Introduction

Garages are crucial locations for vehicle parking and pedestrian access, making security monitoring a vital component to ensure their safety. As the “eyes” of the monitoring system, the performance of the CCTV lens directly impacts the overall effectiveness of security monitoring. Here, we recommend 7 CCTV lenses that excel in garage monitoring, helping you build a secure, comprehensive, and clear monitoring system.

CCTV Lenses Selection Basics

When selecting a CCTV lens, several key factors need to be considered to ensure the monitoring effect meets actual needs:

1. Lens Type

• Wide-angle lens: With a viewing angle of over 90 degrees, suitable for places with small viewing distances but large viewing angles, such as elevator cars and lobbies, it can cover a wider area, but close-up images may be distorted.
• Standard lens: With a viewing angle of around 30 degrees, suitable for places such as corridors and community perimeters, providing a more natural viewing angle and imaging effect.
• Telephoto lens: With a viewing angle within 20 degrees and a focal length of tens or hundreds of millimeters, suitable for long-distance monitoring, such as outdoor parking lots and large squares.
• Zoom Lens: Variable focal length, ranging from wide-angle to telephoto, suitable for areas with large depth of field and wide field of view, such as large warehouses and stadiums. Zoom lenses are further divided into motorized zoom and manual zoom. Motorized zoom lenses can be remotely zoomed via remote control or software, offering greater convenience.
• Pinhole Lens: Used for concealed monitoring, such as in hidden locations like ceilings and walls, suitable for locations requiring concealed installation.

1.6mm 5-Megapixel Fisheye CCTV lenses

2. Focal Length Selection

• Fixed Focal Length Lens: Fixed focal length, providing stable imaging, suitable for locations with relatively fixed monitoring distances and ranges. When selecting a fixed focal length lens, the appropriate focal length must be determined based on the monitoring distance and range.
• Zoom Lens: The focal length can be adjusted as needed, magnifying or reducing the image of the subject, offering greater flexibility. When selecting a zoom lens, the zoom range and zoom speed must be considered to meet different monitoring requirements.

Calculation Formula: The required focal length can be calculated based on the size of the subject, the object distance, and the CCD camera’s sensor size. For example, for a 1/3-inch CCD camera, if the width of the subject is W and the object distance is L, the required focal length f can be calculated using the formula f = 4.8 × L/W (4.8 is half the width of the 1/3-inch CCD target surface; the unit must be consistent in millimeters).

3. Aperture Type

• Manual Aperture: The aperture size needs to be adjusted manually. Suitable for locations with little light variation, such as indoor monitoring points. Manual aperture lenses are less expensive, but adjustment is less convenient.
• Automatic Aperture: The diaphragm device inside the lens automatically adjusts the aperture size according to the video signal from the television camera to adapt to changes in light intensity. Automatic aperture lenses are suitable for locations with significant light variation, such as outdoor monitoring points. Automatic aperture lenses are further divided into video-driven and DC-driven types, and the selection must be based on camera compatibility.

4. Interface Dimensions

• C-mount: The distance from the lens mounting reference surface to the focal point is 17.526 mm.
• CS-mount: The distance from the lens mounting reference surface to the focal point is 12.5 mm.

Selection principle: The C-mount has a deeper thread than the CS-mount, so CS-mount lenses cannot be mounted on C-mount cameras. However, if a C-mount lens can be mounted on a CS-mount camera, a lens adapter (a shim to increase the depth) is required. When selecting a lens, ensure that the lens and camera mounts are compatible.

Key Parameters of CCTV Lenses

These details cannot be ignored when choosing a CCTV lenses

7 Highly Compatible CCTV Lenses: In-Depth Analysis – Covering All Garage Monitoring Needs

1. Model CCL12014MP: 14MP High Definition + Infrared Correction, Ideal for Accurate Garage Monitoring

Core Parameters

• Focal Length (E.F.L.): 12mm
• Sensor Compatibility: 1/1.8″
• Field of View (H.F.O.V.): 42°
• Resolution: 14MP
• Aperture (FNo.): F1.4
• Mounting Interface (MOUNT): C-Mount
• Total Length (T.T.L.): 65.5mm
• Adjustment Method: Manual Aperture, Manual Focus
• Special Configuration: IR Infrared Correction
• Minimum Focusing Distance (M.O.D.): 0.3m
• Lens Structure: 11G2P

Suitable Scenarios

• Garage entrances and exits (requiring clear license plate recognition from a distance);
• Close-up monitoring of distant parking spaces in large garages, areas requiring detailed vehicle information;
• Precise monitoring in nighttime infrared illumination scenarios, areas demanding high-quality night vision.

Core Advantages

• High-Definition Detail Capture: 14MP high resolution paired with a 1/1.8″ sensor ensures high detail reproduction, clearly identifying license plate characters, vehicle markings, and other key information even at magnification;
• Dual Superiority in Low Light and Night Vision: F1.4 large aperture design allows ample light intake, maintaining bright images even in low-light conditions like underground garages without additional illumination; Combined with IR infrared correction technology, there is no color cast or glare after infrared illumination is activated, resulting in clear black-and-white imaging at night;
• Precise Focus: 12mm focal length + 42° **Signature:** Wide field of view and focused focal range, avoiding interference from irrelevant areas for precise monitoring of the target area.
• High Installation Compatibility: C-Mount universal interface, compatible with most 1/1.8″ sensor HD monitoring devices; 65.5mm total length design, moderate installation space requirements, compatible with mainstream monitoring brackets.

Fisheye CCTV HD lenses

2. Model C157511715A8: 15-75mm large zoom, suitable for various distances in large garages.

Key Parameters:

• Focal Length (E.F.L.): 15-75mm (zoom)
• Sensor Compatibility: 1/1.8″
• Field of View (H.F.O.V.): 28.5°~6° (varies with focal length)
• Resolution: 8MP
• Aperture (FNo.): F1.7
• Mounting Interface (MOUNT): C-Mount
• Total Length (T.T.L.): 118mm
• Adjustment Method: DC Auto Automatic aperture, manual focus, manual zoom
• Special feature: IR infrared correction
• Minimum focusing distance (M.O.D.): 1m
• Lens construction: 16G3P

Suitable scenarios:

• Mixed area monitoring in large integrated parking garages (including main roads, remote parking spaces, and entrances/exits);
• Complex scenarios requiring both “mid-range passageway coverage” and “long-range close-up recognition”;
• Semi-underground parking garages with frequently changing lighting, unattended areas requiring automatic light adaptation.

Key Advantages

• Wide Zoom Coverage: A wide zoom range of 15-75mm allows for flexible switching between a 28.5° medium angle of view (channel coverage) and a 6° narrow angle of view (long-distance close-ups), adapting to multi-distance monitoring needs and reducing the number of lenses required.
• Stable Low-Light Night Vision: A large F1.7 aperture combined with IR infrared correction ensures ample light intake in low-light environments at night, providing clear, noise-free images in infrared mode and strong consistency in image quality day and night.
• Adaptive Light Control: DC Auto automatic aperture design adjusts the amount of light intake in real time according to changes in light conditions such as garage lighting switching and day/night cycles, requiring no manual intervention and suitable for unattended scenarios.
• Reliable Imaging Quality: The 16G3P lens structure optimizes image quality degradation during zooming, maintaining 8MP high-definition resolution at different focal lengths and ensuring stable detail capture.

IR-corrected-ITS-traffic-C-mount-CCTV-lens

3. Model CCL1216MPR: 16MP Ultra HD + IP67 Waterproof, Accurate Monitoring in Humid Environments

Core Parameters

• Focal Length (E.F.L.): 12mm
• Sensor Compatibility: 1/1.8″
• Field of View (H.F.O.V.): 42°
• Resolution: 16MP
• Aperture (FNo.): F1.4
• Mounting Interface (MOUNT): C-Mount
• Total Length (T.T.L.): 65.5mm
• Adjustment Method: Manual Aperture, Manual Focus
• Protection Rating: IP67 Waterproof
• Special Configuration: IR Infrared Correction
• Minimum Focusing Distance (M.O.D.): 0.3m
• Lens Structure: 11G2P

Suitable Scenarios

• Accurate identification of entrances and exits in semi-open-air garages and damp underground garages;
• Near car washes and garage areas with poor ventilation and condensation;
• For high-resolution monitoring scenarios requiring ultra-high-definition detail tracking.

Core Advantages

• Ultra-High-Definition Detail: 16MP top-tier resolution, providing more accurate detail reproduction compared to conventional high-definition lenses. Even when magnified from a distance, it can clearly capture subtle information such as vehicle scratches and human features;
• Strong Environmental Adaptability: IP67 waterproof rating effectively resists moisture and dust intrusion, preventing lens damage caused by humid environments and reducing the frequency of maintenance;
• Excellent Low-Light Night Vision: F1.4 large aperture + IR infrared correction maintains clear imaging in low-light underground environments and nighttime infrared illumination scenarios, with no color cast or blur;
• Flexible Installation: C-Mount universal interface adapts to most monitoring equipment, 65.5mm… The overall length design minimizes installation space requirements and is compatible with various bracket types.

IR-corrected-Low-distortion-CCTV-16mm-M12-lenses

4. Model CCL1183510MMPD: 1.8mm ultra-wide angle + 10MP, the Ultimate Tool for Panoramic Garage Coverage

Key Parameters

• Focal Length (E.F.L.): 1.8mm
• Sensor Compatibility: 1/1.8″
• Field of View (H.F.O.V.): 110°
• Resolution: 10MP
• Aperture (FNo.): F3.5
• Mount: C-Mount
• Total Length (T.T.L.): 25.8mm
• Adjustment Method: Manual Aperture, Manual Focus
• Minimum Focusing Distance (M.O.D.): 0.1m
• Lens Construction: 8G1P

Suitable Scenarios

• Panoramic coverage of main roads in small to medium-sized garages, areas requiring fewer lenses;
• Locations prone to blind spots such as garage corners, elevator entrances, and stairwells;
• Compact scenarios with limited installation space requiring a small lens for wide coverage.

Key Advantages

• Wide Coverage with No Blind Spots: 110° ultra-wide field of view; a single lens can cover 3-4 parking spaces or an entire narrow passage, significantly reducing blind spots and installation costs.
• Compact and Easy to Install: A compact 25.8mm overall length design makes it suitable for installation in confined spaces like garage ceilings or corner brackets, facilitating easy installation.
• Close-Range Monitoring Friendly: 0.1m ultra-close focusing distance allows for clear capture of people’s movements in close-range areas such as elevator entrances and passageways, eliminating close-range blurring issues.
• Sufficient and Stable Image Quality: 10MP resolution meets the detail requirements of daily panoramic monitoring; the 8G1P lens structure optimizes edge distortion in ultra-wide-angle imaging, resulting in strong image balance.

6-Megapixel CCTV lens

5. Model CCL122812AMPC: 2.8mm wide-angle lens + F1.4 large aperture, ideal for underground parking garage passageways

Key Parameters

• Focal Length (E.F.L.): 2.8mm
• Sensor Compatibility: 1/1.8″
• Field of View (H.F.O.V.): 95°
• Resolution: 12MP
• Aperture (FNo.): F1.4
• Mounting Interface (MOUNT): C-Mount
• Total Length (T.T.L.): 33.2mm
• Adjustment Method: Manual Aperture, Manual Focus
• Special Configuration: IR Infrared Correction
• Minimum Focusing Distance (M.O.D.): 0.1m
• Lens Structure: 10G2P

Suitable Scenarios

• Underground parking garage passageways, areas with concentrated coverage of multiple parking spaces;
• Scenes with low light where both coverage and detail recognition are crucial;
• Wide-angle surveillance near parking garage entrances and exits, areas requiring capture of vehicle entry and exit trajectories.

Core Advantages

• Balancing Wide Angle and Brightness: 2.8mm focal length + 95° field of view, a single lens can cover 2-3 adjacent parking spaces, offering high coverage efficiency; F1.4 ultra-large aperture allows ample light intake, perfectly suited for the low-light environment of underground parking garages, resulting in bright nighttime images;
• High-Definition Detail Reproduction: 12MP resolution paired with a 1/1.8″ sensor provides strong image resolution, clearly capturing key information such as vehicle outlines and clothing within parking spaces, meeting traceability needs;
• Excellent Night Vision Performance: IR Infrared correction technology avoids color cast and glare issues during nighttime infrared illumination, resulting in clear, noise-free black-and-white imaging and seamless day and night monitoring.
• Flexible and convenient installation: A compact 33.2mm overall length + C-Mount universal interface, compatible with most small monitoring devices, can be directly installed on garage ceilings or side wall brackets, without taking up excessive space.

CCTV lens 2.8-12mm manual zoom Lens

6. Model CCL1250660AMP: 50mm telephoto + F1.6 aperture, precise close-up at long distances

Key Parameters

• Focal Length (E.F.L.): 50mm
• Sensor Compatibility: 1/1.8″
• Field of View (H.F.O.V.): 12°
• Resolution: 6MP
• Aperture (FNo.): F1.6
• Mounting Interface (MOUNT): C-Mount
• Overall Length (T.T.L.): 76.5mm
• Adjustment Method: Manual Aperture, Manual Focus
• Special Configuration: IR Infrared Correction
• Minimum Focusing Distance (M.O.D.): 1m
• Lens Structure: 9G2P

Suitable Scenarios

• Large parking garage close-up monitoring of distant parking spaces, requiring long-distance license plate recognition;
• Long-distance monitoring of garage entrances and exits, requiring capture of details of the front of vehicles;
• Monitoring key areas in unattended parking garages, requiring precise tracking of specific targets.

Core Advantages

• Precise Telephoto Focusing: 50mm focal length + 12° narrow field of view, concentrated focusing range, accurately locking onto distant targets, avoiding interference from irrelevant areas, significantly improving the accuracy of license plate and vehicle identification recognition;
• Stable Low-Light Performance: F1.6 large aperture design, sufficient light intake, even at night or in low-light environments in underground parking garages, long-distance images remain clear and bright, requiring no additional lighting;
• Strong Night Vision Compatibility: IR infrared correction technology is compatible with mainstream infrared monitoring equipment, with no image blur or color cast after turning on infrared supplemental lighting at night, accurately capturing target details;
• Stable and Reliable Structure: 9G2P The lens structure optimizes chromatic aberration and distortion in telephoto imaging, resulting in high image fidelity. The 76.5mm overall length design balances imaging performance with ease of installation.

C-mount IR corrected CCTV lens

7. Model C084011814A5: 8-40mm zoom + auto aperture, flexible adaptation for various scenes

Key Parameters

• Focal Length (E.F.L.): 8-40mm (zoom)
• Sensor Compatibility: 1/1.8″
• Field of View (H.F.O.V.): 47°~11° (varies with focal length)
• Resolution: 5MP
• Distortion Control (Max Dist.): 6.1%~0.9%
• Aperture (FNo.): F1.4
• Mounting Interface (MOUNT): C-Mount
• Total Length (T.T.L.): 111.4mm
• Adjustment Method: DC Auto Automatic aperture, manual focus, manual zoom
• Special configuration: Infrared (IR) correction
• Minimum focusing distance (M.O.D.): 0.1m

Suitable scenarios

• Mixed area monitoring in large integrated parking garages (including main roads, parking spaces, and entrances/exits);
• Complex scenarios requiring both “wide-angle coverage of passageways” and “telephoto close-ups of distant parking spaces/entrances/exits”;
• Semi-underground parking garages with frequently changing lighting, and unattended areas with strong day and night monitoring needs.

Core advantages

• Flexible zoom with full coverage: 8-40mm focal length range can be freely switched; 47° wide-angle mode adapts to large-area coverage of parking garage passageways; 11° telephoto mode accurately closes distant parking spaces or entrances/exits; one lens meets multi-distance monitoring needs;
• Dual capability in low light + night vision: F1.4 ultra-large aperture ensures sufficient light intake in low-light environments at night; combined with infrared correction technology, there are no color cast or blurring issues after enabling infrared supplemental lighting; stable and consistent image quality day and night;
• Adaptive lighting without intervention: DC Auto The automatic aperture design adjusts the amount of light entering the camera in real time according to changes in garage lighting (such as lighting switches and day/night cycles), eliminating the need for frequent manual calibration and making it suitable for unattended scenarios.
• It balances compatibility and practicality: the C-Mount universal interface is compatible with various 1/1.8″ sensor high-definition monitoring devices, and the 5MP resolution meets the needs of daily monitoring and detail tracing, balancing performance and cost-effectiveness.

8-40mm C mount IR corrected machine vision lens

Scene-Based Lens Selection Guide:

Installation, Debugging, and Maintenance Tips: Maximizing Lens Performance

1. Installation Location Selection

• Wide-angle/Fisheye Lens: Install in the center of the garage ceiling or at a high corner, ensuring an unobstructed field of view. 2.5-3.5 meters from the ground is optimal.
• Close-up/Precision Recognition Lens: Install above the entrance/exit or directly in front of the parking space. The angle between the lens and the monitored target should be within 30° to avoid backlighting.
• Waterproof Lens: Ensure the interface is sealed during installation to avoid direct exposure to rain or high-pressure water jets. Leave space for drainage.

2. Parameter Adjustment Techniques

• Aperture Adjustment: In low-light environments, adjust to the maximum aperture (e.g., F1.4, F2.0); in bright light, adjust to a medium aperture (F4-F8) to balance image quality and depth of field.
• Focus Adjustment: For license plate recognition scenarios, focus on the core area of ​​the vehicle’s trajectory to ensure clear imaging within a 3-10 meter range.
• Zoom Adjustment: For zoom lenses such as the C084011814A5, set a fixed focal length according to the monitoring distance and secure it with locking screws to prevent vibration-induced shift.

3. Daily Maintenance Points

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe the lens surface with a dry cloth monthly to remove dust and moisture. For waterproof lenses, check the sealing interface for integrity.
• Parameter Calibration: Recalibrate the aperture and focus quarterly based on changes in light (e.g., seasonal changes, garage lighting adjustments) to ensure stable image quality.
• Troubleshooting: If blurry images or abnormal distortion occur, first check if the lens is loose and if there are stains on the surface, then check for equipment compatibility issues.

M12 8mm HD IR corrected CCTV lens

Purchasing Garage CCTV Lenses: Avoiding Pitfalls & Performance Evaluation

1. Common Misconceptions

• Blindly Pursuing High Pixel Count: Ignoring sensor size and aperture compatibility. Some high-pixel lenses with smaller sensor sizes actually produce worse image quality than lenses with smaller, larger sensor sizes.
• Ignoring Distortion: Believing that “wide viewing angle = good coverage” ignores the image distortion caused by high distortion, affecting recognition performance.
• Ignoring Environmental Adaptability: Choosing lenses without low-light optimization for underground garages, or lenses without waterproofing for open-air garages, leads to frequent malfunctions later on.
• Underestimating Installation Interface: Failing to confirm that the lens interface is compatible with the CCTV equipment results in installation failure or compromised image quality.
• Ignoring Installation Interface: Failing to confirm that the lens interface is compatible with the CCTV equipment leads to installation problems or damaged image quality.

2. Performance Identification Methods

• Check Parameter Combinations: Prioritize a combination of “large sensor + large aperture + low distortion,” rather than a single high-parameter lens.
• Check Environmental Certifications: For humid or open-air garages, confirm the waterproof rating (IP67 and above). For underground garages, pay attention to low-light parameters (such as aperture range and infrared correction).
• Test Actual Performance: When conditions permit, test the lens’s imaging performance in the target environment, focusing on nighttime clarity and edge distortion.
• Compatibility: Ensure the lens mount (e.g., C-Mount, M12, Φ10) matches the sensor size of the CCTV camera to avoid vignetting and image quality degradation.

2.8-12mm IR corrected P-Iris CCTV lens

FAQs

What focal length lens is most suitable for garage surveillance?

It depends on the monitoring range: For close-ups of parking spaces and entrances/exits, choose a 4-6mm focal length; for passageway coverage, choose a 2.2-2.5mm focal length; for panoramic coverage, choose a 1.9-2.2mm ultra-wide-angle/fisheye lens; for multi-distance adaptation, choose an 8-40mm zoom lens.

Is a larger aperture always better in low light?

Not absolutely. A large aperture (F1.4-F2.8) is suitable for low light, but the depth of field is shallower. If you need to monitor both near and far areas simultaneously, choose a lens with an adjustable aperture range and switch flexibly according to your needs.

How to choose the IP rating of a waterproof lens?

For damp underground garages, IP67 is sufficient. For open-air garages, near car washes, or in rainy areas, it is recommended to choose an IP69K rating to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Manual aperture or automatic aperture?

For unattended garages with frequently changing light (such as semi-underground garages), choose an automatic aperture lens, requiring no manual intervention. For scenarios with stable light and requiring precise control of depth of field (such as monitoring fixed parking spaces), choose a manual aperture lens for more stable image quality.

How much lens distortion is acceptable to avoid affecting license plate recognition?

It is recommended to choose a lens with distortion ≤3%. Distortion exceeding 10% will significantly affect the shape of the license plate, leading to recognition failure. For scenarios requiring precise recognition, prioritize products with distortion ≤0.5%.

Conclusion

The core value of garage surveillance lies in “visibility, clarity, and stability,” and a professional CCTV lenses adapted to the scenario is key to realizing this value. Lens selection should cover everything from panoramic coverage to precise recognition, from low-light adaptation to environmental protection, addressing the monitoring needs of garages of different sizes and environments. When selecting a lens, simply consider the size of your garage, lighting conditions, and functional requirements, following the principle of “parameters matching the scenario, performance prioritizing practicality,” to choose the product with the best cost-performance ratio.