Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Top 5 Applications of Fisheye Lenses in 2026
• M12/S-Mount Fisheye Lens
• Day-Night Vision Fisheye Lens
• Automotive Fisheye Lens
• Best Fisheye Lens for Industrial Machine Vision
• 2026 Fisheye Lens Buying Guide
• How to Install & Maintain Fisheye Lens
• Comparing Fisheye Lens vs. Wide-Angle Lens
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Key Takeaways

• Top 5 applications: Industrial vision, automotive safety (ADAS), 24/7 surveillance, AR/VR panoramic, smart home security.
• M12/S-Mount is ideal for compact cameras—TOWIN’s CCL118016MP (6MP, 190°) and CCL118018MPF (3MP, 180°) stand out.
• IR-corrected models (e.g., CCL1320117MP, CCL123019MP) enable day-night surveillance with clear imagery.
• Automotive fisheye lenses (A5120020F69, S4820025F69-IMX415) feature IP69K waterproofing for ADAS and parking assistance.
• Critical buying factors: Focal length, mount type, resolution, FOV, distortion control, and environmental resistance.
• Fisheye vs. wide-angle: Fisheye offers 180°+ FOV (distortion-prone) for full coverage; wide-angle (120°-170°) for low-distortion wide shots.

Introduction

Fisheye lens have evolved from niche optical tools to essential components in modern technology—powering everything from industrial automation to smart car safety systems. As a professional optical lens supplier, TOWIN delivers a comprehensive range of fisheye lenses designed for versatility, performance, and ease of integration. Whether you need compact M12/S-mount options for surveillance cameras or rugged waterproof lenses for automotive applications, TOWIN’s “PROFESSIONAL-ALL-EASY-FAST” approach ensures you find the perfect fit quickly.

In this 2026 guide, we’ll explore the top applications of fisheye lenses, highlight TOWIN’s best-in-class models, break down key buying factors, and answer common questions—helping you make informed decisions for your project.

Top 5 Applications of Fisheye Lenses in 2026

Fisheye lenses are redefining how we capture and process visual data across industries. Here are the most impactful use cases:

1. Industrial Machine Vision

• Purpose: Enable 360° inspection of manufacturing lines, robotic arms, and product quality control.
• Why Fisheye?: Eliminates blind spots in tight industrial spaces, reducing the need for multiple cameras.
• TOWIN Fit: High-resolution, low-distortion models like S6420024F69 (3MP, 200° FOV) for precise component scanning.

2. Automotive Safety (ADAS & Parking Assistance)

• Purpose: Power Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), 360° bird’s-eye view parking, and collision avoidance.
• Why Fisheye?: Ultra-wide FOV (180°+) captures road edges, pedestrians, and obstacles in tight parking scenarios.
• TOWIN Fit: Waterproof IP69K models (A5120020F69, S4820025F69-IMX415) with IRCF for all-weather reliability.

3. 24/7 Security Surveillance

• Purpose: Monitor large areas (malls, warehouses, campuses) without blind spots, day and night.
• Why Fisheye?: 190°+ FOV covers more ground than standard lenses; IR correction ensures clarity in low light.
• TOWIN Fit: IR-corrected models like CCL1320117MP (8MP, 220° FOV) for high-detail 24/7 monitoring.

4. AR/VR & Panoramic Content

• Purpose: Create immersive 360° panoramic videos, AR navigation overlays, and virtual tours.
• Why Fisheye?: Seamless wide-angle capture reduces stitching errors in panoramic content.
• TOWIN Fit: Compact M12-mount lenses (CCL118016MP, CCL118018MPF) for lightweight AR/VR cameras.

5. Smart Home & IoT Cameras

• Purpose: Monitor homes, offices, or smart buildings with minimal camera placement.
• Why Fisheye?: Compact size and wide FOV integrate easily with IoT devices; fixed iris design reduces power consumption.
• TOWIN Fit: Low-power M12 lenses (e.g., CCL118018MPF) with manual focus for plug-and-play IoT setups.

3-Megapixel M12 Fisheye Lens

M12/S-Mount Fisheye Lens: Best Picks for Compact Camera Systems

M12/S-mount lenses are the gold standard for compact cameras—featuring a M12x0.5 thread for direct PCB integration (also called “board lenses”) that eliminates extra adapters and saves space. TOWIN’s top M12 fisheye models are engineered to balance portability, performance, and ease of mass production, making them ideal for IoT devices, AR/VR gear, and compact surveillance systems.

1. CCL118016MP

• Core Parameters:
  • Image format: Φ5.0mm (compatible with 1/1.8″ sensors)
  • Focal length: 1.6mm
  • FOV: 190° (diagonal/horizontal/vertical)
  • Resolution: 6MP
  • Aperture: F2.0
  • Mount type: M12x0.5 S-Mount
  • M.B.F.L. (Mechanical Back Focal Length): 3.01mm
  • T.T.L. (Total Track Length): 17.1mm
• Key Features:
  • IR-corrected optical design (400-950nm wavelength compatibility)
  • Fixed iris for stable light intake
  • 0.1m minimum object distance (MOD) for close-up capture
  • Optical distortion <-113%
  • Direct PCB integration without adapters
• Ideal Applications:
  • 360° panoramic surveillance (small warehouses, retail stores, smart city nodes)
  • Lightweight AR panoramic cameras
  • Compact IoT security devices

2. CCL118018MPF

• Core Parameters:
  • Image format: Φ5.0mm (1/1.8″ sensor compatibility)
  • Focal length: 1.8mm
  • FOV: 180° (diagonal/horizontal/vertical)
  • Resolution: 3MP
  • Aperture: F2.5
  • Mount type: M12x0.5 S-Mount
  • B.F.L. (Back Focal Length): 3.20mm
  • T.T.L. (Total Track Length): 15.17mm
• Key Features:
  • 6G+IR cut filter for enhanced daytime color accuracy
  • Manual focus for precise calibration
  • Fixed zoom design (reduces production complexity)
  • Reflection index (R.I.): 65%
  • Optical distortion <-87.5%
  • Compact form factor for space-constrained devices
• Ideal Applications:
  • 360° AR headsets/accessories
  • Smart home security cameras (living rooms, garages)
  • Automotive interior monitoring systems
  • Budget-friendly IoT devices

M12/S-Mount Fisheye Lenses: Quick Comparison Table

Key Advantages of TOWIN’s M12 Fisheye Lenses

• Ultra-Compact Design: Φ5mm image format fits tiny camera modules (1/1.8″ sensor compatibility), perfect for space-constrained devices like AR glasses or mini IoT cameras.
• Seamless Integration: M12x0.5 thread screws directly into PCB cameras—no additional adapters or spacing required, streamlining mass production.
• Low-Complexity Performance: Fixed iris and focus (with manual focus options) reduce calibration steps, lowering production costs for high-volume applications.

Day-Night Vision Fisheye Lens: IR-Corrected Options for 24/7 Surveillance

For 24/7 security applications, IR-corrected fisheye lenses eliminate color shift, focus drift, and blurriness when switching between visible light and infrared (IR) environments. TOWIN’s top models combine ultra-wide coverage, high resolution, and IR optimization to deliver consistent detail—day or night.

1. CCL1320117MP

• Core Parameters:
  • Image format: Φ3.2mm (compatible with 1/3.2″ sensors like IMX179, AR0330)
  • Focal length: 1.17mm
  • FOV: 220° (diagonal/horizontal/vertical)
  • Resolution: 8MP
  • Aperture: F2.2
  • Mount type: M12x0.5 S-Mount
  • T.T.L. (Total Track Length): 21.1mm
  • M.B.F.L. (Mechanical Back Focal Length): 3.5mm
• Key Features:
  • Full IR correction (400-950nm wavelength range)
  • Fixed iris for stable light transmission
  • 0.1m MOD (minimum object distance) for close-range monitoring
  • Optical distortion <-145%
  • Compatible with day-night IP cameras
• Ideal Applications:
  • Large-area 24/7 surveillance (warehouses, university campuses, stadium parking lots)
  • Industrial facility monitoring (factories, workshops)
  • Smart city security nodes

2. CCL123019MP

• Core Parameters:
  • Image format: Φ4.5mm (1/2.3″ sensor compatibility)
  • Focal length: 1.9mm
  • FOV: 185° (diagonal/horizontal/vertical)
  • Resolution: 9MP (ultra-high definition)
  • Aperture: F2.2
  • Mount type: M12x0.5 S-Mount
  • T.T.L. (Total Track Length): 35.2mm
  • B.F.L. (Back Focal Length): 5.60mm
• Key Features:
  • IR-corrected 9G lens construction (enhances durability and optical stability)
  • Fixed iris optimized for low-light environments
  • 0.1m MOD for detailed close-up capture
  • F-theta distortion <-23% (low distortion for accurate object recognition)
  • Rugged design for 24/7 operation
• Ideal Applications:
  • High-detail 24/7 security (banks, jewelry stores, retail outlets)
  • Traffic monitoring nodes
  • Critical infrastructure surveillance (power plants, data centers)

Day-Night Vision Fisheye Lenses: Quick Comparison Table

Why IR Correction Matters

• Maintains sharpness and color accuracy when switching between visible light (day) and IR illumination (night) across the 400-950nm wavelength range.
• Eliminates “focus shift”—a common issue with non-IR lenses where images blur in low light—critical for night-time facial recognition, license plate capture, and object detection.
• Seamlessly integrates with day-night IP cameras (e.g., 8MP IMX179, AR0330 sensors) without additional calibration, reducing setup time and costs.

Automotive Fisheye Lens: Enhancing ADAS and Parking Assistance Systems

Automotive fisheye lenses require ruggedness, all-weather reliability, and compatibility with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) algorithms. TOWIN’s models are engineered to withstand harsh automotive environments—from extreme temperatures to high-pressure washing—while delivering ultra-wide coverage for parking assistance and collision avoidance.

1. A5120020F69

• Core Parameters:
  • Max image format: Φ5.19mm (1/2.9″ sensor compatibility, e.g., AR0830)
  • Focal length: 1.9mm
  • FOV: 200° diagonal (6.17 diagonal, 5.38 horizontal)
  • Resolution: 8MP
  • Aperture: F2.0
  • Mount type: M12x0.5 S-Mount
  • T.T.L. (Total Track Length): 14mm
  • Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
• Key Features:
  • IP69K waterproof rating (withstands high-pressure/80°C water jets)
  • Active Alignment (A-A) technology (ensures consistent mass production performance)
  • IRCF (Infrared Cut Filter) integration for day-night clarity
  • Manual focus for precise calibration
  • 6G+IRCF lens structure (enhances durability)
  • F-theta distortion <-19%
• Ideal Applications:
  • Automotive ADAS (collision avoidance, lane departure warning)
  • 360° bird’s-eye view parking assistance systems
  • Exterior vehicle surveillance (SUVs, sedans, commercial vehicles)
  • Rugged outdoor security devices (marine vessels, construction equipment)

2. S4820025F69-IMX415

• Core Parameters:
  • Image format: Φ4.8mm (1/2.8″ sensor compatibility, custom-tuned for IMX415)
  • Focal length: 1.4mm
  • FOV: 200° horizontal, 121° vertical
  • Resolution: 8MP
  • Aperture: F2.5
  • Mount type: M12x0.5 S-Mount
  • T.T.L. (Total Track Length): 13.36mm
  • MOD (Minimum Object Distance): 0.2m
  • Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
• Key Features:
  • IP69K waterproof rating (industrial/automotive-grade durability)
  • Built-in IR filter for consistent daytime color accuracy
  • Fixed iris optimized for automotive power constraints
  • Compact design (fits tight automotive installations)
  • Distortion <-125% (max distortion 118%)
  • IMX415 sensor-specific tuning
• Ideal Applications:
  • Automotive blind-spot detection systems
  • Parking assistance systems (compact cars, trucks)
  • Exterior vehicle security
  • Rugged IoT devices for automotive aftermarket

Automotive Fisheye Lenses: Quick Comparison Table

Automotive-Grade Features

• IP69K Waterproofing: Withstands high-pressure (80bar) and high-temperature (80°C) water jets—critical for exterior vehicle cameras exposed to washing and weather.
• Wide Temperature Range: Operates reliably in -40°C to +85°C, suitable for extreme climates (from arctic winters to desert summers).
• ADAS-Optimized: Compatible with automotive sensors (e.g., IMX415, AR0830) and processing units, ensuring seamless integration with parking assistance and collision avoidance algorithms.

Best Fisheye Lens for Industrial Machine Vision: Towin’s High-Performance Models

Industrial machine vision demands low distortion, high reliability, and precise measurement capabilities—even in harsh factory environments. TOWIN’s industrial fisheye lenses are engineered to deliver consistent performance for automated inspection, robotics, and quality control, with rugged construction and low distortion for accurate data capture.

1. S6420024F69

• Core Parameters:
  • Image format: Φ6.9mm (optimized for IMX390 1920X1080 sensors)
  • Focal length: 1.9mm
  • FOV: 200° diagonal, 183° horizontal, 104° vertical
  • Resolution: 3MP
  • Aperture: F2.4
  • Mount type: M12x0.5 S-Mount
  • T.T.L. (Total Track Length): 15.94mm
  • MOD (Minimum Object Distance): 0.2m
  • Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
• Key Features:
  • IP69K waterproof/dustproof rating (resists factory washdowns and debris)
  • <1% F-theta distortion (ensures accurate measurement data)
  • Built-in IR filter for consistent light transmission
  • Fixed iris for stable performance in variable lighting
  • 6G+IRCF lens structure (resists vibration and dust)
• Ideal Applications:
  • Robotic assembly line inspection (electronics, automotive parts)
  • Component quality control (small parts, PCBs)
  • Warehouse automation (pallet scanning, inventory tracking)
  • Industrial workspace monitoring (factories, workshops)

2. S5318620F69

• Core Parameters:
  • Max image format: Φ5.3mm (optimized for 1/2.42″ ISX031 sensors)
  • Focal length: 1.6mm
  • FOV: 186° diagonal, 186° horizontal, 162° vertical
  • Resolution: 3MP
  • Aperture: F2.0
  • Mount type: M12x0.5 S-Mount
  • T.T.L. (Total Track Length): 23.15mm
  • Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
• Key Features:
  • IP69K waterproof/dustproof rating (industrial-grade durability)
  • F-theta distortion <-7.9% (low distortion for usable edge detail)
  • Built-in IR filter for low-light performance
  • Fixed iris for consistent data capture
  • 6G+IRCF lens structure (withstands harsh factory conditions)
• Ideal Applications:
  • Packaging quality control (food, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods)
  • Warehouse robotics (inventory tracking, order fulfillment)
  • Agricultural equipment monitoring (harvesters, tractors)
  • Industrial workspace surveillance (loading docks, production floors)

Industrial Machine Vision Fisheye Lenses: Quick Comparison Table

Industrial-Grade Benefits

• Ultra-Low Distortion: F-theta distortion <1% (S6420024F69) ensures accurate measurement data for machine vision algorithms, eliminating errors in component inspection and robotics guidance.
• Rugged Construction: 6G+IRCF lens structure resists vibration, dust, and harsh cleaning agents—ideal for factory floors and industrial environments.
• Fixed Optics: Consistent performance across high-volume applications with no post-installation calibration required, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

2026 Best Fisheye Lens Buying Guide: Key Factors to Consider

When choosing a fisheye lens, prioritize these factors to match your application:

1. Focal Length

• Shorter focal length = wider FOV (e.g., 1.17mm = 220° FOV for large areas; 1.9mm = 185° FOV for detailed shots).
• TOWIN’s range: 1.17mm (CCL1320117MP) to 1.9mm (A5120020F69) for diverse coverage needs.

2. Mount Type

• M12/S-Mount: Best for compact cameras (IoT, smart home, AR/VR)—TOWIN’s most popular option.
• C-Mount: For industrial machine vision cameras (flange focal distance 17.526mm)—ideal for large sensors (2/3″ or 1″).
• CS-Mount: Compatible with CCTV cameras (flange focal distance 12.526mm)—IR-corrected models for day-night surveillance.

3. Resolution

• 3MP-6MP: Budget-friendly for smart home/IoT (e.g., CCL118018MPF, S6420024F69).
• 8MP-9MP: High-detail for security/automotive (e.g., CCL1320117MP, CCL123019MP)—supports facial recognition.

4. FOV (Field of View)

• 180°-190°: Standard for 360° panoramic (e.g., CCL118016MP, CCL118018MPF).
• 200°-220°: Ultra-wide for large areas (e.g., CCL1320117MP, S4820025F69-IMX415).

5. Environmental Resistance

• Waterproofing: IP69K for automotive/industrial use (e.g., A5120020F69, S5318620F69).
• IR Correction: Essential for 24/7 surveillance (all TOWIN CCTV fisheye models).

6. Distortion

• High distortion (<-100%): Acceptable for panoramic content/security (covers more area).
• Low distortion (<-25%): Critical for machine vision/automotive (accurate object detection).

How to Install & Maintain Fisheye Lens: Tips for M12/S-Mount and C-Mount Setups

M12/S-Mount Installation Steps:

• Align the lens’ M12x0.5 thread with the camera’s PCB mount.
• Screw the lens clockwise until snug (do not over-tighten—risk of damaging the PCB).
• Adjust focus manually (if applicable) using the lens’ focus ring (e.g., CCL118018MPF).
• Test the FOV and sharpness—use a calibration chart to ensure no blurring at the edges.

C-Mount Installation Steps:

• Remove the camera’s lens cap and align the C-mount lens’ flange with the camera’s mount.
• Secure the lens with the set screw (flange focal distance: 17.526mm—no spacing needed).
• For CS-mount cameras: Add a 5mm spacer between the lens and camera (CS-mount flange distance = 12.526mm).

Maintenance Tips:

• Clean the lens surface with a microfiber cloth (avoid paper towels—scratch risk).
• For waterproof models (IP69K), rinse with water after exposure to dirt/chemicals.
• Store unused lenses in a dry, dust-free container—TOWIN’s packaging includes anti-static bags for protection.

Comparing Fisheye Lens vs. Wide-Angle Lens: Which Fits Your Vision Needs?

Choosing between fisheye and wide-angle depends on FOV requirements and distortion tolerance:

When to Choose Fisheye:

• You need full 360°/180° coverage with one camera.
• Distortion is acceptable (e.g., security footage, panoramic videos).
• Compact size is critical (IoT, smart home, or AR devices).

When to Choose Wide-Angle:

• You need wide coverage without extreme distortion (e.g., automotive side mirrors, landscape photography).
• High detail at the edges is required (e.g., machine vision measurement).

FAQs

1. How do I reduce fisheye distortion?

You can reduce fisheye distortion with post-processing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, OpenCV). For real-time accuracy (machine vision/ADAS), choose low-distortion models like CCL123019MP (distortion <-23%) or S6420024F69 (distortion <1%).

2. Are TOWIN’s fisheye lenses compatible with my camera sensor?

TOWIN’s M12/S-Mount lenses support 1/3.2″-1/1.8″ compact sensors (e.g., Φ3.2mm for CCL1320117MP, Φ5.0mm for CCL118016MP/CCL118018MPF). Industrial/C-Mount models fit 2/3″-1″ sensors.

3. Can fisheye lenses be used for night vision?

Yes. TOWIN’s IR-corrected lenses (CCL1320117MP, CCL123019MP, CCL118016MP) maintain sharpness across 400-950nm wavelengths and eliminate focus shift. Pair with a day-night camera (with IR cut filter) and optional IR illuminators for extreme low light.

4. What’s the difference between IP69K and standard waterproofing?

IP69K (for TOWIN’s A5120020F69, S4820025F69-IMX415, S6420024F69, S5318620F69) resists 80bar high-pressure, 80°C high-temperature water jets. Standard ratings (IP67/IP68) only protect against submersion, not high-pressure washing.

5. How long does TOWIN take to ship fisheye lenses?

In-stock “HOT LENSES” ship in 2-3 business days. Custom orders take 2-4 weeks. For stock checks or urgent needs, contact TOWIN’s sales team at info@towin-elec.com for real-time estimates.

Conclusion

Fisheye lenses are indispensable in 2026’s tech ecosystem—from powering ADAS in smart cars to enabling 360° surveillance in warehouses. TOWIN’s comprehensive range of M12/S-mount, IR-corrected, automotive, and industrial fisheye lenses delivers professional performance with easy integration and fast shipping.

Whether you’re building a smart home camera, an ADAS system, or an industrial machine vision setup, TOWIN’s “PROFESSIONAL-ALL-EASY-FAST” approach ensures you get the right lens for your project. Use our buying guide to prioritize key features, and reach out to our team at info@towin-elec.com for personalized recommendations.

Ready to elevate your vision with TOWIN’s fisheye lenses? Explore our full product line or request a sample today!