Fisheye lens for Raspberry Pi camera
M12 lens with IR cut filter
04/02/2026
C-Mount vs CS-Mount: Understanding the 5mm difference and adapter usage
04/04/2026
Table of Contents
- What Is a Raspberry Pi Fisheye Lens
- Types of Fisheye Lens for Raspberry Pi
- Mount & Interface for Raspberry Pi Fisheye Lens
- Core Specifications to Choose a Fisheye Lens for Raspberry Pi
- How to Select the Right Fisheye Lens for Raspberry Pi
- Recommended TOWIN Fisheye Lenses for Raspberry Pi
- Best Application Scenarios
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- A Fisheye lens for Raspberry Pi camera is an ultra-wide-angle optic, mostly using M12×0.5 mount, which can be easily installed on Raspberry Pi camera PCB modules.
- Ideal specs: 170°–220° FOV, 1.8–3.0mm focal length, 5MP+ resolution, IR compatible for day/night use.
- TOWIN provides high‑performance, low‑distortion M12 Fisheye lenses optimized for Raspberry Pi projects.
- Common uses: panoramic monitoring, 360° vision robots, VR capture, car surround view, creative imaging.
What Is a Raspberry Pi Fisheye Lens
A Fisheye lens is an ultra‑wide‑angle optic with ~180°–220° field of view, designed for small‑sensor cameras like Raspberry Pi. It delivers panoramic, immersive images with mild barrel distortion, perfect for projects needing maximum coverage.
Benefits of Fisheye lens for Raspberry Pi:
- Ultra‑wide view to eliminate blind zones in monitoring and robotics projects
- Compact size that fits perfectly with small Raspberry Pi camera modules
- Low power consumption and cost-effective, suitable for DIY and industrial applications
- Supports day/night switching with IR correction for 24/7 use
Types of Fisheye Lens for Raspberry Pi
Field of View (FOV)
- Standard Fisheye: 170°–180° – balanced view with mild distortion, ideal for daily monitoring
- Super Fisheye: 180°–220° – near‑spherical coverage, stronger artistic effect for creative projects
- Panoramic Fisheye: over 220° – designed for VR, 3D reconstruction, and full surround view systems
Image Format
- Circular fisheye: Produces a circular image on the sensor, great for creative photography and art projects
- Full‑frame fisheye: Fills the entire sensor, the most practical type for monitoring, robotics, and industrial use
Mount Type
- M12 (S‑mount): M12×0.5 thread, direct screw-on to Raspberry Pi camera modules – the most popular and convenient option
- CS/C mount: Used for industrial cases; requires an adapter to fit Raspberry Pi cameras
Mount & Interface for Raspberry Pi Fisheye Lenses
M12 Mount (S‑Mount / Board Mount)
The M12 mount, also known as S-mount or board mount, is the standard for Raspberry Pi Fisheye lenses. It features a M12×0.5 thread, which can be directly screwed into the M12 mount of Raspberry Pi camera PCB modules. This mount is small, lightweight, stable, and easy to assemble, making it perfect for DIY and small-scale projects. TOWIN’s M12 Fisheye lenses support 5MP–12MP sensors, fully compatible with most Raspberry Pi camera modules.
CS / C Mount
CS-mount lenses have a flange focal distance of 12.526mm, while C-mount lenses have a flange focal distance of 17.526mm. Both are commonly used in industrial vision systems but require an adapter to work with Raspberry Pi cameras. They are better suited for high-end, fixed installations such as industrial inspection and traffic monitoring.
Mount Comparison Table
Mount Type | Thread/Size | Compatibility | Installation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
M12 (S-mount) | M12×0.5 | Raspberry Pi camera modules (all standard models) | Screw directly, no adapter needed | Most DIY projects, robotics, home/shop surveillance |
CS-Mount | 12.526mm flange | Industrial cameras, needs adapter for Pi | Requires CS-to-M12 adapter | High-resolution industrial projects, professional monitoring |
C-Mount | 17.526mm flange | Machine vision cameras, needs adapter for Pi | Requires C-to-M12 adapter | ITS (Intelligent Traffic Systems), traffic monitoring, industrial inspection |
Core Specifications to Choose a Fisheye Lens for Raspberry Pi
Focal Length
- 1.5–2.5mm: Ultra-wide FOV (>180°), strong barrel distortion, suitable for super fisheye projects
- 2.5–3.5mm: 150°–180° FOV, balanced distortion, perfect for daily monitoring and robotics
- 3.5–5mm: Wide angle but not full fisheye, better for projects needing less distortion
Resolution
- 5MP: Entry-level, suitable for basic monitoring and educational projects
- 8MP: Clear details, ideal for object recognition and high-quality surveillance
- 12MP: High-end, sharp imaging for VR content capture and precision measurement
Aperture (F-Number)
- F1.8–F2.4: Large aperture, great for low-light environments (e.g., night monitoring)
- F2.4–F2.8: Balanced aperture, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- F2.8+: Smaller aperture, better for bright outdoor environments to avoid overexposure
IR Compatibility
IR-corrected Fisheye lenses work seamlessly in both day and night conditions, with multi-coating technology to reduce flare and ghosting. This is essential for 24/7 surveillance projects using Raspberry Pi.
Specifications Comparison Table for TOWIN Fisheye Lenses
Specifications | Entry-Level (5MP) | Mid-Range (8MP) | High-End (12MP) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Focal Length | 2.0–2.5mm | 1.8–2.2mm | 1.5–2.0mm | Entry: Basic monitoring; Mid: Robotics; High: VR/3D |
FOV | 170°–180° | 180°–200° | 200°–220° | Wider FOV for more coverage |
Aperture | F2.4–F2.8 | F2.0–F2.4 | F1.8–F2.0 | Larger aperture for low-light performance |
IR Compatibility | Yes (basic) | Yes (multi-coating) | advanced IR correction | 24/7 use for all levels |
How to Select the Right Fisheye Lens for Raspberry Pi
1: Confirm the Mount Type
For standard Raspberry Pi cameras (e.g., Pi Camera V2, V3), choose M12×0.5 mount lenses. This is the most compatible and easiest to install option without any adapters.
2: Match the Sensor Size
Common Raspberry Pi camera sensor formats include 1/4″, 1/3.2″, and 1/3″. Make sure to pick a Fisheye lens labeled for your specific sensor size to ensure optimal image quality.
3: Match the Resolution
- 5MP Raspberry Pi camera module → Choose 5MP+ Fisheye lens
- 8MP Raspberry Pi camera module → Choose 8MP+ Fisheye lens
- 12MP Raspberry Pi camera module → Choose 12MP+ Fisheye lens
4: Pick FOV & Distortion Based on Your Project
- Monitoring (home/shop): 170°–180° FOV with low distortion for clear coverage
- Creative projects (photography/art): 180°–220° FOV with stronger distortion for artistic effect
- Robotics/obstacle avoidance: 190°+ FOV with minimal distortion for stable vision
5: Consider the Usage Environment
- Indoor use: Medium aperture (F2.4–F2.8), IR compatibility optional
- Outdoor use: IR correction, waterproof housing (if needed), and balanced aperture
- Low-light environments: Large aperture (F1.8–F2.0) and IR correction
Recommended TOWIN Fisheye Lenses for Raspberry Pi
Model | Focal Length | FOV | Resolution | Mount | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.17mm | 220° | 8MP | M12 | IR corrected, perfect for super fisheye projects | |
1.6mm | 190° | 6MP | M12 | Day/night use, compact size, ideal for home surveillance | |
2.0mm | 220° | 5MP | M12 | High sensitivity, security surveillance lens | |
1.5mm | 185° | 5MP | M12 | Multi-coating, high transmittance, great for indoor/outdoor monitoring |
All TOWIN M12 Fisheye lenses for Raspberry Pi camera feature direct fit for Raspberry Pi camera modules, multi-layer coating for high transmittance, stable optical performance, and support mass customization to meet your specific project needs.
Best Application Scenarios for Fisheye Lens for Raspberry Pi Camera
- Home & shop panoramic surveillance: 360° coverage to eliminate blind spots
- Robot 360° vision & obstacle avoidance: Ultra-wide view for stable navigation
- VR/3D content capture: Immersive images for VR headsets and 3D reconstruction
- Car surround view (AVM) systems: Full coverage of the vehicle’s surroundings
- Creative photography & art projects: Unique barrel distortion for artistic effects
- Educational Raspberry Pi experiments: Perfect for teaching optics and programming
- Industrial machine vision: Wide coverage for industrial inspection and quality control
2.0mm 5-Megapixel Fisheye lens
FAQs
Q: Are all M12 lenses compatible with Raspberry Pi cameras?
Most M12×0.5 lenses are compatible with standard Raspberry Pi camera modules. However, it’s important to match the sensor size and resolution of the lens with your camera module for the best image quality.
Q: How to reduce fisheye distortion in Raspberry Pi projects?
You can use software like OpenCV to calibrate and correct the distortion. Additionally, choosing a low-distortion fisheye lens (such as TOWIN’s S6822023F model) can minimize distortion at the source.
Q: Can I use IR night vision with a fisheye lens for Raspberry Pi camera?
Yes, you can. Simply pick an IR-corrected fisheye lens with an IR cut filter, which allows the lens to work seamlessly in both day and night conditions without color distortion.
Q: What’s the best FOV for Raspberry Pi monitoring projects?
A 170°–180° FOV is the best choice for most monitoring projects. It provides full coverage without excessive distortion, ensuring clear and usable images.
Q: Can I use C/CS mount fisheye lenses directly with Raspberry Pi cameras?
No, you cannot. C/CS mount lenses require a C/CS-to-M12 adapter to fit Raspberry Pi camera modules, as the Pi cameras use M12 mounts as standard.
Conclusion
A good Fisheye lens greatly expands your Raspberry Pi camera’s capabilities, unlocking a wide range of projects from surveillance to creative imaging. For most Raspberry Pi projects, an M12 mount, 170°–180° FOV, 5MP+ resolution, and IR compatibility are the ideal specifications.
TOWIN, a professional optical lenses supplier, provides reliable, high‑performance M12 Fisheye lenses optimized for Raspberry Pi camera, with fast delivery, full customization, and professional technical support. Whether you’re working on a DIY project or industrial application, TOWIN has the perfect Fisheye lens for your needs. Contact us today at info@towin-elec.com to find your ideal lens.
If you’re looking for a high-quality Fisheye lens for Raspberry Pi camera that combines performance, compatibility, and affordability, TOWIN is your trusted partner. Our lenses are designed to meet the unique needs of Raspberry Pi projects, ensuring optimal performance and easy installation.
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