Knowledge Hub

Optical imaging formulas

Discover the formulas that form the basis for the precision and performance of our lenses. Learn how these formulas shape our lens technology and drive our lenses for machine vision.

Traffic systems

The use of machine vision in the transport and railway industry is used to increase the safety and efficiency of transport, to automatically monitor railway processes and to ensure the quality of railway vehicles. Intelligent traffic systems use image processing technology to classify vehicles and automatically recognize vehicle registration plates This technology is often used in applications such as speed monitoring, electronic toll collection and automated parking systems.

Read an optical data sheet

Learn how to interpret critical parameters. By mastering the skill of analyzing lens data sheets, you can confidently assess lenses to ensure they meet your specific requirements.

Modern Sensors – A Challenge For The Lens

In order to increase the resolution of sensors the pixel size is reduced from generation to generation. Meanwhile pixel sizes in the range of 2.5-3µ are standard for high quality imaging sensors. The resolution is also increased by a larger sensor area. For a long time 1“ sensors (16 mm diagonal) were considered large for C-Mount cameras. Nowadays even 1.3“ sensors with a diagonal of more than 20 mm are used.

From simple lens to complete system a how-to of perfect combinations

In order to obtain the maximum possible performance from a lens it must be adapted optimally to the camera or the largeformat imaging sensor. So what is the best way to create a perfectly combined system consisting of lens, helical focusing mount, camera adapter and possibly one or several extension tubes?

Fisheye lenses

Custom fisheye lenses with top-quality optics, suited for science, entertainment, or industry.

Saving the lens for last?

By Stuart W. Singer and Jim Sullivan

The perfect lens may not always be immediately available, which can lead to difficult decisions such as delaying the project for a custom solution or compromising on specifications. A new approach is required: concurrent engineering. By involving experts from the beginning, we can avoid costly trade-offs and fully realise our innovative designs. Let us prioritise the lens and collaborative design to ensure smoother projects with greater potential.

Guide to cleaning and handling optical filters and lenses

Learn the best practices for cleaning and handling optical filters and lenses to ensure their optimal performance and longevity. Expert tips for maintenance included.

Lens Details: What To Know Before You Purchase

By Stuart W. Singer and Jim Sullivan

Technical data sheets for optical lenses are not standardized, allowing vendors to present data in any way they choose, potentially leading to misleading claims and preventing fair comparisons. Generic terms like MTF often lack clarity about what they measure and how they're calculated, leaving buyers to decipher. Even when specifications are governed by standards such as ISO or DIN, they're often poorly understood and leave significant leeway.

Filter benefits

A number of unique features set Schneider-Kreuznach optical filters apart from other filters on the market. One of the most important features is the consistently high transmission without transmission fluctuations. The filters open quickly to provide maximum light output while blocking unwanted wavelengths. In addition, the tolerance is less than 1% and all filters are inspected and controlled to ensure they meet the highest quality standards.

How to focus your C-Mount lens

Find instructions on accurately focusing C-Mount lenses on our website. Our guide offers insights and techniques to help you achieve optimal focus for your industrial imaging needs. Discover how to focus C-mount lenses and enhance your imaging capabilities today. 

Learn the truth behind Megapixel lenses

By Stuart W. Singer and Jim Sullivan

Discover the truth behind the "megapixel" lens myth. By exposing the misconceptions perpetuated by leading manufacturers, we clarify the meaningless nature of this term and empower you to make informed choices for your camera setup. Join us as we demystify lens specifications and uncover the critical parameters that are essential to maximising your camera's potential.

Specifying lenses for megapixel cameras

By Stuart W. Singer

Continuing advances in high-resolution sensors with higher pixel densities and smaller pixels are challenging optics manufacturers to produce lenses with increased performance. To understand how lenses can affect the performance of imaging systems, it is necessary to grasp the physics behind diffraction, lens aperture, focal length, and the wavelength of light.

Matching Lenses and Sensors

By Stuart W. Singer

With pixel sizes of CCD and CMOS image sensors becoming smaller, system integrators must pay careful attention to their choice of optics.

Wide-angle lenses

Capture wide scenes with lenses significantly shorter than the image circle, ideal for large views.

Bilateral telecentricity

By Dr. Rolf Wartmann

In the last few years, the techniques of noncontact optical measuring technology have experienced a tremendously rapid increase. This has come about, in the first place, because the use of electronic image processing has made it possible to automate whole chains of processes. In the wake of this development, the object-side telecentric lenses have become more and more widely accepted. Their ability to form an image independent of its distance, but always with the same size, is the basic precondition for a successful automatized measurement process. While object-sided telecentrics moved into the center of attention, the image side, i.e., the area between the lens and the camera, disappeared almost completely from view. At the same time, the organization of this side is just as important for highly exact measurement technology as that of the object side.