OPTOWL VGA Series Machine Vision Lenses for 1/2", 2/3" and 1" Sensors

The OPTOWL VGA lens series, originally developed by RICOH, consists of industrial machine vision lenses for cameras with 1/2", 2/3" and 1" sensors and VGA resolution. The series is designed for industrial image processing applications where reliable image quality, a fast lens and stable mechanical construction are more important than a high megapixel resolution.

The lenses are suitable for a wide range of applications, including presence and absence detection, pattern recognition, product positioning, component inspection and basic geometric checks. With different sensor formats, focal lengths and aperture options available, a suitable lens can be selected for both small and large fields of view.

The series includes 11 models with focal lengths ranging from 4.2 mm to 50 mm. All versions feature a standard C-mount and a manually adjustable aperture. Depending on the model, the minimum object distance ranges from 200 mm to 1,000 mm.

Reliable image quality for industrial inspection

The OPTOWL VGA lenses are designed for industrial cameras where the sensor resolution and required field of view determine the lens selection. According to the manufacturer's optical resolution criteria, the series supports a minimum pixel size of 8.75 µm for 1/2" sensors, 11.67 µm for 2/3" sensors and 17.50 µm for 1" sensors. This makes the lenses suitable for VGA cameras and other sensors with relatively large pixels.

The series provides a practical solution for applications such as pattern recognition, position detection, missing component detection and product inspection. When very small details need to be captured or cameras with a higher pixel resolution are used, the 2 MP, 5 MP or 9 MP lens series are generally a better choice.

Different fields of view and working distances

The VGA series offers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle lenses for larger fields of view to longer focal lengths for smaller fields of view or greater working distances. The 1/2" series includes 4.2 mm, 6 mm and 12 mm, the 2/3" series consists of 4.8 mm, 8.5 mm and 16 mm, while versions with 12.5 mm, 25 mm and 50 mm are available for 1" sensors.

Shorter focal lengths are suitable for applications where a relatively large area must be captured at a limited distance. Longer focal lengths provide a smaller field of view at the same sensor size and working distance. This makes them suitable for inspecting specific product details and applications where the camera needs to be positioned further away from the object. For accurate measurements, optical distortion must be taken into account, particularly when using wide-angle lenses.

Compact and robust industrial design

The OPTOWL VGA lenses are designed for use in industrial machines and inspection systems. Depending on the model, the housing diameter ranges from Ø30 mm to Ø48 mm. This allows various versions to be integrated into machines where the available space around the camera is limited. All models feature a standard C-mount, making them compatible with a wide range of industrial cameras.

The lenses feature manually adjustable focus and iris rings. With maximum aperture openings ranging from F1.2 to F1.8, depending on the model, the lenses offer high light-gathering capability. This is particularly useful in applications with limited illumination or where short exposure times are required to reduce motion blur.

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 different focal lengths, robust construction and straightforward mechanical adjustment makes the VGA series suitable for both new machine vision systems and the replacement of existing lenses.

Key features

• Designed for industrial VGA cameras

• Suitable for 1/2", 2/3" and 1" sensors

• Suitable for industrial CCD and CMOS cameras with an appropriate pixel size

• Minimum pixel pitch of 8.75 µm, 11.67 µm or 17.50 µm, depending on the sensor format

• Suitable for pattern recognition, positioning and product inspection

• Choice of wide-angle lenses and longer focal lengths

• Fast lenses with maximum aperture openings ranging from F1.2 to F1.8

• Manual focus and iris adjustment

• Minimum object distance from 200 to 1,000 mm, depending on the model

• Locking screws for focus and iris

• Compact industrial housing with diameters from Ø30 to Ø48 mm

• Robust industrial design with standard C-mount

• 11 models for different sensor formats and fields of view

• Focal lengths: 4.2, 4.8, 6, 8.5, 12, 12.5, 16, 25 and 50 mm