Nicholas Sischka

As of recent years, the demand for machine vision systems that capture information in the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) spectral ranges has increased as more integrators and end users venture into new application spaces.

Imaging sensors in the machine vision space have traditionally fit into cameras utilizing only a couple of different camera mounts. However, newer sensors are beginning to grow far too large. Lens and camera manufacturers need to collaborate to develop new mounting standards for the new, large sensor formats.

Lens and camera sensor technology tends to co-evolve. As cameras drive to smaller and smaller pixel sizes with growing formats, lenses need to be designed to match those higher capabilities. 

Due to the vast number of imaging lenses that are available on the market, actually choosing a lens for a given application can be a daunting task. Part one of this article covered the most common types of lenses used for machine vision.

Lenses are a complicated and nuanced component in imaging systems. It is not always straightforward which decisions to make when it comes time to choose a lens and what tradeoffs are made as a direct result of those decisions.

Precision lenses do an excellent job conveying contrast and color from object to image, but they can do a poor job of transferring accurate dimensions, especially if they have small focal lengths.