Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why IR Corrected Lenses Are a Must for All-Weather Surveillance
• Core Technology Behind IR Corrected Lenses
• Types of IR Corrected Lenses for Surveillance
• Key Parameters to Consider When Buying IR Corrected Lenses
• IR Corrected Lenses vs. Standard Lenses: Performance Comparison
• Core Application Scenarios for IR Corrected Lenses
• TOWIN IR Corrected Lenses: Detailed Product Breakdown
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Key Takeaways

• IR corrected lenses eliminate blur/color distortion in day/night surveillance, ensuring sharp imaging 24/7.
• Core tech: IR band optimization (700-1000nm), low-distortion optical design, and multi-layer anti-reflective coating.
• Critical specs for selection: resolution (5MP-12MP), focal length (3.3mm-70mm), aperture (F1.4-F2.0), mount type, and iris control.
• Ideal for traffic monitoring, commercial security, industrial sites, and residential complexes.
• TOWIN’s IR corrected lens lineup offers versatile options (fixed/varifocal, auto/fixed iris) for diverse surveillance needs.

Introduction

In today’s security landscape, 24/7 all-weather monitoring is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a busy highway, a retail store, an industrial plant, or a residential community, surveillance systems must deliver clear, reliable images day and night, in bright sunlight, fog, or low-light conditions. This is where IR corrected lenses come into play—they solve the critical problem of image distortion caused by infrared (IR) light, a common issue with standard lenses.

TOWIN, a trusted name in surveillance optics, offers a range of high-performance IR corrected CCTV lenses tailored for professional security applications. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about IR corrected lenses: why they’re essential, their core technology, types, key selection parameters, performance advantages, and detailed insights into TOWIN’s top models.

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

Why IR Corrected Lenses Are a Must for All-Weather Surveillance

Standard lenses are designed primarily for visible light (400-700nm), but most security cameras use IR illuminators for night vision. When IR light passes through non-corrected lenses:

• Image blur: IR light bends differently than visible light, leading to out-of-focus images at night.
• Color distortion: Daytime images may have color shifts, and night images appear washed out.
• Reduced resolution: Critical details (e.g., license plates, facial features) are lost.
• Inconsistent performance: Fail to adapt to changing light conditions (sunrise, sunset, rain, fog).

IR corrected lenses address these pain points by optimizing optical design for both visible and IR bands (700-1000nm), ensuring:

Sharp, focused images 24 hours a day.

• Accurate color reproduction in daylight and clear monochrome imaging at night.
• Reliable performance across extreme weather and light conditions.
• Compatibility with high-resolution (5MP-12MP) security cameras for detailed surveillance.

Core Technology Behind IR Corrected Lenses

IR corrected lenses rely on advanced optical engineering to deliver consistent performance. Key technologies include:

• Dual-band optical design: Lenses are calibrated to focus both visible light and IR light on the same sensor plane, eliminating focus shift.
• Specialized lens materials: High-transmittance glass with low dispersion minimizes chromatic aberration (color fringing) in both light bands.
• Multi-layer anti-reflective (AR) coating: Reduces glare and reflection, enhancing light transmission for low-light environments.
• Low-distortion optimization: Precision optical design limits geometric distortion (≤-0.3% to -59%, depending on lens type), critical for accurate object recognition.
• IR band optimization: Tailored for the 700-1000nm range (common for security IR illuminators), ensuring maximum compatibility with surveillance cameras.

5mm IR corrected CS mount Wide Angle Lens

Types of IR Corrected Lenses for Surveillance

IR corrected lenses come in various configurations to suit different surveillance scenarios. Below are the most common types, with TOWIN examples:

1. By Focal Length

• Fixed focal lens: Ideal for static monitoring (e.g., specific rooms, entry points) with consistent field of view (FOV).
  • TOWIN CCL12516MPR2 (16mm): 25° horizontal FOV, perfect for long-distance static surveillance.
  • TOWIN CCL117080MPCS (8mm): 56° horizontal FOV, suitable for medium-range wide-angle monitoring.
• Varifocal lens: Offer adjustable focal lengths for flexible monitoring (e.g., large areas, dynamic scenes).
  • TOWIN C167011714A8 (16-70mm): 6°-26° horizontal FOV, ideal for traffic or large industrial sites.
  • TOWIN D14331112516A5M-1 (3.3-11mm): 34°-115° horizontal FOV, great for wide-angle to medium-range surveillance.

2. By Mount Type

• M12 S-mount: Compact design for small security cameras (e.g., dome cameras, bullet cameras).
  • Example: TOWIN CCL12516MPR2 (M12x0.5).
• CS-mount: Standard for medium-sized CCTV cameras, compatible with most professional security cameras.
  • Example: TOWIN CCL117080MPCS (CS mount).
• C-mount: Used for high-performance cameras (e.g., ITS traffic cameras), offers secure attachment for heavy-duty use.
  • Example: TOWIN C167011714A8 (C mount).
• Special Φ14 mount: Custom design for specialized security cameras, ensuring precise alignment.
  • Example: TOWIN D14331112516A5M-1 (Φ14 mount).

3. By Iris Control

• Fixed iris: Cost-effective, ideal for environments with stable light conditions (e.g., indoor malls, offices).
  • Examples: TOWIN CCL12516MPR2 (Fixed iris), TOWIN CCL117080MPCS (Fixed iris).
• DC Auto iris: Automatically adjusts aperture based on light levels, perfect for dynamic light environments (e.g., outdoor traffic, residential areas).
  • Examples: TOWIN C167011714A8 (DC Auto iris), TOWIN D14331112516A5M-1 (DC Auto iris).

Key Parameters to Consider When Buying IR Corrected Lenses

Selecting the right IR corrected lens depends on your surveillance needs. Focus on these critical specs:

Additional Tips:

• Match the lens’s image format (e.g., 1/2.5″, 1/1.7″) to your camera’s sensor size for full resolution utilization.
• Prioritize IR correction explicitly (look for “IR Corrected” in specs) to avoid fake IR-compatible lenses.
• For outdoor use, ensure the lens is durable (resistant to dust, moisture) – TOWIN’s industrial-grade design meets outdoor surveillance needs.

IR Corrected Lenses vs. Standard Lenses: Performance Comparison

Core Application Scenarios for IR Corrected Lenses

IR corrected lenses are versatile, but they excel in these key surveillance scenarios:

1. Traffic Monitoring (ITS)

• Needs: Long-distance monitoring, low-light performance (night traffic), license plate recognition, wide temperature range.
• TOWIN Recommendation: C167011714A8 (16-70mm F1.4, C-mount, DC Auto iris) – 8MP resolution, auto iris for dynamic light, and long focal length for highway surveillance.

2. Commercial Security (Retail, Offices, Malls)

• Needs: Wide-angle coverage, sharp facial recognition, day/night consistency.
• TOWIN Recommendations:
  • Fixed FOV: CCL117080MPCS (8mm F1.8, 12MP, CS-mount) – high resolution for retail floors.
  • Varifocal: D14331112516A5M-1 (3.3-11mm F1.6, Φ14 mount) – flexible coverage for malls/offices.

3. Industrial Surveillance (Factories, Warehouses)

• Needs: Large area coverage, low distortion (for equipment monitoring), dust/moisture resistance.
• TOWIN Recommendation: D14331112516A5M-1 (3.3-11mm, DC Auto iris) – wide-angle to medium-range, step motor focus/zoom for precise adjustment.

4. Residential & Community Security

• Needs: Compact design, low-light performance (nighttime streets), easy installation.
• TOWIN Recommendation: CCL12516MPR2 (16mm F2.0, M12-mount) – compact, low distortion, ideal for dome/bullet cameras in residential complexes.

TOWIN IR Corrected Lenses: Detailed Product Breakdown

TOWIN offers a curated range of IR corrected lenses for every surveillance need. Below are key models with their core specs and Selling points:

1. TOWIN CCL12516MPR2 – Ultra-Low Distortion Fixed Focal Lens

Core Specs:

• Resolution: 5MP
• Focal Length: 16mm (fixed)
• Aperture: F2.0
• Mount: M12x0.5
• Distortion: <-0.3% (ultra-low)
• Image Format: 1/2.5″
• IR: Corrected
• Iris: Fixed
• M.O.D.: 0.2m

Key Selling Points:

• Near-zero distortion for accurate object recognition.
• Compact M12 mount for small security cameras.
• Ideal for long-distance static surveillance (e.g., building entrances, parking lots).

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

2. TOWIN CCL117080MPCS – High-Resolution Fixed Focal Lens

Core Specs:

• Resolution: 12MP (max)
• Focal Length: 8mm (fixed)
• Aperture: F1.8
• Mount: CS
• Distortion: -16%
• Image Format: 1/1.7″
• IR: Corrected
• Iris: Fixed
• B.F.L.: 8mm

Key Selling Points:

• 12MP high resolution for detailed facial/license plate capture.
• F1.8 aperture for improved low-light performance.
• CS-mount compatibility with most professional CCTV cameras.

5mm IR corrected CS mount Wide Angle Lens

3. TOWIN C167011714A8 – Varifocal ITS Traffic Lens

Core Specs:

• Resolution: 8MP
• Focal Length: 16-70mm (varifocal)
• Aperture: F1.4 (large aperture)
• Mount: C
• Distortion: 6.1%
• Image Format: 1/1.7″
• IR: Corrected
• Iris: DC Auto
• M.O.D.: 1.5m

Key Selling Points:

• F1.4 large aperture for exceptional low-light/night traffic monitoring.
• 16-70mm zoom for flexible long-distance coverage.
• DC Auto iris adapts to changing light (sunrise, sunset, rain).
• C-mount for heavy-duty ITS traffic cameras.

IR corrected C-mount ITS traffic CCTV lens

4. TOWIN D14331112516A5M-1 – Wide-Angle Varifocal Lens

Core Specs:

• Resolution: 5MP
• Focal Length: 3.3-11mm (varifocal)
• Aperture: F1.6
• Mount: Φ14
• Distortion: -59%~-3%
• Image Format: 1/2.5″
• IR: Corrected
• Iris: DC Auto
• Focus/Zoom: Step Motor

Key Selling Points:

• 3.3mm wide-angle (115° FOV) for large area coverage (e.g., warehouses, malls).
• Step motor focus/zoom for precise, remote adjustment.
• DC Auto iris for dynamic light environments.
• Φ14 mount for specialized security cameras.

5 Megapixel IR corrected CCTV lens

FAQs

Q1: What is the IR wavelength range for TOWIN’s IR corrected lenses?

A: All TOWIN IR corrected lenses are optimized for 700-1000nm, the standard range for security IR illuminators.

Q2: Can IR corrected lenses work with both analog and IP cameras?

A: Yes – as long as the lens’s resolution (e.g., 5MP, 12MP) and mount type match the camera’s specs. TOWIN lenses are compatible with most modern IP cameras and high-resolution analog cameras.

Q3: What’s the difference between DC Auto iris and fixed iris?

A: Fixed iris has a static aperture (best for stable light). DC Auto iris automatically adjusts aperture based on light levels (ideal for outdoor/dynamic light environments).

Q4: How do I match the lens’s image format to my camera’s sensor?

A: Check your camera’s sensor size (e.g., 1/2.5″, 1/1.7″) and select a lens with the same or larger image format. For example, a 1/1.7″ lens works with 1/2.5″ sensors, but not vice versa (risk of vignetting).

Q5: Are TOWIN IR corrected lenses suitable for outdoor use?

A: Yes – TOWIN lenses are designed with industrial-grade materials to resist dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations (-20°C to 60°C typical), making them ideal for outdoor surveillance.

Conclusion

IR corrected lenses are the backbone of reliable all-weather surveillance. By solving IR-induced blur, distortion, and low-light issues, they ensure 24/7 sharp imaging critical for security professionals. TOWIN’s diverse lineup – from ultra-low distortion fixed lenses to high-performance varifocal traffic lenses – offers tailored solutions for every surveillance scenario.

When selecting an IR corrected lens, prioritize resolution, focal length, aperture, and compatibility with your camera. With TOWIN’s focus on quality and performance, you can trust their IR corrected lenses to deliver consistent, detailed images day and night, in any weather condition.

Ready to upgrade your surveillance system? Explore TOWIN’s IR corrected lens collection or contact our team for personalized recommendations!