Just because a lens can be attached doesn't mean it will produce a normal image.

The interfaces may look like they differ by just a few letters, but choosing the wrong one can lead to problems such as being unable to install it, failing to focus properly, or experiencing unstable image quality.

Common industrial lensesPort C,CS port, F mouthSo, what exactly is the difference? Let’s clarify it once and for all.

1. Type-C Port: A Common Interface in Industrial Vision

The distance from the interface contact surface of the C-mount lens to the focal plane is:17.5mm.

It is widely used in the field of industrial machine vision and is often employed in scenarios that demand high image resolution and fine imaging.

Simply put:

The C-mount has a wide compatibility range and is a common combination in industrial cameras and industrial lenses.

However, please note that having the same interface name only indicates that the mechanical and optical interfaces are basically compatible; it does not necessarily mean that parameters such as focal length, sensor size, and resolution will meet the project requirements.

Being able to install it is just the first step.

2. CS Port: Very similar to the C port, but 5 mm shorter.

The distance from the interface contact surface of the CS-mount lens to the focal plane is:12.5mm.

The C port is 17.5 mm, and the CS port is 12.5 mm.

The two differ exactly by ��.5mm.

These 5 mm determine their compatibility.

Can a C-mount lens be attached to a CS-mount camera?

Yes.

Add one.5mm C/CS adapter ringThen, the distance can be made up.

Can a CS-mount lens be attached to a C-mount camera?

Usually not.

Because CS-mount lenses require a shorter flange distance, when mounted on a C-mount camera, they may very likely fail to focus properly.

So remember this one sentence:

C-mount lenses can be adapted to CS-mount cameras via an adapter ring, but CS-mount lenses cannot be directly adapted to C-mount cameras.

If you choose the wrong interface, no matter how carefully you adjust the parameters, it won't make any difference.

3. Port F: Better suited for telephoto and extended-use needs

F-port is a universal-type interface, typically used for focal lengths greater than...25mmThe lens.

Compared to the C-mount and CS-mount, the F-mount is more suitable for applications that require long-focus lenses or have higher demands for system expandability and flexibility.

It is commonly found in:

· Long-distance imaging;

· Application of larger-format lenses;

· Projects with high requirements for lens selection.

Simply put:

The C-mount and CS-mount are more commonly used in compact industrial vision systems, while the F-mount is better suited for telephoto lenses and applications requiring high magnification.

Four, how do you distinguish between the three types of interfaces?

The C port and the CS port are the easiest to confuse.

When making a judgment, don't rely solely on appearance, and don't assume that "as long as the threads look similar, it'll work."

What really needs to be confirmed is:

Do the interface type, interface distance, and camera specifications match?

5. Even though I’ve chosen the right interface, why is the image still poor?

Because the interface only addresses the question of “whether or not a connection can be established.”

Whether the lens can meet the inspection requirements still depends on the field of view, working distance, resolution, depth of field, and focal length.

Field of view

Determine how much area you can see at one time.

The larger the field of view, the wider the area covered—but the fewer image details you may be able to capture per unit area.

Working distance

Refers to the distance from the front of the lens to the surface of the object being measured.

Being too close or too far can both affect focusing and imaging quality.

Resolution

Determines whether the lens can resolve fine details.

If the defect isn't clearly captured in the image, it will be difficult for subsequent algorithms to accurately identify it.

Depth of field

How much of the image can remain in focus when the front-to-back position of the workpiece changes?

Dynamic detection is especially important when workpiece heights vary.

Focal length

The shorter the focal length, the wider the field of view typically is; the longer the focal length, the narrower the field of view typically is, making it more suitable for photographing distant objects.

Although short-focus lenses can provide a wider field of view, they tend to be more prone to distortion and vignetting.

So, the lens isn't necessarily better the shorter its focal length is, nor is it necessarily better the longer its focal length is.

The key is to match the project requirements.

6. How do I choose an industrial lens interface?

You can make the judgment according to the following three steps.

Step 1: Confirm the camera interface

First, determine whether the camera has a C-mount, CS-mount, or F-mount.

Don't wait until after you've bought the lens to figure out how to connect it.

Step 2: Confirm whether normal focusing is possible.

Pay special attention between the C port and the CS port.5mm interface distanceThe difference.

The adapter ring can resolve some compatibility issues, but it cannot solve all interface mismatches.

Step 3: Next, examine the imaging parameters.

After the interface matches, select the lens according to the following conditions:

· Dimensions of the object under test;

· Required field of view;

· Working distance;

· Minimum detectable feature;

· Depth of field requirements;

· On-site lighting conditions.

The interface determines whether the lens can be used.

Focal length, resolution, and depth of field determine how good a lens is to use.

The differences between the C port, CS port, and F port aren't complicated.

What you really need to remember is:

The distance of the Type-C port is 17.5 mm.

The CS port interface distance is 12.5 mm.

A C-mount lens with a 5mm adapter ring can be used with CS-mount cameras.

CS-mount lenses cannot be used directly with C-mount cameras.

Port F is more suitable for applications that require long focal lengths and higher expansion capabilities.

When selecting industrial lenses, the interface is just the starting point.

If you select the wrong interface, the lens might fail to focus properly; if you choose the wrong parameters, the image might not meet the detection requirements.

So, don’t just ask, “Can this lens be mounted?”

I have one more question:

Can it capture the target clearly and steadily in the current project?