M12 LENSES

M12 Lenses for Machine Vision & Industrial Imaging

An M12 lens is a compact board lens with an M12×0.5 thread, widely used in board cameras and embedded imaging systems. It offers a cost‑effective, lightweight and space‑saving solution for various vision applications.

M12 lenses are ideal for machine vision, robotics, automotive (ADAS), security, drones and other industrial imaging scenarios. TOWIN provides a wide range of high‑quality M12 lenses with different focal lengths, fields of view, and optical features to meet diverse application needs, including low distortion, wide angle, fisheye, pinhole and low‑light designs.

Compact Size Compact
Size
High Resolution High
Resolution
Customizable Design Customizable
Design
Reliable Quality Reliable
Quality

What is an M12 Lens?

M12 Lens Structure
M12 thread (M12×0.5) compact structure, suitable for board cameras

M12 Lens Product Database

Browse TOWIN's M12 lens portfolio by focal length, sensor size, field of view, resolution, distortion, aperture and other optical parameters to find a suitable lens for your camera system.

Filters Sort results
Reset Apply
Lens P/N
E.F.L.
Sensor
H. F.O.V.
MP
Max Dist.
FNo.
Iris
T.T.L.
1.5mm
1/3"
115°
MP
45%
2.0
Fixed
12.24
2.1mm
1/3"
138°
MP
81%
2.1
Fixed
14.42±0.2
2.3mm
1/3"
115°
1.3MP
19%
2.5
Fixed
13.04±0.2
1.0mm
1/4"
195°
MP
118%
1.6
Fixed
14
1.17mm
Φ4.6
165°
640*480
68%
2.0
Fixed
13
1.5mm
1/4"
135°
MP
18%
2.0
Fixed
14.84
2.0mm
1/2.7"
⋅
1/2.8"
154°
⋅
165°
2MP
1.8
Fixed
13.2
2.0mm
1/4"
⋅
1/3"
102°
⋅
140°
MP
95%
2.4
Fixed
14.42
2.0mm
1/4"
⋅
1/3"
102°
⋅
140°
MP
39%
⋅
95%
2.4
Fixed
14.42
2.2mm
1/4"
120°
1.3MP
81%
1.8
Fixed
16
2.3mm
1/2.8"
118°
⋅
145°
3MP
30%
2.2
Fixed
16.85
2.3mm
1/2.9″
125°
2MP
39%
2.2
Fixed
15.17
2.7mm
1/2.7"
141°
2MP
39%
2.0
Fixed
16.85
2.7mm
1/3"
116°
3MP
66%
2.5
Fixed
14.5
3.0mm
1/2.3"
123°
12.5MP
68%
2.4
Fixed
15.91
3.3mm
1/4"
70°
MP
7%
2.2
Fixed
17.24
3.4mm
1/2.5"
102°
5MP
28%
3.2
Fixed
18
3.7mm
1/2.3"
101°
⋅
97°
5MP
30%
2.0
15.91
4.3mm
1/2.5"
74°
3MP
28%
2.2
Fixed
21.2
5mm
1/2.5"
70°
2MP
6%
1.6
Fixed
22.4
1 2 … 33

M12 Lens Types

Low Distortion M12 Lenses

Low Distortion M12 Lenses

Ideal for machine vision and measurement applications requiring high geometric accuracy.

  • Machine vision
  • Measurement
  • Inspection
  • Object recognition
Learn More →
Wide Angle M12 Lenses

Wide Angle M12 Lenses

Provides a broader field of view, suitable for robotics and compact vision systems.

  • Robotics
  • Embedded cameras
  • Monitoring
  • Compact systems
Learn More →
Fisheye M12 Lenses

Fisheye M12 Lenses

Offers ultra-wide coverage and 180°+ field of view, perfect for surround view and compact cameras.

  • Wide-area imaging
  • Surround view
  • Compact cameras
Learn More →
Automotive M12 Lenses

Automotive M12 Lenses

Designed for ADAS and automotive cameras with reliable performance in harsh environments.

  • ADAS
  • Automotive cameras
  • Surround view
  • Vehicle monitoring
Learn More →
Pinhole M12 Lenses

Pinhole M12 Lenses

Compact and discreet lenses for covert imaging and security applications.

  • Covert imaging
  • Security
  • Embedded systems
Learn More →
Low-Light M12 Lenses

Low-Light M12 Lenses

Features large aperture and enhanced light gathering for low illumination environments.

  • Large aperture
  • Low illumination
  • Night imaging
Learn More →

M12 Lens Specifications and Selection Factors

ParameterWhy It Matters
Sensor SizeDetermines image circle compatibility (e.g., 1/4", 1/2.8", 1/2", etc.)
Focal LengthControls the field of view and scene coverage
FOV (Field of View)Determines the area captured by the lens
ResolutionMust match the camera sensor resolution (e.g., 2MP, 5MP, 8MP)
DistortionImportant for measurement and machine vision applications
Aperture (FNo.)Affects light gathering, image brightness and depth of field
MountM12×0.5 mechanical interface for compact cameras
TTL(Total Track Length)Important for camera and mechanical integration
IR CorrectionEssential for day/night or NIR imaging
Working DistanceInfluences focus and imaging performance

Related Knowledge & Selection Guides

Sensor Guide

Sensor Guide

Learn about camera sensor size, pixel size, sensor selection and compatibility to ensure the best lens performance.

Explore Sensor Guide →
Lens Selection Guide

Lens Selection Guide

Understand how sensor size, focal length, FOV, working distance, resolution and distortion affect lens selection.

Explore Lens Selection Guide →
Selection Guide

How to Choose an M12 Lens

Selecting the right M12 lens is essential to achieve optimal imaging performance and ensure compatibility with your camera system. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing an M12 lens.

1Match the Sensor Size

Make sure the lens image circle fully covers the camera sensor to avoid vignetting and ensure clear imaging.

Match the Sensor Size
View Sensor Guide →
2Select the Focal Length

Shorter focal lengths provide a wider field of view (FOV), while longer focal lengths offer a narrower view and more detail at distance.

2.8mm Wide
2.8mm Wide Wide FOV
6mm Normal
6mm Normal
12mm Tele
12mm Tele Narrow FOV
Try Focal Length Calculator →
3Calculate the Required FOV

Use TOWIN's FOV Calculator to estimate the ideal focal length and field of view based on your camera sensor and installation distance.

Sensor Size1/2.8"
Focal Length6 mm
Calculate →
Go to FOV Calculator →
4Check the Resolution

Choose a lens that matches your camera sensor resolution, such as VGA, 2MP, 5MP, 8MP, 12MP, 16MP or 20MP, to ensure sharp and detailed images.

VGA2MP5MP8MP12MP16MP20MP
5Consider Distortion

For measurement and inspection applications, low distortion is crucial to maintain geometric accuracy and reliable image analysis.

High Distortion
High Distortion
Low Distortion
Low Distortion
View Distortion Guide →
6Consider Aperture and Lighting

A proper aperture (F-number) helps control light intake and depth of field, while considering low-light performance ensures clear images in challenging environments.

F-Number
F-Number
Low Light
Low Light
DOF
DOF
Exposure
Exposure
Learn More →
Applications

M12 Lens Applications

M12 lenses are widely used across various industries, from machine vision and robotics to automotive and security. Below are some common applications and the recommended characteristics for M12 lenses.

Machine Vision
Machine Vision

Used for industrial inspection, defect detection and high-precision measurement.

Recommended Features
  • High resolution
  • Low distortion
  • Stable focus
View Solution →
Robotics
Robotics

Ideal for robotic arms and intelligent systems requiring compact design and wide field of view.

Recommended Features
  • Compact size
  • Wide FOV
  • Low distortion
View Solution →
ADAS
ADAS

Applied in automotive cameras for surround view, driver monitoring and advanced safety.

Recommended Features
  • Wide angle
  • Automotive design
  • High reliability
View Solution →
Smart Security
Smart Security

Used in surveillance, face recognition and video monitoring systems.

Recommended Features
  • Wide angle
  • Low-light performance
  • High resolution
View Solution →
Drone Imaging
Drone Imaging

Suitable for aerial photography and mapping applications requiring lightweight and high image quality.

Recommended Features
  • Lightweight
  • Low distortion
  • Wide FOV
View Solution →
Embedded Vision
Embedded Vision

Ideal for compact cameras in IoT devices, industrial equipment and smart terminals.

Recommended Features
  • Small size
  • Customizable
  • Reliable quality
View Solution →
Biometric Recognition
Biometric Recognition

Used in access control, identity verification and smart terminals with high accuracy requirements.

Recommended Features
  • High resolution
  • Low distortion
  • IR correction
View Solution →
TOWIN Manufacturer

Why Choose TOWIN for M12 Lenses?

As a professional optical manufacturer, TOWIN is committed to delivering high-performance M12 lenses with reliable quality and flexible customization. We combine advanced optical design, precision manufacturing and strict quality control to meet the diverse needs of global customers.

TOWIN precision optics for a smarter future
Optical Design icon
Optical Design

Professional optical engineering for excellent image quality and low distortion.

Customization icon
Customization

Flexible design to meet specific sensor, FOV, and mechanical requirements.

Prototype icon
Prototype

Fast prototyping service to validate your ideas and accelerate development.

OEM ODM icon
OEM / ODM

Full support for OEM and ODM projects, from design to mass production.

MTF Testing icon
MTF Testing

Accurate MTF testing to ensure optical performance and image sharpness.

Distortion Control icon
Distortion Control

Advanced optical calibration to minimize distortion and improve imaging accuracy.

Mechanical Design icon
Mechanical Design

Durable and precise mechanical structure for stable performance in various environments.

Mass Production icon
Mass Production

Stable supply chain and efficient production to meet large-scale demands.

Quality Control icon
Quality Control

Strict quality inspection at every stage to ensure consistent and reliable products.

🏭

Learn more about TOWIN as an industrial lens manufacturer.

View Our Manufacturing →
Learning Resources

M12 Lens Selection Resources

Explore our helpful resources to learn more about lens selection and optical design. These tools and guides will help you choose the right M12 lens for your specific application.

Lens Selection Guide
Lens Selection Guide

Learn how sensor size, FOV, focal length, working distance and resolution affect lens selection.

Explore Now →
Sensor Guide
Sensor Guide

Understand sensor size, pixel size and sensor compatibility for optimal lens matching.

Explore Now →
FOV Calculator
FOV Calculator

Calculate the required focal length and field of view for your camera system.

Try FOV Calculator →
Distortion Guide
Distortion Guide

Understand barrel, pincushion and other types of optical distortion and how to control them.

Explore Now →

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is an M12 lens?
A: An M12 lens is a compact camera lens that typically uses an M12×0.5 thread. It is commonly used with PCB cameras and embedded imaging systems, which is why it is also known as a board lens or miniature lens. M12 lenses are available in different focal lengths, FOVs, resolutions, and optical designs for industrial and embedded imaging applications.
2Is an M12 lens the same as an S-Mount lens?
A: In most camera applications, M12 lenses and S-Mount lenses use the same M12×0.5 threaded interface. M12 describes the thread size, while S-Mount is commonly used to describe the mounting standard. However, lenses with the same mount can have different focal lengths, FOVs, resolutions, and distortion levels.
3What sensor sizes are compatible with M12 lenses?
A: M12 lenses are available for various sensor formats, including 1/4", 1/3", 1/2.7", 1/2.5", 1/2.3", and 1/1.8". The lens image circle must adequately cover the camera sensor to avoid vignetting or dark corners. Always check the specified sensor format before selecting an M12 lens.
4How do I choose the focal length of an M12 lens?
A: Choose the focal length based on the sensor size, working distance, required FOV, and target size. Shorter focal lengths generally provide a wider FOV, while longer focal lengths provide a narrower FOV. Use an FOV calculator to estimate the required focal length before comparing suitable M12 lenses.
5Are M12 lenses suitable for machine vision?
A: Yes. M12 lenses can be used for compact machine vision systems where small size, suitable FOV, high resolution, and controlled distortion are important. Low-distortion M12 lenses are particularly useful for inspection, measurement, and object recognition, while wide-angle designs can be used when broader scene coverage is required.
6Can M12 lenses be customized?
A: Yes. M12 lenses can be customized to meet specific optical and mechanical requirements. Depending on the project, customization may include focal length, FOV, distortion, resolution, aperture, sensor coverage, mechanical dimensions, and IR performance. Custom development can include optical design, prototyping, testing, and preparation for mass production.
7What is the difference between an M12 lens and a C-Mount lens?
A: The main differences are the mount interface, physical size, and typical applications. M12 lenses use a compact M12×0.5 thread and are commonly used with PCB cameras and embedded systems. C-Mount lenses use a larger camera interface and are widely used with industrial cameras. The right choice depends on the camera, sensor size, available space, and required optical performance.
8How do I select an M12 lens for a specific FOV?
A: Start with the sensor size, working distance, and required horizontal, vertical, or diagonal FOV. These factors determine the approximate focal length required. After calculating the FOV, check the lens's sensor compatibility, resolution, distortion, aperture, and mechanical dimensions to ensure it meets the requirements of your camera system.

Need a Custom M12 Lens?

Tell us your sensor size, focal length, FOV, resolution, distortion, working distance, and mechanical requirements. TOWIN can help evaluate the optical design and recommend a suitable M12 lens.

FOV Calculator
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