Surveillance technology demands precision, versatility, and reliability. For professionals seeking 360° panoramic coverage in compact form factors, M12 fisheye lenses have emerged as a game-changer. These miniature optical powerhouses, designed for board-level cameras, deliver unparalleled field-of-view (FOV) without sacrificing image clarity. Whether for indoor monitoring, traffic systems, or AI-driven analytics, M12 fisheye lenses from Towin—a leading China-based optical supplier—are redefining surveillance capabilities.

Why M12 Fisheye Lenses Excel in Surveillance

M12 fisheye lenses, also known as “board lenses” due to their direct thread-on compatibility with M12-mount PCB cameras, combine ultra-wide angles (180°–220°) with compact sizes. Unlike traditional bulky lenses, their tiny footprint (often <20mm in diameter) makes them ideal for discreet installations in drones, PTZ cameras, and multi-sensor arrays.

Key Advantages

• Panoramic Coverage: Eliminate blind spots with single-lens 360° views.
• Space Efficiency: Fit into tight enclosures, reducing system bulk.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Lower production costs compared to multi-camera setups.
• Low Distortion Options: Advanced designs minimize edge distortion for accurate AI object recognition.

Fisheye IR Cut Filter S-Mount Lens

Towin’s M12 Fisheye Lenses: Technical Specifications

Towin’s portfolio includes fisheye lenses tailored for surveillance, featuring:

1. Focal Length & FOV

• Focal Length: 1.2mm–2.8mm
• FOV: 180° (diagonal) to 220° (full panoramic). Shorter focal lengths (e.g., 1.2mm) maximize coverage, while 2.8mm variants balance FOV and detail.

2. Aperture & Light Sensitivity

• F-number: F2.0–F2.8
• Low-Light Performance: Optimized for IR-corrected day/night cameras, ensuring clarity in dim environments.

3. Distortion Control

• Low Distortion Models: <3% barrel distortion, critical for license plate recognition (LPR) and facial detection.
• Standard Fisheye: 10%–15% distortion, suitable for situational awareness.

4. Mounting & Compatibility

• M12 Thread: Directly screws into PCB cameras, eliminating need for adapters.
• Back Focal Length (BFL): 2.5mm–4.5mm, ensuring compatibility with 1/3″, 1/2.7″, and 1/2.5″ sensors.

5. Durability

• IP67 Rating: Dustproof and waterproof for outdoor use.
• Temperature Range: -30°C to +80°C, ideal for extreme climates.

8-Megapixel F2.0 M12 mount Fisheye Lens

Towin’s Unique Selling Points

1. Customization Flexibility

Towin offers bespoke lens designs for niche applications, including:

• Automotive-Grade Fisheye: Vibration-resistant coatings for vehicle-mounted cameras.
• Athermalized Models: Compensate for temperature-induced focal shifts.

2. Multi-Coating Technology

Towin’s proprietary Muti-Coating reduces ghosting and flare, enhancing contrast in backlit scenes—a must for surveillance cameras facing windows or streetlights.

3. Fast Prototyping & Delivery

With in-house manufacturing in China, Towin promises 7-day prototyping and 14-day mass production, accelerating time-to-market for security integrators.

Applications of M12 Fisheye Lenses

1. Smart Cities & Traffic Monitoring

Fisheye lenses enable single-camera coverage of intersections, reducing hardware costs. Towin’s ITS (Intelligent Traffic Systems) lenses integrate with AI for real-time violation detection.

2. Retail & Banking

Compact fisheye cameras monitor large spaces discreetly, deterring theft while maintaining aesthetics.

3. Industrial Automation

Machine vision systems use fisheye lenses for 360° defect inspection on conveyor belts.

4. Drones & Mobile Surveillance

Lightweight M12 fisheye lenses enhance UAV payload efficiency for aerial reconnaissance.

1.1mm Waterproof Fisheye Lens

Conclusion

M12 fisheye lenses from Towin represent a paradigm shift in surveillance, merging cutting-edge optics with industrial-grade reliability. Their compact size, low distortion, and rapid customization make them indispensable for modern security systems.