Imaging Lenses

Imaging Optics Resource Guide

This collection of videos and other technical resources breaks down the fundamental concepts behind imaging optics and machine vision.

Getting Started:

Section 1

Lens and Imaging Fundamentals

Working Distance and Focal Length Basics

1.1: The Anatomy of a Lens
1.2: Imaging Fundamentals
1.3: Understanding Focal Length and Field of View

Section 2

Understanding Lens Specifications

Lens Types, Resolution, and Sensor Coverage

2.1: System Throughput, f/#, and Numerical Aperture
2.2: Resolution
2.3: Contrast
2.4: The Airy Disk and Diffraction Limit
2.5: The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)
2.6: MTF Curves and Lens Performance

Section 3

Real World Performance

The Impact of Distortion

Wavelength and f/#

Axial and Lateral Chromatic Aberration

3.1: Sensor Performance and Limitations
3.2: Relative Illumination, Roll-Off, and Vignetting
3.3: Distortion
3.4: Depth of Field and Depth of Focus
3.5: Aberrations
3.6: Design vs. Manufacturing
3.7: Aberrational Balancing of MTF in Lens Design

Section 4

Telecentricity and Perspective Error

The Advantages of Telecentricity

4.1: The Advantages of Telecentricity
4.2: Distortion and the Telecentricity Specification
4.3: Telecentric Lens Size Control
4.4: Telecentric Design Topics

Section 5

Lens Mechanics

Ruggedized Machine Vision Lenses for Harsh Environments

5.1: Lens Mounts
5.2: Lens Spacers, Shims, and Focal Length Extenders
5.3: Ruggedization of Imaging Lenses

Section 6

Imaging Lens Selection Guide

Section 7

Liquid Lenses in Machine Vision

Section 8

Filter Technology

Manipulating Wavebands: Color & Filters

8.1: Types of Filter Technology
8.2: Applications with Machine Vision Filtering

Section 9

Microscope Objectives

Section 10

Cameras

Section 11

Illumination

Section 12

Testing and Targets

ON DEMAND WEBINAR

Choosing the Right Machine Vision Lens

View 2 back-to-back 30 minute webinars presented by imaging experts Greg Hollows and Nick Sischka.
Part 1 is an introductory guide to imaging lens specification and
Part 2 is an advanced walkthrough of lens performance curves.

View

TOUGH
Ruggedized for Shock and Vibration, Moisture, or Temperature

Learn More

Machine Vision Lens Selector Tool

FIND THE BEST LENS FOR YOUR APPLICATION

Find your lens

Edmund Optics^® offers a wide range of Imaging Lenses suited for many imaging needs. Several TECHSPEC^® Imaging Lenses are available that offer unique imaging capabilities that are not capable with standard lenses, such as TECHSPEC^® Telecentric Lenses for edge contrast imaging or TECHSPEC^® SWIR Imaging Lenses, which have been optimized for use with shortwave infrared wavelengths. A large selection of Imaging Lens accessories is also available including mounts or adapters for additional functionality.