Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Advantages of Zoom CS-Mount Lenses in ITS
• Core Technical Specs of Zoom CS-Mount Lenses for ITS
• Application of Zoom CS-Mount Lenses in ITS Scenarios
• TOWIN Zoom CS-Mount Lenses Recommended for ITS
• Selection Guide for Zoom CS-Mount Lenses in ITS
• Extended Industry Applications of Zoom CS-Mount Lenses
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Key Takeaways

• Core Advantage: Zoom CS-mount lenses combine flexible focal length adjustment (no lens replacement for different distances) and CS-mount compatibility (12.526mm flange focal distance, ideal for compact ITS cameras) to meet diverse traffic monitoring needs.
• Critical Specs: For ITS, focus on focal length (2.8-60mm for different scenarios), resolution (3MP/6MP for clear license plate capture), aperture (F1.4-F1.5 for low-light performance), IR correction (day-night monitoring), and distortion rate (<-18% to avoid image deformation).
• TOWIN Highlights: Specialized models like CCL1181250PAMP (6MP ITS-specific) and CCL1250660AMP (6-60mm telephoto) cover highway, urban intersection, and tunnel monitoring.
• Selection Guide: Match lens specs to scenarios (e.g., telephoto for highways, wide-angle for intersections), align with camera sensor size, and prioritize low-light & IR features for 24/7 use.
• Common Q&A: CS-mount lenses are not compatible with C-mount cameras; F1.4 aperture outperforms F1.8 in night ITS monitoring.

Introduction

With the global acceleration of smart city construction, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have become a core solution to ease traffic congestion, reduce accidents, and improve management efficiency. From highway speed enforcement and urban intersection violation detection to tunnel traffic flow statistics, high-performance optical lenses are the “eyes” of ITS—determining the accuracy of image capture and data analysis.

Among various lens types, zoom CS-mount lenses stand out for ITS applications. Their CS-mount design ensures broad compatibility with mainstream compact ITS cameras (12.526mm flange focal distance, no need for additional adapters), while the zoom function eliminates the need to replace lenses when switching between close-range license plate capture and long-distance road condition monitoring. TOWIN, as a professional optical lens supplier, offers a full range of zoom CS-mount lenses tailored to ITS scenarios, combining high resolution, low-light adaptability, and IR correction for 24/7 reliable operation.

Advantages of Zoom CS-Mount Lenses in ITS

Zoom CS-mount lenses address key pain points of ITS monitoring with unique advantages, making them a preferred choice for traffic management projects:

• Broad Compatibility with ITS Cameras: CS-mount is a standard interface for compact CCTV/IP cameras widely used in ITS. Unlike C-mount lenses (which require a 5mm adapter ring for CS-mount cameras), CS-mount lenses can be directly installed, reducing installation complexity and potential image deviations.
• Flexible Focal Length for Multi-Scenario Monitoring: ITS requires both wide coverage (e.g., urban intersections) and long-distance precision (e.g., highway speed enforcement). Zoom CS-mount lenses (e.g., 2.8-12mm, 12-50mm) allow real-time focal length adjustment, covering 100°+ wide angles to 8° telephoto views without lens replacement.
• 24/7 Monitoring with IR Correction: All TOWIN zoom CS-mount lenses feature IR correction, which eliminates image shift caused by infrared light at night. This ensures clear imaging of license plates and vehicle details even in low-light or total darkness—critical for ITS night operations.
• High Resolution for Accurate Data Capture: Most TOWIN models support 3MP-6MP resolution, meeting the ITS requirement for capturing fine details (e.g., license plate characters, vehicle logos). For example, the 6MP CCL1181250PAMP lens ensures no detail loss when zooming in on distant vehicles.
• Fast Light Adaptation with Auto Iris: Models equipped with DC Auto Iris or P-Iris (e.g., CCL1181250PAMP with P-Iris) automatically adjust aperture size based on ambient light. This avoids overexposure during daytime glare or underexposure at dusk, maintaining stable image quality for ITS algorithms (e.g., violation recognition).

Core Technical Specs of Zoom CS-Mount Lenses for ITS

The performance of zoom CS-mount lenses in ITS depends on key technical specs. Below is a detailed breakdown of specs and their relevance to ITS applications:

Application of Zoom CS-Mount Lenses in ITS Scenarios

Different ITS scenarios have distinct requirements for lens performance. Below is how zoom CS-mount lenses adapt to key scenarios:

1. Highway Speed Enforcement & Traffic Monitoring

• Scenario Needs: Long-distance (100-500m) license plate capture, resistance to strong sunlight/glare, 24/7 operation.
• Lens Adaptation:
  • Focal length: 12-60mm (e.g., TOWIN CCL1250660AMP 6-60mm) for long-range precision.
  • Aperture: F1.4 (high light intake to counteract glare).
  • Resolution: 3MP+ to ensure clear license plate capture at 500m.
  • IR correction: Enables night-time speed enforcement without image distortion.

2. Urban Intersection Violation Detection (Red Light Running, Jumping the Queue)

• Scenario Needs: Wide coverage (3-4 lanes), close-range license plate capture, fast light adaptation (day/night transitions).
• Lens Adaptation:
  • Focal length: 2.8-12mm (e.g., TOWIN CS271312713A3 2.7-13mm) for 122° wide-angle coverage.
  • Distortion rate: ≤-9% (e.g., CS135011814A3 <-9%) to avoid license plate deformation.
  • Iris type: DC Auto Iris for real-time adjustment to morning/evening light changes.
  • M.O.D.: 0.2-0.3m for close-range capture of vehicles at stop lines.

3. Tunnel Traffic Monitoring

• Scenario Needs: Low-light performance, resistance to tunnel lighting glare, narrow space adaptation.
• Lens Adaptation:
  • Aperture: F1.3-F1.4 (e.g., CS271312713A3 F1.3) for maximum light intake in dim tunnels.
  • IR correction: Eliminates image shift caused by tunnel lights and infrared supplements.
  • Focal length: 3-12mm (balanced coverage and clarity for narrow tunnel spaces).
  • Compact design: CS-mount’s small size fits tunnel-mounted cameras with limited installation space.

4. Parking Lot & Toll Station Management

• Scenario Needs: Close-range vehicle identification (license plates, stickers), indoor/outdoor light adaptation.
• Lens Adaptation:
  • M.O.D.: 0.1-0.3m (e.g., CS271312713A3 0.1m) for capturing vehicles at toll gates.
  • Focal length: 2.8-11mm (e.g., CCL12702811AMP 2.8-11mm) for wide coverage of parking lanes.
  • Resolution: 3MP+ to read parking permits or toll stickers clearly.

TOWIN Zoom CS-Mount Lenses Recommended for ITS

TOWIN offers 7 high-performance zoom CS-mount lenses tailored to ITS needs. Below is a detailed analysis of each model, followed by a comparative table for quick selection:

1. Model: CCL1181250PAMP (ITS-Specific Lens)

• Core Specs:
  • Focal length: 12-50mm (ideal for medium-to-long range ITS monitoring)
  • Resolution: 6MP (high-definition for fine detail capture)
  • Maximum aperture: F1.5 (excellent low-light performance)
  • Horizontal F.O.V.: 33°~8° (covers wide intersections to long-distance highways)
  • Distortion rate: <-18% (minimizes image deformation)
  • Iris type: P-Iris (precise aperture control for stable depth of field)
  • IR correction: Yes (24/7 monitoring capability)
  • M.O.D.: 0.3m (suitable for near-range toll booths)
  • Sensor compatibility: 1/1.8″ (matches mainstream ITS camera sensors like IMX185/IMX385)
• ITS Adaptation Scenario: Urban highways, high-precision violation detection (6MP resolution ensures clear license plates at 300m).

12-50mm-P-Iris-Telephoto CCTV-lens

2. Model: CS135011814A3 (Low Distortion)

• Core Specs:
  • Focal length: 13-50mm (medium telephoto for long-range monitoring)
  • Resolution: 3MP (meets basic ITS detail requirements)
  • Maximum aperture: F1.4~F1.8 (superior low-light performance at F1.4)
  • Horizontal F.O.V.: 33°~8.5° (covers 3 lanes to distant vehicles)
  • Distortion rate: <-9% (low distortion—ideal for license plate capture)
  • Iris type: DC Auto Iris (auto-adapts to light changes)
  • IR correction: Yes (night monitoring without image shift)
  • M.O.D.: 0.3m (near-range toll station use)
  • Sensor compatibility: 1/1.8″
• ITS Adaptation Scenario: Urban intersections, red light violation detection (low distortion ensures accurate license plate recognition).

13-50mm 3-Megapixel low distortion CCTV lens

3. Model: CS281212714A3 (Wide-Angle)

• Core Specs:
  • Focal length: 2.8-12mm (wide-angle for broad coverage)
  • Resolution: 3MP (reliable for daily traffic monitoring)
  • Maximum aperture: F1.4-C (high light intake for tunnels)
  • Horizontal F.O.V.: 106°~32° (covers 4+ lanes at intersections)
  • Distortion rate: -69%~-4% (wide-angle mode with acceptable distortion)
  • Iris type: DC Auto Iris (fast light adaptation)
  • IR correction: Yes (night-time intersection monitoring)
  • M.O.D.: 0.2m (close-range parking lot management)
  • Sensor compatibility: 1/2.7″
• ITS Adaptation Scenario: Urban intersections, parking lot entrances (wide-angle covers entire intersection).

1/2.7″ 2.8-12mm CCTV lens

4. Model: CS271312713A3 (Ultra-Wide & Close-Range)

• Core Specs:
  • Focal length: 2.7-13mm (ultra-wide to medium range)
  • Resolution: 3MP (clear for vehicle identification)
  • Maximum aperture: F1.3-C (best-in-class low-light performance)
  • Horizontal F.O.V.: 122°~23° (ultra-wide coverage for large intersections)
  • Distortion rate: -80%~-2% (medium range with low distortion)
  • Iris type: DC Auto Iris (auto-dims for glare)
  • IR correction: Yes (night monitoring in dim areas)
  • M.O.D.: 0.1m (closest focus for toll booths)
  • Sensor compatibility: 1/2.7″ (matches OV2710/AR0237 sensors)
• ITS Adaptation Scenario: Tunnel monitoring, parking lot management (F1.3 aperture and 0.1m M.O.D. for low-light close-range use).

1/2.7″ 2.7-13mm Auto Iris F1.3 3MP CS mount IR corrected CCTV lens

5. Model: CCL12702811AMP (Balanced Performance)

• Core Specs:
  • Focal length: 2.8-11mm (wide to medium range)
  • Resolution: 3MP (reliable for traffic flow statistics)
  • Maximum aperture: F1.4 (excellent low-light performance)
  • Horizontal F.O.V.: 106°~29° (covers 3-4 lanes)
  • Iris type: DC Auto Iris (auto-adapts to day/night)
  • IR correction: Yes (24/7 operation)
  • M.O.D.: 0.3m (near-range use)
  • Sensor compatibility: 1/2.7″
• ITS Adaptation Scenario: Urban road traffic flow monitoring, small intersections (balanced coverage and clarity).

3-Megapixel IR corrected CCTV lens

6. Model: CCL1250660AMP (Long Telephoto)

• Core Specs:
  • Focal length: 6-60mm (long telephoto for ultra-long range)
  • Resolution: 3MP (clear for distant vehicle capture)
  • Maximum aperture: F1.4 (high light intake for long-range low-light use)
  • Horizontal F.O.V.: 43°~5.5° (ultra-narrow telephoto for highway speed enforcement)
  • Iris type: DC Auto Iris (auto-adjusts to sunlight glare)
  • IR correction: Yes (night-time highway monitoring)
  • M.O.D.: 0.3m (near-range flexibility)
  • Sensor compatibility: 1/2.5″
• ITS Adaptation Scenario: Highways, long-distance speed enforcement (60mm focal length captures license plates at 500m).

C-mount IR corrected CCTV Vari-Focal lens

7. Model: CCL1272812AMPR1 (Day-Night Optimized)

• Core Specs:
  • Focal length: 2.8-12mm (wide to medium range)
  • Resolution: 3MP (reliable for 24/7 monitoring)
  • Maximum aperture: F1.4 (excellent low-light performance)
  • Horizontal F.O.V.: 113°~28° (wide coverage for intersections)
  • Distortion rate: -89%~- (wide-angle with acceptable distortion)
  • Iris type: DC Auto Iris (fast light adaptation)
  • IR correction: Yes (optimized for day-night transitions)
  • M.O.D.: 0.3m (near-range use)
  • Sensor compatibility: 1/2.7″ (matches OV2710/AR0237)
• ITS Adaptation Scenario: Urban intersections, overpass monitoring (optimized IR correction for dusk/dawn transitions).

CS mount IR corrected CCTV lens

TOWIN Zoom CS-Mount Lenses Comparative Table for ITS

Selection Guide for Zoom CS-Mount Lenses in ITS

Follow these 6 steps to select the optimal zoom CS-mount lens for your ITS project:

1: Define the Monitoring Scenario

• Highway: Prioritize long focal lengths (12-60mm, e.g., CCL1250660AMP) for distant license plate capture.
• Urban Intersection: Choose wide-angle focal lengths (2.7-13mm, e.g., CS271312713A3) to cover multiple lanes.
• Tunnel/Parking Lot: Select large apertures (F1.3-F1.4, e.g., CS271312713A3) and short M.O.D. (0.1-0.2m) for low-light close-range use.

2: Match the Camera Sensor Size

Ensure the lens’s image format matches the camera’s sensor size (e.g., 1/1.8″ lenses for IMX185 sensors, 1/2.7″ lenses for OV2710 sensors). Mismatched sizes cause vignetting (dark edges).

3: Confirm Resolution Requirements

• Basic ITS (traffic flow): 3MP lenses (e.g., CS135011814A3) are sufficient.
• High-Precision (violation detection): 6MP lenses (e.g., CCL1181250PAMP) for clearer license plates/vehicle details.

4: Evaluate Light Conditions

• Low-light scenarios (tunnels, night): Choose F1.3-F1.5 apertures + IR correction (e.g., CS271312713A3 F1.3).
• Glare-prone scenarios (highways): Select DC Auto Iris (e.g., CCL1250660AMP) for real-time light adjustment.

5: Prioritize Distortion Control

• For license plate capture: Choose low-distortion models (<-9%, e.g., CS135011814A3) to avoid character deformation.
• For wide-angle coverage: Accept higher distortion (-69%~-4%, e.g., CS281212714A3) if detail accuracy is not critical.

6: Verify Interface Compatibility

Ensure the lens is CS-mount (not C-mount) to match ITS cameras. C-mount lenses require a 5mm adapter and may cause image alignment issues.

Extended Industry Applications of Zoom CS-Mount Lenses

Beyond ITS, zoom CS-mount lenses are widely used in related smart mobility fields:

• Smart Port Logistics: Monitor container truck traffic (use 6-60mm telephoto lenses like CCL1250660AMP for long-range container number capture).
• Campus/Community Traffic: Manage vehicle entry/exit (use 2.8-12mm wide-angle lenses like CS281212714A3 for gate coverage).
• Airport Apron Monitoring: Track aircraft service vehicles (use 12-50mm lenses like CCL1181250PAMP for medium-range detail capture).
• Railway Level Crossing Safety: Monitor vehicle-train interactions (use F1.4 aperture + IR correction lenses like CS271312713A3 for 24/7 safety).

FAQs

Q1: Can zoom CS-mount lenses be used with C-mount ITS cameras?

A: No. CS-mount lenses have a shorter flange focal distance (12.526mm) than C-mount (17.526mm). Using a CS-mount lens on a C-mount camera will cause out-of-focus images. C-mount lenses can be used on CS-mount cameras with a 5mm adapter ring, but CS-mount lenses cannot be used on C-mount cameras.

Q2: Which aperture is better for ITS night monitoring—F1.4 or F1.8?

A: F1.4 is better. The smaller the F-number, the larger the aperture and the more light the lens captures. F1.4 lenses (e.g., CS271312713A3) collect 2x more light than F1.8 lenses, ensuring clearer license plate images in low-light conditions.

Q3: What’s the difference between P-Iris and DC Auto Iris for ITS?

A: – P-Iris (e.g., CCL1181250PAMP): Precisely controls aperture size for stable depth of field—ideal for high-precision scenarios (e.g., toll station license plate capture).

– DC Auto Iris (e.g., CS135011814A3): Automatically adjusts aperture based on light intensity—better for scenarios with frequent light changes (e.g., urban intersections at dusk).

Q4: Do 6MP lenses offer significant advantages over 3MP for ITS?

A: Yes for high-precision scenarios. 6MP lenses (e.g., CCL1181250PAMP) have 2x more pixels than 3MP lenses, allowing clearer image cropping (e.g., zooming in on a 500m-distant license plate without detail loss). For basic traffic flow statistics, 3MP lenses are sufficient.

Q5: How does IR correction benefit ITS night monitoring?

A: IR correction eliminates “focus shift” caused by infrared light. Without IR correction, images may be blurry when the camera switches to night vision mode. TOWIN’s IR-corrected lenses ensure consistent focus and color accuracy day and night—critical for reliable ITS algorithm performance.

Conclusion

Zoom CS-mount lenses are a core component of modern ITS, enabling flexible, high-performance monitoring across highways, intersections, and tunnels. TOWIN’s product line—from 6MP ITS-specific lenses (CCL1181250PAMP) to long-telephoto highway lenses (CCL1250660AMP)—meets diverse ITS needs with high resolution, low-light adaptability, and broad compatibility.

Whether you’re building a smart highway system or upgrading urban intersection monitoring, TOWIN’s zoom CS-mount lenses provide a cost-effective, reliable solution. For custom lens recommendations or technical support, contact us at info@towin-elec.com—our team will help you select the optimal lens for your ITS project.