Lenses · SWIR
SWIR lenses (short-wave infrared)
SWIR optics work beyond visible light and reveal what an ordinary frame does not show: liquid level through opaque packaging, moisture in material, foreign inclusions in bulk product, defects under a paint layer. A regular lens will not do here — its coating is designed for visible light. Focal lengths from 8 to 50 mm.
- Warranty
- 36 months
Part numbers and versions
| Part number | PN | Focal length | Aperture | Format | Spectrum | Mount | MOD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVL-AF2519M-M42-NIR | 365011998 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| MVL-AF4016M-M42-NIR | 365011999 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| MVL-AF5014M-M42-NIR | 365012000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| MVL-KF10020M-5MP-NIR | 365011995 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| MVL-KF1614-5MP-NIR-V2 | 365011734 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| MVL-KF2514M-5MP-NIR-V2 | 365011735 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| MVL-KF0814M-5MP-NIR | 365006538 | 8 mm | F1.4 | 1/1.2" | 800 nm to 1700 nm | C-mount | 0.1 m | |
| MVL-KF1216-5MP-NIR | 365005050 | 12 mm | F1.6 | Φ16 mm (1") | 800 nm to 1700 nm | C-mount | 0.5 m | |
| MVL-KF1614-5MP-NIR | 365006222 | 16 mm | F1.4 | Φ16 mm (1") | 800 nm to 1700 nm | C-mount | 0.15 m | |
| MVL-KF2514-5MP-NIR | 102204542 | 25mm | F1.4 | 1'' | — | C-mount | — | |
| MVL-KF3514M-5MP-NIR | 365009130 | 35 mm | F1.4 | 1” | 900 nm to 1700 nm | C-mount | 0.3 m | |
| MVL-KF5014M-3MP-NIR | 365011027 | 50 mm | F1.4 | 1" | 800 nm to 1700 nm | C-mount | 0.5 m |
How to choose
Lens, camera and illumination must match in spectrum: a SWIR camera needs a source in the same band (an external one, including daylight, works too), otherwise the scene is dark. Note the difference from a thermal imager: in the 0.9–1.7 μm band you mostly see reflected and transmitted light, and the object's own emission appears only at high temperatures — such a system cannot measure temperature without dedicated calibration.
FAQ
Why must the lens and illumination bands be matched?
A SWIR camera needs a source in the same spectral band; otherwise the scene is dark. The source may be external and can include daylight. Several listed lenses cover 800 to 1700 nm, so band overlap should be established before focal length is considered.
How does focal length divide the C-mount choices?
The specified C-mount branch includes 8, 12, 16, 35 and 50 mm entries, plus MVL-KF2514M-5MP-NIR. Use focal length to set framing, then check image coverage and working distance. The stated coverage values include 1/1.2 inch and 1 inch.
Which listed model starts at 900 nm rather than 800 nm?
MVL-KF3514M-5MP-NIR is specified for 900 to 1700 nm. The 8, 12, 16 and 50 mm KF models with stated spectral limits each show 800 to 1700 nm, so the lower boundary is a direct comparison point.
What working distances are stated for the SWIR lenses?
The listed minimum distances include 0.1 m for the 8 mm model, 0.15 m for the 16 mm model, 0.3 m for the 35 mm model, and 0.5 m for the 12 and 50 mm models. Compare this value with the available object-to-lens spacing.
Can a SWIR imaging system be used as a thermal imager?
Not on the basis of the reflected SWIR image alone. In the 0.9–1.7 μm band, reflected and transmitted light dominate, while an object's own emission appears only at high temperatures. Measuring temperature requires dedicated calibration.