Low Distortion Lens – S18012701820

S18012701820 is Low-distortion 3-Megapixel lens, suitable for 1/2.7″ and 1/3″ sensors, 18mm focal length, F2.0 aperture, M12X0.5 mount.

18mm M12 Low Distortion Machine Vision Lens

This 18mm M12 low distortion machine vision lens is designed for compact imaging systems requiring accurate image geometry and a controlled field of view. Supporting 1/2.7″ and 1/3″ image formats, with 3MP resolution, <0.2% TV distortion, F2.0 aperture, and M12 × 0.5 mount, it provides a precise optical solution for embedded industrial vision and inspection applications.

M12 Low Distortion Lens Core Highlights

• <0.2% TV Distortion: Provides highly controlled image geometry for precision imaging.
• 3MP Resolution: Supports detailed image capture for industrial inspection systems.
• 18mm Fixed Focal Length: Provides a narrow, stable field of view for controlled inspection scenes.
• Dual Sensor Compatibility: Supports both 1/2.7″ and 1/3″ image formats.
• F2.0 Aperture: Provides a relatively bright optical configuration for industrial imaging.

18mm M12 Low Distortion Lens Applications

Core Application Scenes

This 18mm M12 3MP low distortion lens is designed for vision systems where maintaining accurate object geometry is more important than maximizing scene coverage. With TV distortion below 0.2%, the lens helps minimize image deformation, making it suitable for applications involving object positioning, edge inspection, pattern comparison, and geometry-sensitive image analysis.

The 18mm focal length provides a relatively narrow field of view, making this lens particularly suitable for dedicated inspection stations where the camera is installed at a predetermined position. Rather than covering a large area like a surveillance lens, it can focus the camera’s imaging area on a defined inspection zone.

The 0.2m M.O.D. allows the lens to be used for relatively close-range imaging. This makes it suitable for compact production equipment, component inspection fixtures, and camera modules installed close to the target.

Its compatibility with both 1/2.7″ and 1/3″ sensors provides additional flexibility when integrating the lens into different compact camera platforms. The M12 × 0.5 mount also supports space-constrained embedded designs.

For engineers determining whether an 18mm focal length provides the required image coverage, the FOV Calculator can be used to evaluate the relationship between sensor size, working distance, and field of view.

Compatible Device List

• Compact Machine Vision Cameras: Suitable for 1/2.7″ and 1/3″ CMOS camera modules used in dedicated inspection systems.
• Embedded Industrial Cameras: The compact M12 × 0.5 interface supports integration into small vision devices.
• Component Inspection Systems: Low distortion helps preserve the apparent geometry of components during image analysis.
• Positioning & Alignment Cameras: The narrow field of view and controlled distortion are suitable for fixed camera positions used for alignment.
• Pattern and Surface Inspection Devices: 3MP resolution provides sufficient image detail for a range of visual inspection tasks.
• OEM Vision Modules: The fixed focal configuration is suitable for dedicated camera products with predefined optical requirements.

Designed for precision component inspection, positioning, and compact low-distortion machine vision applications.

Optical Selection Considerations

The 18mm focal length produces a 21° diagonal, 18.5° horizontal, and 10.5° vertical FOV on a 1/2.7″ sensor. On a 1/3″ sensor, the specified FOV is 19° diagonal, 15° horizontal, and 11.5° vertical according to the supplied specifications.

This relatively narrow field of view makes the lens suitable for applications where the camera is positioned to observe a specific inspection region. The 18mm focal length can help isolate the target area when a shorter focal length would include excessive background or unwanted surrounding objects.

The most distinctive optical characteristic is the <0.2% TV distortion. For machine vision applications involving geometric comparison, edge detection, positioning, or dimensional analysis, low distortion helps produce a more consistent relationship between the physical target and its captured image.

Engineers can review the Distortion Guide to better understand how lens distortion can influence industrial imaging and machine vision results.

The lens uses a fixed F2.0 aperture and fixed iris, providing a predefined optical configuration for controlled camera installations. For additional focal lengths and optical configurations, the M12 Lenses range provides further options for compact vision systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What sensor sizes are compatible with this 18mm M12 lens?
A: The lens supports both 1/2.7″ and 1/3″ image formats, with a maximum image circle of Φ7.

Q: What is the resolution of this lens?
A: This M12 lens is specified for 3MP resolution, making it suitable for compact industrial and machine vision camera modules.

Q: What is the field of view on a 1/2.7″ sensor?
A: The specified FOV is 21° diagonal, 18.5° horizontal, and 10.5° vertical.

Q: What is the field of view on a 1/3″ sensor?
A: The specified FOV is 19° diagonal, 15° horizontal, and 11.5° vertical.

Q: Is this an ultra-low distortion M12 lens?
A: Yes. The specified TV distortion is below -0.2%, providing highly controlled geometric imaging for applications where distortion needs to be minimized.

Q: Is the 18mm M12 lens suitable for machine vision?
A: Yes. Its 3MP resolution, <0.2% TV distortion, 18mm fixed focal length, and compact M12 mount make it suitable for dedicated machine vision and industrial inspection systems.

Q: What is the minimum object distance?
A: The specified M.O.D. is 0.2m, or 200mm.

Q: Does this lens include an IRCF?
A: No. The specification states Without IRCF. If infrared filtering is required, the complete camera system should be configured with an appropriate IR-cut filter according to the sensor and lighting requirements.

Related Resources

When selecting an industrial lens, sensor size, focal length, working distance, and required field of view should be evaluated together. The Lens Selection Guide provides practical guidance for choosing the appropriate optical configuration.

For more information about sensor formats and image coverage, engineers can refer to the Sensor Guide.

When the required field of view needs to be calculated from the sensor and working distance, the FOV Calculator provides a convenient way to estimate image coverage.

For customized requirements involving focal length, sensor format, mounting configuration, distortion performance, or other optical specifications, Contact Towin to discuss an OEM/ODM lens solution.

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