IPI Infrared Cameras, Infrared Training and Infrared Products

The lens size or angle will have a great impact on your equipment’s measurement capabilities. The angle of a lens will determine the cameras the Field of View (FOV), and this is extremely important in determining a camera’s resolution. The lens angle will determine the concentration of pixels over a given area, or in other terms the pixel size at a given distance. It is important to understand the resolution requirements of your application so you can choose appropriate lens sizes. Make sure that your camera’s standard lens (equipped with from factory) will have a satisfactory FOV for your application.

Bear in mind, not all cameras have optional lens systems that can be changed in the field. Before choosing or purchasing a camera, it is important to know whether it has an interchangeable lens system. Being able to choose from a variety of field changeable lenses can greatly expand your measurement capabilities, and this flexibility can potentially save a lot of time and money.

Standard Lenses
Standard Lenses, those most commonly installed from the factory are designed to appeal to the majority of applications which the camera will be used. The standard Fields of View (FOV) are generally between 20° and 26°. A 20° lens will concentrate pixels more closely than a 26° lens and as such will have greater resolution. This is of course preferred for applications where the target is small or the distance is greater. Conversely, in instances where the target is larger, or we need to work more closely a wider angle lens is preferred as we are able to fit more of the target in our Field of View. Cameras aimed more towards the electrical maintenance markets tend to have narrower field of views (for improved measurement accuracy), whereas cameras aimed more towards the building science/maintenance industries will tend to have a wider field of view (where we need to see more of the target, and are less concerned with temperature measurement).

Wide Angle
As the name suggests, wide angle lenses increase the field of view. Most wide angle lenses are between 36° and 60°. This has the effect of increasing the view of the target. Compared to a standard lens, the viewable scene increases, the pixel size increases, and the concentration of pixels decreases. This is preferred when imaging in confined spaces or imaging large targets. This effectively reduces the (spatial) resolution over the target, reduces quantitative (temperature) measurement capabilities , but can increase qualitative aspects. Building sciences, pest management, material inspection and energy loss are typical applications that would benefit from the use of wide angle lenses.

Narrow Angle Lens (Telephoto)
As the name suggests, narrow angle lenses narrow the field of view. Most telephoto lenses are between 6° and 12°. Typically this has the effect of magnifying the view of the target. Compared to a standard lens, the viewable scene decreases, the pixel size decreases, and the concentration of pixels increases. This is preferred when measuring small components or targets over a large distance. This effectively increases the spatial resolution on the target and improves quantitative (temperature) measurement capabilities. Power Transmission and Distribution (overhead networks), large conveyor systems, aerial or vehicle surveys, refractory (chimney) surveys, and surveillance are the applications that most benefit from the use of telephoto lenses.