Key Takeaways

• Core advantages: Wide field of view (FOV) for full-scene coverage, CS-mount universality, IR correction for day/night use, and multiple resolution options (3MP-12MP).
• Typical applications: Parking lot entrances/exits, parking space detection, vehicle license plate recognition (LPR), and low-light underground garages.
• Critical parameters: FOV (10°-160°), resolution (3MP-12MP), aperture (F1.2-F2.0), iris type (Fixed/DC Auto/P-Iris), distortion (<-9% to <-64%), and IR correction.
• Top recommendations: CCL117032MPCS (12MP, 160° ultra-wide), CS0412312F8 (8MP, F1.2 low-light), CS135011814A3 (3MP, 13-50mm zoom), CS105011814P8 (8MP, low-distortion zoom).
• Selection tips: Match FOV to scene size, prioritize large aperture for low light, and confirm IR correction for 24/7 monitoring.
• Installation & maintenance: Optimal mounting height (2.5-4m), regular lens cleaning, and moisture protection.

Introduction

Parking systems demand reliable, high-performance surveillance to ensure security, efficient space management, and seamless vehicle flow. A key component of this infrastructure is the lens—especially wide-angle CS-mount lenses, which offer unparalleled versatility for parking lot scenarios.

CS mount lenses are industry-standard for CCTV and IP cameras, known for their compact design and broad compatibility. When combined with a wide angle, they excel at covering large areas (e.g., entire parking bays, entrance gates) while capturing clear details like license plates and vehicle models. Additionally, IR correction ensures consistent image quality day and night, a must for underground or poorly lit parking facilities.

This guide dives into the core features, applications, key parameters, recommended models, and selection tips for wide-angle CS-mount lenses tailored to parking systems—helping you make informed decisions for your surveillance needs.

Core Features of Wide-Angle CS-Mount Lenses

Aligned with the practical needs of parking system surveillance, the core features of wide angle CS-mount lenses are optimized into the following structure, highlighting scenario adaptability, parameter visualization, and practical value:

1. Ultra-Wide Coverage + Low Distortion Design: Blind-Spot-Free Monitoring for Parking Scenarios

• Ultra-Wide Field of View (FOV): Focal length ranges from 2.8mm to 6mm, with a horizontal FOV of 90°-180°. A single lens can cover large-scale areas such as parking lot entrances/exits, multi-lane roads, and large parking bay clusters, reducing the number of cameras required.
• Precise Distortion Control: Professional optical design minimizes edge distortion, with a distortion rate as low as <-10% (for selected models). Ensures key linear objects (e.g., license plates, lane lines, parking space markers) are imaged accurately without affecting recognition precision.
• Scenario Adaptability: Ultra-wide angle models (120°-180°, e.g., 3.2mm focal length) are ideal for entrance/exit panoramic monitoring; mid-wide angle models (90°-110°, e.g., 6mm focal length) suit precise coverage of dense parking bays.

2. CS Mount: Compact Design + High Compatibility, Reducing Parking System Deployment Costs

3. Low-Light Performance + IR Compatibility: 24/7 All-Weather Imaging

• Large Aperture Light-Gathering Advantage: F1.2-F2.0 large aperture design increases light intake by 30%-50% in low-light environments (e.g., nights, underground garages). Paired with starlight sensors, it captures clear license plate details even at 0.01lux low light levels.
• Precise IR Band Adaptation: Supports mainstream 850nm/940nm infrared supplementary lighting bands. The lens’ optical design optimizes infrared light refraction paths, avoiding night vision blurriness and color distortion—ideal for dark underground garage monitoring.
• Seamless Day-Night Transition: No manual parameter adjustments required. The lens’ optical performance automatically matches the camera’s day/night modes, ensuring stable imaging during sudden light changes (e.g., dawn/dusk, switching on/off of overhead lights).

4. High Resolution + Anti-Interference Design: Capture Key Details Effortlessly

• High-Definition Resolution Support: Compatible with 2MP-8MP cameras, supporting up to 4K ultra HD output. Precisely captures key details such as license plates, vehicle models, and driver faces, meeting parking system requirements for license plate recognition (LPR) and security tracing.
• Multi-Layer Optical Coating Technology: Adopts 6-8 layer anti-reflective coating, reducing glare and ghosting in backlight/side-light scenarios (e.g., direct sunlight at entrances, vehicle headlight reflections). Enhances image contrast and color reproduction.
• Wear-Resistant & Anti-Fouling Material: The front lens features scratch-resistant coated glass, adapting to harsh parking lot environments (e.g., dust, rainwater) while maintaining imaging clarity during long-term use.

Typical Applications in Parking Systems

Key Parameters of Wide-Angle CS-Mount Lenses for Parking Systems

Choosing the right lens starts with understanding critical parameters—here’s how each impacts parking system performance:

Recommended Wide-Angle CS-Mount Lenses for Parking Systems

Based on parking system requirements (wide FOV, 24/7 performance, HD resolution), here are our top picks from TOWIN Lens:

1. CCL117032MPCS – Ultra-Wide 12MP for Entrances/Exits

Key Specs: 1/1.7″ sensor, 3.2mm focal length, 160°(D)/131°(H) FOV, 12MP resolution, F2.0 aperture, Fixed Iris, IR corrected.

Why It’s Ideal for Parking Systems:

• 160° ultra-wide FOV covers entire entrance/exit gates with no blind spots.
• 12MP high resolution captures crisp license plates and vehicle details.
• IR correction ensures consistent day/night performance.
• Compact design fits most camera housings for outdoor/indoor use.

Best For: Parking lot entrances, exits, and large open parking areas.

IR-corrected-CS-mount-lens

2. CS0412312F8 – Low-Light 8MP for Underground Garages

Key Specs: 1/2.3″/1/2.7″ sensor, 4mm focal length, 145°(D) FOV@1/2.3″, 8MP resolution, F1.2 aperture, Fixed Iris, IR corrected, M.O.D. 0.3m.

Why It’s Ideal for Parking Systems:

• F1.2 large aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance—perfect for underground garages.
• 145° wide FOV covers multiple parking bays per camera.
• Compatible with two sensor sizes for flexible camera pairing.

Best For: Underground parking garages, low-light parking areas, and parking space detection.

8-Megapixel CCTV lens

3. CS135011814A3 – 3MP Zoom for Versatile Monitoring

Key Specs: 1/1.8″ sensor, 13-50mm focal length (zoomable), 38°-10°(D) FOV, 3MP resolution, F1.4-F1.8 aperture, DC Auto Iris, IR corrected, distortion <-9%.

Why It’s Ideal for Parking Systems:

• 13-50mm zoom range adapts to wide (parking floors) and narrow (stairwells/elevators) scenes.
• DC Auto Iris adjusts to changing light (e.g., dawn/dusk, overhead lights on/off).
• Low distortion (<-9%) ensures accurate image alignment for space management.

Best For: Multi-level parking structures, mixed wide/narrow scenes, and budget-friendly setups.

13-50mm 3-Megapixel low distortion CCTV lens

4. CS105011814P8 – 8MP Low-Distortion Zoom for Precision

Key Specs: 1/1.8″ sensor, 10-50mm focal length (zoomable), 38°-9°(H) FOV, 8MP resolution, F1.4-F1.8 aperture, P-Iris, IR corrected, distortion <-10%, M.O.D. 1.5m.

Why It’s Ideal for Parking Systems:

• 8MP HD resolution + low distortion (<-10%) for precise LPR and vehicle tracking.
• P-Iris offers smooth aperture control for consistent exposure in variable light.
• Wide-to-telephoto range (10-50mm) suits both large floors and targeted monitoring.

Best For: High-precision parking systems, LPR-focused setups, and multi-scene parking facilities.

1/1.8″ 10-50mm CS mount manual zoom CCTV lens

Selection Guide for Wide-Angle CS-Mount Lenses in Parking Systems

Follow these steps to choose the perfect lens for your parking system:

1. Define Your Surveillance Scene:

• Entrances/exits: Prioritize ultra-wide FOV (131°+), 8MP+ resolution (for LPR).
• Underground garages: Focus on large aperture (F1.2-F1.4) and IR correction.
• Parking space detection: Medium-wide FOV (105°-145°) and short M.O.D. (0.3m).
• Multi-level structures: Opt for zoomable focal lengths (10-50mm) and auto/P-iris.

2. Confirm Camera Compatibility:

• Check sensor size (e.g., 1/1.7″, 1/1.8″, 1/2.3″) to match the lens’ image format.
• Ensure your camera supports CS mount (no adapter needed for direct installation).

3. Prioritize 24/7 Performance:

• Mandate IR correction for night vision.
• Choose F1.2-F2.0 aperture for low-light reliability.

4. Balance Resolution & Budget:

• 12MP: Premium LPR and high-detail needs.
• 8MP: Ideal for most parking systems (balance of quality and cost).
• 3MP: Budget-friendly option for basic monitoring.

5. Consider Distortion:

• For precise space marking/LPR: Select low distortion (<-10%, e.g., CS105011814P8).
• For ultra-wide coverage: Accept higher distortion (e.g., CCL117032MPCS) as a tradeoff.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

Proper installation and maintenance ensure long-term performance of your wide angle CS mount lens:

Installation Tips:

• Mounting Height: Install 2.5-4m above ground for optimal FOV coverage (avoids obstructions like vehicles).
• Angle Alignment: Tilt the lens slightly downward to focus on vehicles (not the sky) and minimize glare.
• Avoid Direct Glare: Position the lens away from direct sunlight, LED lights, or headlight paths to prevent overexposure.
• Secure Mounting: Use a stable bracket to reduce vibration (critical for clear images, especially in high-traffic areas).

Maintenance Tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe the lens surface with a microfiber cloth (avoid harsh chemicals) to remove dust, dirt, or water spots.
• Moisture Protection: For outdoor/underground use, ensure the camera housing is waterproof to prevent lens fogging.
• Check Focus & Zoom: Periodically verify manual focus/zoom settings (for zoomable lenses) to maintain clear images.
• Inspect IR Compatibility: Test night vision performance quarterly to ensure IR correction is functioning (no image blur or color distortion).

CS mount wide angle lens IR corrected

FAQs

Q1: What’s the difference between CS mount and C mount lenses?

A: CS mount lenses have a shorter flange focal distance (12.5mm) than C mount (17.5mm). CS mount is smaller, lighter, and more common for modern CCTV/IP cameras—no adapter needed for CS-mount cameras (C mount requires a 5mm adapter for CS cameras).

Q2: What if night images are noisy?

A: Upgrade to an f/1.2 aperture lens or activate the camera’s 3D noise reduction feature.

Q3: Why is IR correction important for parking systems?

A: IR correction ensures the lens focuses infrared light (used in night vision cameras) correctly, eliminating blur or color distortion. This is essential for 24/7 monitoring in dark environments like underground garages.

Q4: What’s the benefit of a large aperture (F1.2) vs. F2.0?

A: A larger aperture (lower F-number) lets in more light, resulting in brighter, clearer images in low-light conditions. F1.2 is ideal for underground garages with minimal lighting, while F2.0 works well for well-lit outdoor parking lots.

Q5: Can I use a zoomable lens for both wide coverage and LPR?

A: Yes! Zoomable lenses (e.g., CS105011814P8, 10-50mm) let you switch between wide FOV (for parking floors) and narrow FOV (for zooming in on license plates).

Conclusion

Wide-angle CS-mount lenses are the backbone of reliable parking system surveillance—offering universal compatibility, wide coverage, 24/7 performance, and flexible options for every scenario. Whether you need ultra-wide coverage for entrances, low-light performance for underground garages, or zoomable precision for LPR, TOWIN Lens’ featured models (CCL117032MPCS, CS0412312F8, CS135011814A3, CS105011814P8) deliver tailored solutions.

By following our selection guide, installation tips, and maintenance best practices, you’ll ensure your parking system operates efficiently with clear, actionable surveillance data. For personalized recommendations or technical support, contact TOWIN!