OPTOWL 2 Megapixel Series High-Resolution Machine Vision Lenses for 1/2" and 2/3" Sensors – 5.39 µm

The OPTOWL 2 megapixel lens series, originally developed by RICOH, is designed for industrial machine vision cameras with 1/2" and 2/3" sensors up to 2 megapixels. The lenses are optimised for a minimum pixel pitch of 5.39 µm and combine high optical resolution with a compact and robust industrial design. The series is suitable for both CCD and CMOS cameras and is used in automated inspection and image processing systems.

The optical design delivers sharp images with high contrast and limits the reduction in image sharpness from the centre towards the edges of the sensor. Optical distortion is also kept low, which is important in applications where the position, dimensions or shape of components are determined through image processing. The lenses are suitable for inspecting electronic components, printed circuit boards, semiconductors, mechanical parts and other industrial products.

The series consists of seven lenses with focal lengths of 6 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 25 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm and 75 mm. The 6 mm and 12 mm versions are designed for 1/2" sensors, while the other five models are suitable for 2/3" sensors. All lenses feature a standard C-mount and a manually adjustable aperture.

High resolution across the entire image

The OPTOWL 2 MP lenses are developed for industrial cameras requiring good image sharpness and high contrast across the entire field of view. With a specified minimum pixel pitch of 5.39 µm, measured at 30% contrast at the edge of the optical image field, the lenses are matched to the resolution of 2 megapixel cameras. This allows fine product details, edges and patterns to be captured reliably without a significant loss of image quality towards the sensor corners.

The combination of optical resolution and contrast makes the series suitable for pattern recognition, presence and absence detection, accurate positioning and inspection of small components. When selecting a lens, both the pixel size and sensor format of the camera must be considered. For cameras with smaller pixels or higher resolution, the OPTOWL 5 MP or 9 MP lens series may be a better choice.

Low distortion for measurement applications

In industrial measurement and positioning applications, not only image sharpness but also the geometric accuracy of the captured image is important. The optical design of the 2 MP series aims to minimise distortion that could affect image measurements and pattern recognition. This makes the lenses suitable for applications such as dimensional inspection, component positioning, inspection of electronic components and quality control in automated production lines.

The available focal lengths allow the lens to be matched to the required field of view and available working distance. The minimum object distance ranges from 100 mm for the 6 mm version to 900 mm for the 50 mm version. For the 75 mm version, the minimum object distance is 700 mm. For accurate geometric measurements, additional camera calibration may be required to correct residual lens distortion.

Compact industrial design

The OPTOWL 2 MP series is designed for integration into industrial camera and inspection systems where mounting space is often limited. Most versions feature a compact Ø29.5 mm housing, while the 6 mm version has a diameter of 32 mm and the 75 mm version has a diameter of 34 mm. These compact dimensions allow the lenses to be easily combined with industrial C-mount cameras.

Depending on the focal length, the aperture can be adjusted from F1.4, F1.6 or F2.8 to a minimum aperture of F16, F22 or F32. The faster versions are particularly suitable for applications where sufficient light must reach the sensor to achieve short exposure times. At longer focal lengths, the smaller maximum aperture provides a different balance between light transmission, depth of field and optical performance.

The focus and iris settings can be mechanically secured using locking screws. This prevents unwanted adjustments caused by vibration or during operation in industrial environments. The combination of high image quality, compact dimensions and mechanical stability makes this series suitable for both new machine vision systems and the replacement of existing 2 megapixel lenses.

Key features

• Suitable for industrial 2 megapixel cameras

• Designed for 1/2" and 2/3" sensors

• Suitable for industrial CCD and CMOS cameras

• Minimum pixel pitch of 5.39 µm at 30% contrast at the image edge

• High image sharpness and good contrast across the entire field of view

• Low optical distortion for measurement and positioning applications

• Suitable for inspecting electronic components and mechanical parts

• Choice of seven focal lengths from 6 to 75 mm

• Manually adjustable focus and iris

• Maximum aperture openings from F1.4 to F2.8, depending on the model

• Minimum object distance from 100 to 900 mm, depending on the model

• Locking screws for focus and iris

• Compact industrial housing with diameters from Ø29.5 to Ø34 mm

• Robust design with standard C-mount

• Focal lengths: 6, 12, 16, 25, 35, 50 and 75 mm