Lenses in machine vision will have the greatest direct influence on providing the best performance. Of those used in industrial systems, the most widely used are the C-mount and CS-mount lenses. Both of them use the same standard threading along with common short body construction and therefore both are mutually interchangeable compatible with all industrial cameras.
What is C-Mount and CS-Mount lens threading standard?
C-mount and CS-mount lens threading standards are the ones by which they are screwed into a camera. They have the same threading type but differ in flange focal distances (FFD).
Thread Sizes and Standards
C-mount and CS-mount lenses are 1-inch (25.4 mm) diameter and 32 threads per inch (TPI) standardized to the ANSI B1.1 standard.
Thread size is metric M25.5×0.75, i.e., 25.5 mm and 0.75 mm pitch.
What are the primary differences between C-Mount and CS-Mount Lenses?
The primary difference between C-mount and CS-mount lenses is flange focal distance (FFD). Flange focal distance (FFD) refers to the distance from the surface of the lens to the image sensor and has a direct bearing on how the lens focuses.
Flange Focal Distance (FFD)
F-mount lenses are manufactured with an FFD of 17.526 mm.
CS-mount lenses these days have a lower FFD of 12.526 mm.
The same thread is employed by the lenses but with different focal distances, the main requirement being mounting and focusing alignment.
Is C-Mount Lens compatible with CS-Mount Camera?
Actually, one can use the mounting of C-mount lens on CS-mount cameras with a 5mm CS mount to C mount lens adapter ring . The adapter covers up the difference in flange focal distance in a way that places the lens into the plane of the camera sensor.
Why the Adapter Is Needed and Needed
The adapter ring is used to bring the lens and the camera sensor together so that the lens plane and the sensor plane will meet earlier. If not, the image will blur.
Are CS-Mount Lenses Suitable for Use with C-Mount Cameras?
No, CS-mount lenses cannot be used on C-mount cameras. CS-mount lenses have a reduced FFD, so it won’t be able to get close enough to the camera sensor as it needs to in order to form an image that’s fuzzy. None of the adapters can fix this issue.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of C-Mount Lenses?
C-mount lenses are also universal and rugged when utilized in machine vision. There are, however, also some unfavorable advantages and limitations of both the technologies.
Benefits of C-Mount Lenses
Universality:C-mount lenses are universal to various image sensors and thus can be utilized in various industrial processes.
Fine Hand Adjustment: C-mount lenses also offer fine hand adjustment of iris and focus, which permits operators to maintain more control on image quality.
Rigid Mount: Screw-thread mounting offers a rigid and stiff mounting of the camera-lens.
Shock and Vibration Resistance:High-quality C-mount lenses are immune to harsh conditions of vibrations and thermal variations.
Weaknesses of C-Mount Lenses
Size:C-mount lenses are bigger than some of the new lens mounts and hence are not ideal for small systems.
Cost:C-mount lenses will be more expensive than CS-mount lenses, and this may prove to be a cost-breaker in budget-limited projects.
What are the pros and cons of CS-Mount Lenses?
CS-mount lenses can be a low-cost alternative to machine vision systems at the expense of performance and performance.
Pros of CS-Mount Lenses
Cost-Effective:CS-mount lenses are cheaper compared to their C-mount equivalent. They are therefore the best choice in economies-of-scale applications.
Manual Focus:CS-mount lenses also have the luxury of manual adjustment of focus, and with its aid, recording images is an effortless process.
Easy Mounting: Lens mounting on the camera is simplified by virtue of the CS-mount design.
Drawbacks of CS-Mount Lenses
Limited Aperture Control:Limited CS-mount lenses do not have control over aperture (iris), which is a disadvantage in an application where depth of field control is essential.
Availability:Retrograde phasing out the production type CS-mount lenses can be bought and orders have to be made in significant quantities in an effort to secure long-term continuity of supply, which will limit supply options.
What is the Largest Sensor Size for C-Mount and CS-Mount Lenses
C-mount and CS-mount lenses are interchangeable with 1-inch (25.4 mm) or lesser sensor cameras. The lenses don’t fit on the large sensors usually integrated in high-resolution cameras and require advanced mounting technology.
Sensor Compatibility
mount and CS-mount camerasaccommodate up to a maximum format of 1.1-inch (17.6 mm diagonal).
The big sensors can’t be fully compatible because of the limited lens mount size.
What to Take into Account in Choosing Between C-Mount and CS-Mount Lenses?
When choosing the right lens for your machine vision system, the following should be taken into account:
Key Factors to Bear in Mind:
Lens compatibility and flange focal distance: Ensure that the lens will be compatible with your sensor in your camera.
Lens diameter and space: Choose a lens that will have enough space in your system.
Specification of resolution and sensor size:Consider the resolution and sensor size in the camera so that you can pair the sensor with an appropriate lens.
Requirements of lens feature and image quality: Determine whether you require specific features like manual focus or aperture control.
Budget: Choose the most suitable type of lens for your application within your budget.
What Are Some Common Uses of C-Mount and CS-Mount Lenses?
Both C-mount and CS-mount lenses are employed extensively in all machine vision and allied processes.
C-Mount Lenses
C-mount lenses find extensive applications in machine vision systems as they are extremely versatile because they can be used with an enormous range of lenses to them.
They are merely the first preference in industrial automation, robotics, and quality inspection systems where precision and flexibility are of the highest priority.
CS-Mount Lenses
CS-mount lenses with the short flange focal length are commonly used for cost-effective applications, like embedded vision systems and security cameras. They are best to create inexpensive wide-angle lenses for most imaging applications.
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