C-mount Lenses
For sensor sizes of up to 1.5 inches
C-mount lenses are the established standard connection in machine vision. They are suitable for cameras with sensor diagonals of up to approx. 20 mm (1.5″) and cover a wide range of focal lengths, resolutions, and working distances.
C-mount: Mechanical standard
The C-mount is a standardized lens mount for industrial camera systems. It is suitable for sensor formats of up to 1.5" (approx. 20 mm sensor diagonal) and is compatible with all manufacturers.
Technical characteristics:
Thread type: 1"-32 UN (pitch 1/32")
Nominal diameter: 1" (25.4 mm)
Flange focal length: 17.526 mm (0.69")
C-mount and CS-mount adapter
C-mount and CS-mount differ only in the flange focal length.
C-mount: 17.526 mm
CS-mount: 12.526 mm
A 5 mm adapter ring enables the use of a C-mount lens on a CS-mount camera. The reverse combination is not possible due to the design.
C-mount lenses for machine vision
The following C-mount lenses are available for different sensor formats, resolutions, and focal lengths. Use the filter functions to select the right lens for your application.
Technical selection criteria for C-mount lenses
The following technical aspects are decisive when selecting a suitable C-mount lens:
Sensor size and image circle
The image circle of the lens must fully illuminate the sensor diagonal. Otherwise, larger sensor formats may result in edge shading or reduced corner sharpness.
Resolution and pixel size
The lens resolution should match the sensor pixel size. A lens with a resolution that is too low will limit the contrast and detail representation, especially with high-resolution sensors.
Focal length and working distance
The focal length determines the image section and the required working distance.
Short focal lengths are suitable for large fields of view at short distances
Medium focal lengths (approx. 12-25 mm) are standard for many inspection tasks
Long focal lengths are used at greater working distances
Aperture and depth of focus
The choice of aperture influences the amount of light, depth of focus, and diffraction effects. In practice, stopping down often slightly improves corner sharpness and contrast performance.
Mechanical integration
Length, front diameter, filter thread, and fixing options for focus and aperture are relevant for stable integration into industrial systems.
Discover Basler's lens portfolio
Discover our complete lens portfolio to find the right optics for your camera and your application.
Additional information about C-mount lenses
Learn more about our products and their applications. Our comprehensive informational materials provide you with all the important details.
