However, CS-mount lenses are often cheaper as they use fewer glass elements. Both types support a maximum sensor size of 1.1", so they're not suitable for larger sensors found in high resolution cameras, which may require a different lens mount, such as the F-mount.

OpticalDistortion, Inc

“Distortion” might be the most widely misunderstood, or misused, word when it comes to optics. Many people will use “distortion” to refer to any aberration or error in a photographed image.

Distortion can affect the appearance of any image on any lens. Adjusting for field of vision can lessen distortion levels, but that alone does not eliminate distortion. The best way to minimize distortion is to use specialized equipment and advanced, customized lenses for exact image quality.

When accounting for levels of distortion in optics, there are a few different ways to read and measure its effects. Understanding distortion tables can help decide lens selection and lens specifications.

Barreldistortion

Because of this difference, you can't directly attach C-mount lenses to a CS-mount camera. However, you can use C-mount lenses on a CS-mount camera by using a 5mm adapter ring. The shorter FFD of CS-mount lenses makes them incompatible with C-mount cameras.

The shorter FFD of the CS-mount allows for more compact camera designs, as the lens can be positioned closer to the sensor.

Optical distortionexamples

Optical distortion measures the space between where an object appears in a frame versus where it appears in reality, or where it should be. Optical distortion can be easily read using a distortion dot chart, or a lattice pattern chart.

There are two main types of distortion in optics to be aware of, barrel distortion and pincushion distortion. Both distortion types are named for the apparent shape of the images which are affected by distortion.

The main difference between C-mount and CS-mount is the flange focal distance (FFD), which is the distance between the lens mounting surface and the image sensor. C-mount has an FFD of 17.526 mm, while CS-mount has a shorter FFD of 12.5 mm.

Optical distortiontest

Pincushion distortion has the opposite effect, causing straight lines to bend inward toward the center. The result is an image shape resembling that of a pincushion.

What distortion actually refers to is the bending of lines in an image that, in reality, are actually straight. Distortion is usually unavoidable with most lenses, though in many cases it is hardly perceptible at all.

Optical distortioncalculator

We accept payments with VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. For your own protection, please don’t send your credit card information to us via email.

When choosing between C-mount and CS-mount for a machine vision application, the key considerations are the available space, the required lens characteristics, and the desired cost-effectiveness. C-mount offers a wider selection of lenses and is more versatile, while CS-mount is better suited for compact designs and cost-sensitive applications.

Distortion tables, or distortion charts, are tools used to measure distortion levels with certain lenses. Once again, there are two general categories for measuring distortions: Optical and TV distortion.

We have over 1600 different lenses in stock at our New York facility. Call us now for a Universe of optimal design solutions at 1-516-624-2444.

Secure Mounting: Strong and stable attachment between the lens and camera is ensured by the screw-threaded connection, ideal for applications requiring stability.

Pincushiondistortion

With barrel distortion, straight lines appear to bend outward, away from the center of the image. It is called barrel distortion because the effect can cause a geometric square image to take on the shape of a barrel.

Need more info or have some questions about C-mount of CS-mount lenses? Fill out the form below and our team will be happy to assist you.

Durability: Designed for industrial environments, C-mount lenses can withstand tough conditions like vibrations and temperature extremes.

Either type of distortion table superimposes a matrix of lines or dots representing the distorted image over an equivalent undistorted matrix. These charts make it very easy to gauge distortion levels at certain points in a frame. Distortion is not linear, and thus optical distortion tables are effective when accounting for field of view.

In the world of optics, web searches are no substitute for our direct, comprehensive, customer-tailored application assistance. Visit our Contact page to have a qualified lens application engineer contact you for personal assistance.

Because of the unpredictable delivery reliability of CS-mount lenses, we do not carry this standard in our online store. However, we do provide them for volume projects starting from 100 pieces per year. Typically, the prices for these lenses range between 8 and 25 euros per unit. Moreover, we offer customization options for the iris. If you're interested in acquiring these lenses, please inform us.

Lensdistortionmeaning

Optical distortionmeaning

You can attach a C-mount lens to a CS-mount camera by using a 5mm adapter ring. This ring fills the gap caused by the shorter flange distance in CS-mount cameras, ensuring proper focusing of the C-mount lens.

TV distortion, on the other hand, measures distortion based on a single square plane filling the vertical field of view. The resulting graphic can resemble a television screen. TV distortion tables measure the “straightness” of a line (or lack thereof) against the edge of a lens. While this method is effective for measuring within a given field of view, it does not account for distortion levels beyond that field of view.

In terms of compatibility, the C-mount standard is more widely used, offering a broader selection of lenses from various makers. C-mount lenses are versatile, working with both C-mount and CS-mount cameras.

This makes CS-mount lenses well-suited for embedded vision applications where space is limited, such as in surveillance cameras and some machine vision systems.

C-mount and CS-mount are two common lens mounts used in machine vision. They're similar in many ways, but there are important differences to consider when choosing the right one for your machine vision setup.

But in some cases, distortion can have a negative impact on image quality. This is especially true for highly technical applications, such as architecture photography or medical imaging. In these fields, reducing distortion is a top priority.

We have a large portfolio of machine vision lenses available online. Additionally, we offer some custom solutions for lenses, ensuring you find the best fit for your machine vision system. Explore our portfolio of machine vision cameras, where the standard mount is C-mount, but we also provide options to select CS-mount or S-mount(M12 mount) in some models.

Unfortunately, directly mounting a CS-mount lens onto a C-mount camera is not feasible. The shorter design of the CS-mount lens prevents it from reaching the correct focal point due to the additional space in a C-mount camera.

Versatility: C-mount lenses work with a wide range of image sensors, making them compatible with various machine vision cameras.

However, distortion actually has a more specific definition and refers to a certain type of photographic aberration. Understanding what distortion is, and how to measure it, can be very helpful when trying to determine the right lens for the right application.