Collection: M12 Lenses

Q: What are M12 lenses?

A: M12 lenses are simply lenses that use an M12 thread to be mounted and are typically used in board level camera modules.

For more in depth information on what M12 lenses are and why you should buy them, you can watch our video here.

Q: What is the difference between M12 lenses and S-Mount lenses?

A: The two terms are synonymous.

Q: What is the difference between M12 lenses and other types of lenses?

A: An M12 mounting is the smallest lens mounting method in machine vision (apart from lenses that are embedded in the camera board).

Q: What are the benefits of using M12 lenses in machine vision applications?

A: Lower price point, compact, lightweight, simpler design, able to be customised more easily.

Q: What are the downsides of using M12 lenses in machine vision applications?

A: Potentially lower optical performance, fixed f/ number and focus, require locking rings for stability.

Q: Why use Scorpion Vision M12 Lenses (SVL)?

A: SVL M12 lenses are manufactured to a high quality with precision milled metal housings and can accommodate a wide range of resolution, FOV, and DOF requirements.

Q: How do I choose the right M12 lens for my application?

A: If your FOV/ AOV, DOF, sensor size, and resolution values are known, check out our M12 lens selector or review the specifications on this page. If you cannot find a suitable lens, get in touch with us to discuss your requirements and we will be only too happy to help you.

Q: What are the key factors to consider when selecting an M12 lens? 

• Is an M12 lens right for my application?
• What are my AOV/ FOV, DOF and resolution values?
• What sensor size am I using?

Q: What are some important considerations when mounting M12 lenses?

A: Does my lens need to be secured/ will the camera/ lens be subject to vibrations that could alter the focus?

Q: Are there any limitations to using M12 lenses in machine vision applications?

A: The highest optical performance of an M12 lens, will not match the highest performance of a C-mount, or F-mount lens simply due to their size and simpler design than their C and F-mount counterparts.

Q: What are some common applications for M12 lenses?

A: M12 or micro-video lenses are used with embedded camera systems throughout the industry, from small footprint machine vision cameras for factory automation, autonomous navigation systems for drones and service robots, to the parking aids in modern vehicles.

Q: What is the maximum aperture available for M12 lenses?

A: Due to their size, very large apertures are physically not possible with many M12 lenses. It is not uncommon for an M12 lens to have an aperture of f/1.6 or f/2.0 as the largest available aperture.

Q: How do you focus an M12 lens?

A: An M12 lens is focused by screwing the lens into the mounting. The further away the lens is screwed from the sensor, the closer to the lens an object will be in focus. The lens can be screwed in closer to the sensor until focus at infinity is reached, if the lens is placed closer to the sensor than this, no focus will be obtained.