alignment:

• M12/S-mount (M12X0.5 thread): Works with compact 1/1.8″ cameras (TOWIN’s Low Distortion/Wide Angle M12 lenses).
• C-mount (17.526mm flange focal distance): For 2/3″ industrial/MV cameras (TOWIN’s ITS/traffic lenses).
• CS-mount (12.526mm flange focal distance): Compatible with both sensor sizes (TOWIN’s Day/Night security lenses with IR correction).
• Resolution Matching: High-megapixel sensors (e.g., 5MP 1/1.8″ ) require lenses rated for equivalent resolution (TOWIN’s 5MP F2 lenses like CCL121625MPRF).

1/1.8″ Sensor: Lens Compatibility Breakdown

1/1.8″ sensors are widely used in compact, high-resolution devices—here’s how to match them:

Recommended Lens Types:

• M12/S-mount lenses: TOWIN’s Low Distortion, Pinhole, and Wide Angle M12 lenses (thread directly into PCB cameras).
• CS-mount lenses: Fixed/Vari-Focal lenses with Manual/DC Auto Iris (ideal for IP/CCTV surveillance).
• Key Features to Look For: IR correction (for day/night use) and multi-coating (reduces glare).
• Application Fit: TOWIN’s 1/1.8″ compatible lenses work for home security cameras, small business surveillance, and portable imaging devices.

2/3″ Sensor: Lens Compatibility Breakdown

2/3″ sensors are preferred for low-light and industrial scenarios—their compatibility needs:

Recommended Lens Types:

• C-mount lenses (MV/FA/industrial lenses): TOWIN’s C-mount lenses for machine vision, GigE/3D cameras.
• CS-mount lenses: High-resolution Vari-Focal lenses with P-Iris (for precise exposure control).
• Key Features to Look For: Large aperture (F2 or lower) and robust build (for industrial environments).
• Application Fit: TOWIN’s 2/3″ compatible lenses excel in ITS traffic monitoring, factory automation, and outdoor security (low-light conditions).

Cross-Compatibility Test: 1/1.8″ vs 2/3″ Sensors & Lenses

Can you mix these sensors and lenses? Here’s the real-world performance:

TOWIN Tip: For cross-use, always prioritize 2/3″ lenses on 1/1.8″ sensors—never the reverse—for reliable results.

Extended Application Scenarios

Different industries benefit from specific sensor-lens pairings:

• Video Surveillance: 1/1.8″ sensors + TOWIN’s M12 Low Light Sensitive lenses (compact, cost-effective); 2/3″ sensors + CS-mount IR-corrected lenses (24/7 monitoring).
• Industrial Machine Vision: 2/3″ sensors + TOWIN’s C-mount MV lenses (high precision, large field of view).
• Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS): 2/3″ sensors + TOWIN’s C-mount traffic lenses (fast autofocus, motion blur reduction).
• Low-Light Environments: 2/3″ sensors + TOWIN’s F2 aperture lenses (maximizes light intake for clear night images).

FAQs

Q: Can I use a TOWIN M12 lens with a 2/3″ sensor?

A: Only if the M12 lens’s imaging circle covers 11mm (2/3″ diagonal). Most TOWIN M12 lenses are optimized for 1/1.8″ sensors—check the product specs or contact us for 2/3″ M12 options.

Q: What’s the difference between C-mount and CS-mount for these sensors?

A: C-mount (17.526mm flange distance) fits 2/3″ industrial cameras; CS-mount (12.526mm) works with both sensors (use an adapter if pairing CS-mount lenses with C-mount cameras).

Q: How do I confirm TOWIN lens compatibility with my sensor?

A: Check the lens’s “Sensor Size Compatibility” section on our product page, or send your sensor model to info@towin-elec.com for personalized advice.

Conclusion

1/1.8″ and 2/3″ sensors each have unique strengths, and their compatibility with lenses boils down to imaging circle, mount type, and resolution matching. TOWIN’s extensive lens range—from M12/S-mount to C-mount/CS-mount—offers tailored solutions for both sensor sizes, across surveillance, industrial, and ITS applications. Whether you need a compact high-res lens or a rugged low-light option, TOWIN has you covered.

Contact us today at info@towin-elec.com to find the perfect lens-sensor combination for your project!