C-Mount Lenses for Machine Vision Systems

Industrial optics for cameras with sensors from 1/4" to 1.2" format (4.5mm to 17.6mm diagonal). All lenses in stock at our US warehouse with same-day shipping.

Whether you're designing quality inspection systems, ITS traffic monitoring, robotics applications, or automation solutions, C-mount lenses deliver the optical performance your machine vision system demands.

Focal Range 4-75mm
Sensor Coverage 1/4" to 1.2"
Resolution 5-25MP
C-Mount Lenses for Machine Vision Systems

Why C-Mount Lenses Excel for Machine Vision

Machine vision systems operate at specific working distances—inspecting parts on conveyors at 500mm, scanning barcodes at 300mm, or monitoring traffic at 10-20 meters. C-mount lenses are engineered specifically for these "finite conjugate" distances, delivering peak optical performance exactly where industrial cameras work. This optimization means sharper images, more accurate measurements, and better defect detection compared to consumer lenses designed for photographing distant objects.

The key advantage of C-mount lenses is the adjustable aperture (iris ring), which gives you direct control over depth of field. Stopping down the iris increases depth of field so more of the scene is in focus — critical for inspecting parts with varying heights or reading codes on uneven surfaces. In machine vision this tradeoff is practical: reducing the aperture cuts light throughput, but illumination levels can be controlled programmatically with structured lighting, LED ring lights, or backlight arrays. Fast maximum apertures (F/1.4–F/2.0) still provide high light throughput when you need short exposure times for high-speed capture. Combined with support for sensors from 1/4" to 1.2" (4.5mm to 17.6mm diagonal) and global shutters for distortion-free imaging of moving objects, C-mount lenses provide the optical foundation for reliable industrial vision systems.

What is a C-mount lens?

C-mount is an industry-standard lens mounting system defined by a 1"-32 UN thread and a 17.526mm flange focal distance. Originally developed for 16mm film cameras, C-mount became the dominant interface for industrial machine vision because it supports sensors from 1/4" to 1.2" format while maintaining a compact, repeatable mechanical connection.

Every C-mount lens fits every C-mount camera regardless of manufacturer — Basler, FLIR, Allied Vision, IDS, Teledyne DALSA, and others all use this standard. The fixed flange distance ensures consistent focus calibration across lens changes, which matters when switching between focal lengths on a production line.

C-mount lenses are distinct from CS-mount (which uses the same thread but a shorter 12.526mm flange distance). A C-mount lens can be used on a CS-mount camera with a 5mm spacer ring, but CS-mount lenses should not be used on C-mount cameras as the shorter flange distance prevents proper focus.

C-Mount Lenses by Sensor Format - In Stock

Imaging optics for sensors from 1/4" to 1.2" format - Samples ship same-day from California

Ruggedized C-Mount Lenses - US Stock

Enhanced mechanical construction for harsh environments with superior shock and vibration resistance - Ships within 24 hours

C-Mount Lenses for Industrial Machine Vision

C-mount lenses are the industry standard for machine vision systems, quality control applications, and industrial automation. With our complete inventory stocked in California, we ship same-day throughout the United States for orders placed before 12 PM PST. This means you get the lenses you need tomorrow, not next week—critical when production lines are waiting.

The C-mount standard (1"-32 thread, 17.526mm flange distance) ensures compatibility across all major camera manufacturers including Basler, FLIR, Allied Vision, and IDS. Supporting sensors from 1/4" to 1.2" format (4.5mm to 17.6mm diagonal), C-mount lenses provide the flexibility to choose the right sensor for your application—from cost-effective 5MP sensors for basic inspection to high-resolution 25MP sensors for detailed measurement tasks. Lenses designed for larger formats will work with smaller sensors, providing a cropped field of view.

What sets C-mount lenses apart for machine vision is their optimization for finite working distances. When your camera needs to inspect parts at 500mm or read barcodes at 300mm, these lenses deliver peak optical performance exactly at those distances. Fast apertures from F/1.4 to F/2.0 maximize light throughput, enabling shorter exposure times to freeze motion and reduce blur in high-speed applications. This superior light-gathering ability is critical for maintaining image quality in challenging industrial lighting conditions.

Every C-mount lens includes lockable focus and iris rings—essential features when cameras are mounted on vibrating equipment or moving robots. The all-metal construction maintains precise optical alignment across temperature ranges from -20°C to +60°C, ensuring consistent performance in both climate-controlled cleanrooms and harsh factory environments. With resolutions supporting pixel sizes down to 2.2μm and multi-layer coatings for both visible and NIR wavelengths, these lenses meet the demands of today's advanced machine vision algorithms.

C-mount vs M12 lenses: which mount for your application?

Both C-mount and M12 are common lens mounts for machine vision, but they serve different applications. Here's how they compare.

Specification C-Mount M12 (S-Mount)
Thread1"-32 UN (25.4mm)M12×0.5 (12mm)
Flange distance17.526mmNo standard (varies)
Max sensor format1.2" (17.6mm diagonal)1/2.5" typical (up to 1/1.8")
Resolution range5MP to 25MP+2MP to 16MP
Focal lengths4mm to 75mm0.8mm to 100mm
Typical apertureF/1.4~F/2.8-~F/16. AdjustableF/1.6 to F/2.8
Focus mechanismLockable helicoid ringThread-in (set-and-lock)
Iris controlAdjustable iris ringFixed aperture
Vibration resistanceGood (lockable rings)Excellent (compact, glued)
SizeLarger, heavierVery compact, lightweight
Best forMachine vision, quality inspection, ITS, lab automationRobotics, drones, embedded vision, board cameras
Working distanceVaries by product, usually 100mm–∞50mm–∞ (uncorrected)
Price range$130 to $440$15 to $120

For machine vision applications requiring depth-of-field control via an adjustable iris, sensors larger than 1/2.5", or working distances beyond 500mm, C-mount is the better choice. The adjustable aperture is especially valuable when inspecting objects at varying heights — stop down for more depth of field, and compensate with programmable lighting. For embedded systems, robotics, and compact board cameras where size and weight matter most, M12 lenses (fixed aperture) are the standard. Commonlands stocks both — browse our M12 lens collection or contact our engineering team for help choosing.

C-Mount Technical FAQ

Common questions from machine vision engineers

Why choose C-mount lenses over M12 lenses for machine vision?
The biggest differentiator is the adjustable iris ring on C-mount lenses, which lets you control depth of field. M12 lenses have a fixed aperture — you get whatever depth of field the manufacturer chose. With C-mount, you can stop down to increase depth of field for inspecting parts with varying heights, and in machine vision this is practical because illumination can be controlled programmatically (structured lighting, LED arrays). C-mount lenses also support larger sensors up to 1.2" (17.6mm diagonal) with global shutters, have fast maximum apertures (F/1.4–F/2.0) for high-speed capture, and are optimized for the finite working distances (200mm–2000mm) typical in inspection and automation.
What sensor formats do C-mount lenses support?
C-mount lenses support sensors from 1/4" (4.5mm diagonal) through 1.2" (17.6mm diagonal). This includes: 1/4", 1/3", 1/2", 1/1.8", 2/3", 1", 1.1", and 1.2". Each lens is designed to fully cover a specific sensor size—using a lens designed for a smaller sensor will cause dark corners (vignetting) on a larger sensor. However, lenses designed for larger sensors work perfectly with smaller sensors, providing a narrower field of view. The standardized mounting (1"-32 thread, 17.526mm flange distance) ensures any C-mount lens fits any C-mount camera.
How do I choose the right focal length for my machine vision task?
Use the formula: Focal Length = (Working Distance × Sensor Width) / Field of View Width. For example, if your inspection camera needs to see a 200mm wide area at 500mm distance with a 2/3" sensor (8.8mm width): f = (500 × 8.8) / 200 = 22mm, so you'd choose a 25mm lens. Wide angle lenses (4-8mm) are ideal for area scanning and navigation. Standard lenses (12-25mm) work well for general inspection and quality control. Telephoto lenses (35-75mm) are perfect for detailed inspection or reading small features from a distance.
What's the difference between 5MP, 12MP, and 25MP lens versions?
The resolution rating indicates the lens's optical quality, specifically how well it can resolve fine details. A 5MP lens is designed for sensors with 3.45μm pixels, 12MP for 2.5μm pixels, and 25MP for 2.2μm pixels. The higher resolution lenses have tighter manufacturing tolerances and better optical designs to maintain contrast at the higher spatial frequencies that smaller pixels can capture. Using a 5MP lens on a 25MP sensor wastes the sensor's capability, while using a 25MP lens on a 5MP sensor won't hurt but costs more than necessary.
How fast do C-mount lenses ship from your US inventory?
All C-mount lenses shown on our website are in stock at our California warehouse and ship same-day for orders placed before 12 PM PST. We offer next-day delivery throughout the United States via FedEx and UPS. Volume orders up to 10,000 units typically ship within 1-3 business days depending on quantity. Free shipping is available for orders over $100. International shipping is available with proper export documentation—contact us for quotes on delivery to your country.

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