The 5-50mm vari-focal CCTV lens with CS mount offers adjustable focal lengths, enabling precise field-of-view customization for surveillance. Its robust build, compatibility with IR cameras, and manual zoom/focus control make it ideal for dynamic environments like parking lots or perimeter monitoring. This lens balances versatility and image clarity, outperforming fixed lenses in adaptive security setups.
What Are the Main Types of CCTV Cameras?
How Does the 5-50mm Vari-Focal Lens Enhance Surveillance Flexibility?
With a 10x focal range (5mm to 50mm), this lens allows operators to adjust the viewing angle from wide-angle (87° horizontal) to telephoto (8.5°), eliminating the need for physical camera repositioning. Manual zoom and focus rings enable precise adjustments, while its CS mount ensures compatibility with most CCTV cameras, making it suitable for evolving security needs.
What Are the Key Technical Specifications of This Lens?
The lens features an F1.6 aperture for low-light performance, 1/3″ sensor compatibility, and IR correction for night vision clarity. Its all-metal barrel and CS mount design enhance durability. A focus lock screw prevents accidental misalignment, and the 5-50mm range supports resolutions up to 5MP, balancing detail capture with light intake efficiency.
The F1.6 aperture provides a 35% wider light intake than standard F2.0 lenses, crucial for capturing车牌 details at 50mm focal length in dim conditions. Engineers achieved this through aspherical glass elements that reduce spherical aberration. The IR correction mechanism shifts lens elements by 0.15mm when night mode activates, compensating for infrared focus shift. For installations requiring higher resolutions, the multi-coated optics minimize chromatic aberration to 1.2% at 50mm – outperforming most budget vari-focal lenses.
Which Scenarios Benefit Most from a 5-50mm Vari-Focal Lens?
- High-Traffic Areas: Adjust zoom to monitor license plates or facial recognition in parking zones.
- Perimeter Security: Switch between wide-angle patrol and tight zoom on intrusion points.
- Low-Light Environments: F1.6 aperture captures usable footage at 0.001 lux illumination levels.
How to Install and Calibrate a CS Mount Vari-Focal Lens?
- Align the lens’s CS mount with the camera’s threading, rotating clockwise until snug.
- Use the zoom ring to set the desired scene width, then adjust focus for clarity.
- Secure the focus lock screw and test IR functionality by toggling camera night mode.
Field technicians recommend using a torque wrench set to 0.6 N·m during installation to prevent mount deformation. For critical focus calibration, project a Siemens star test pattern at 20 meters – the lens should resolve lines at 50mm without aliasing. When adjusting back focus, loosen the C-mount adapter screws in 1/8 turn increments while monitoring MTF sharpness. Thermal expansion considerations are vital: allow 15-minute acclimatization when moving between indoor and outdoor environments to avoid focus drift.
What Maintenance Practices Prolong the Lens’s Lifespan?
Clean the front element monthly with a microfiber cloth and lens solution. Inspect the CS mount for debris, and apply silicone grease to threads annually. Store in anti-humidity bags when unused. Avoid forcing zoom/focus rings—if stiff, disassemble and apply graphite lubricant to helical gears.
How Does This Lens Compare to Fixed or Motorized Alternatives?
| Feature | 5-50mm Vari-Focal | Fixed 50mm | Motorized Zoom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $120-$200 | $80 | $500+ |
| Maintenance | Low | None | High |
| Adaptability | Manual | None | Remote |
| Failure Rate | 2% | 1% | 18% |
Expert Views
“In a recent airport project, we used 5-50mm lenses to cover both baggage claim crowds and detailed facial capture at counters. The manual vari-focal allowed on-site tweaking without network dependencies—a lifesaver in EMI-heavy environments where motorized lenses glitched.” — Martin Rowe, CCTV Integrator at SecureTech Solutions
Conclusion
The 5-50mm vari-focal CS mount lens remains a cost-effective cornerstone of adaptive surveillance. By marrying optical flexibility with mechanical simplicity, it addresses gaps left by fixed and automated systems, particularly in budget-conscious or environmentally harsh deployments.
FAQs
- Can this lens work with C-mount cameras?
- Yes, using a 5mm CS-to-C-mount spacer, though infinity focus may require recalibration.
- Does it support 4K cameras?
- Up to 5MP (2560×1920). For 8MP/4K, opt for HD-coated variants with F1.2 apertures.
- How weather-resistant is the lens?
- The base model is IP66-rated. Add silicone sealant to the focus ring for IP68 compliance in marine settings.