High-Magnification Zoom Lens Systems for Machine Vision

Zoom Lenses Supporting Magnifications from 0.07 to 28
Compatible with Thorlabs’ sCMOS and CMOS Cameras
External C-Mount Threads or F-Mount Bayonet Mount

MVL12X3Z

12X Zoom Lens

MVL133A

1.33X Extension Tube

MVL6X15L

1.5X Lens Attachment

Application Idea

6.5X Zoom Lens with 1.33X Extension Tube
and 1.5X Lens Attachment, Mounted on our
Scientific CMOS Camera

Please Wait

Overview
Specs
6.5X System
12X System
Field of View
Example Images
Feedback

Click for Details
Our Zoom Lens System Features (from Left to Right) One Magnifying Lens Attachment (Optional), Zoom Lens, Extension Tube, C-Mount Adapter, and 2/3" Sensor Format Camera

Features

Modular Zoom Lens System for Machine Vision and Other Imaging Applications
6.5X System Provides Magnifications from 0.09 to 18.0 (Core Lens has a 6.5X Magnification Adjustment Range)
12X System Provides Magnifications from 0.07 to 28.0 (Core Lens has a 12X Magnification Adjustment Range)
Working Distances from 36 mm to 341 mm
Designed for our C-Mount 2/3" Sensor Format Cameras
Compatible with SM1-Threaded Components Through the Use of SM1A9 or SM1A10 C-Mount to SM1 Adapters
0.15 mm to 91 mm Field of View (See the Field of View Tab for Details)

Thorlabs' Zoom Lenses are ideal for high-magnification machine vision and imaging applications, providing an optimal balance between optical performance and a large zoom range. These zoom lenses must be used with an extension tube (sold below), and can optionally be used with the appropriate 6.5X or 12X system magnifying lens attachment (also sold below).

Our modular system consists of a 0.7 - 4.5X zoom lens (6.5X zoom range) or 0.58 - 7X zoom lens (12X zoom range), along with 0.50X, 0.67X, 1X, 1.33X, and 2X extension tubes and optional 0.25X, 0.5X, 0.75X, 1.5X, and 2.0X magnifying lens adapters. Together, these components allow our 6.5X systems to provide a net magnification of 0.09 - 18 with a 6.5X magnification adjustment range, and they allow our 12X systems to provide a net magnification of 0.07 - 28 with a 12X magnification adjustment range. The magnification adjuster (zoom) is a recessed rotating collar on the barrel of the lens, which allows the magnification to be adjusted even when the lens is mounted in a V-clamp. Please note that only one magnifying lens attachment may be used at a time.

Magnification Calculation
The net magnification, M, of the system (M = image size / object size) is equal to the magnification of the magnifying lens attachment, multiplied by the magnification of the zoom lens (at its current setting), multiplied by the magnification of the extension tube. For example, the 12X zoom lens can be set to a magnification between 0.58X and 7X (corresponding to a 12X zoom range). If it is used at its maximum magnification setting of 7X, along with a 2X lens attachment and a 2X extension tube, the maximum system magnification of 2 x 7 x 2 = 28 is realized. See the Specs tab for the maximum and minimum magnifications of each lens combination.

The MVLCMC C-mount adapter is available for attaching these lenses to cameras that use a standard C-mount. The MVL20FA 2X extension tube with an F-Mount bayonet mount is also available. Please note that the zoom lenses must be used with an extension tube (or the image will not be able to be focused), while the magnifying lens adapters are optional. Additionally, when used with our SM1A9 or SM1A10 adapters, the zoom lenses sold on this page can be integrated with Thorlabs' SM1-threaded optomechanics.

Thorlabs also offers Standard C-Mount Machine Vision Lenses.

Lens Attachment	Zoom Lens	Extension Tube	Working Distance	System Magnification		Objective NA		Resolving Limit		Pixel Size^a (µm)		Depth of Field
Lens Attachment	Zoom Lens	Extension Tube	Working Distance	Low^b	High^b	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
6.5X Zoom Lens
MVL6X025L (0.25X)	MVL6X3Z^c or MVL6X12Z (6.5X)	MVL05A (0.5X)	300 mm	0.09	0.56	0.006	0.018	27.78 µm	9.26 µm	2.50	5.19	13.89 mm	1.54 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.12	0.75					3.33	6.95
		MVL10A (1.00X)		0.18	1.13					5.00	10.46
		MVL133A (1.33X)		0.23	1.51					6.65	13.91
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		0.35	2.25					9.72	20.84
MVL6X05L (0.50X)		MVL05A (0.5X)	175 mm	0.18	1.13	0.011	0.035	15.15 µm	4.76 µm	2.73	5.38	4.13 mm	0.41 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.23	1.50					3.48	7.14
		MVL10A (1.00X)		0.35	2.25					5.30	10.71
		MVL133A (1.33X)		0.47	3.03					7.05	14.24
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		0.70	4.50					10.61	21.42
MVL6X075L (0.75X)		MVL05A (0.5X)	113 mm	0.26	1.69	0.017	0.053	9.80 µm	3.14 µm	2.55	5.32	1.73 mm	0.18 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.35	2.25					3.43	7.08
		MVL10A (1.00X)		0.53	3.38					5.20	10.63
		MVL133A (1.33X)		0.70	4.54					6.92	14.13
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		1.05	6.75					10.30	21.23
None		MVL05A (0.5X)	92 mm	0.35	2.25	0.023	0.071	7.25 µm	2.35 µm	2.54	5.28	0.95 mm	0.1 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.47	3.00					3.41	7.04
		MVL10A (1.00X)		0.70	4.50					5.08	10.55
		MVL133A (1.33X)		0.93	6.05					6.76	14.03
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		1.40	9.00					10.15	21.11
MVL6X15L (1.5X)		MVL05A (0.5X)	51 mm	0.53	3.38	0.034	0.106	4.90 µm	1.57 µm	2.60	5.32	0.43 mm	0.04 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.70	4.50					3.43	7.09
		MVL10A (1.00X)		1.05	6.75					5.15	10.63
		MVL133A (1.33X)		1.40	9.08					6.85	14.14
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		2.10	13.50					10.29	21.26
MVL6X20L (2.0X)		MVL05A (0.5X)	36 mm	0.70	4.50	0.046	0.142	4.90 µm	1.57 µm	2.54	5.29	0.24 mm	0.02 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.94	6.00					3.41	7.05
		MVL10A (1.00X)		1.40	9.00					5.08	10.58
		MVL133A (1.33X)		1.86	12.10					6.76	14.07
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		2.80	18.00					10.15	21.15
Lens Attachment	Zoom Lens	Extension Tube	Working Distance	System Magnification		Objective NA		Resolving Limit		Matching Pixel Size^a (µm)		Depth of Field
Lens Attachment	Zoom Lens	Extension Tube	Working Distance	Low^b	High^b	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
12X Zoom Lens
MVL12X025L (0.25X)	MVL12X3Z^d or MVL12X12Z (12X)	MVL05A (0.5X)	341 mm	0.07	0.87	0.005	0.025	33.33 µm	6.67 µm	2.33	5.80	20.00 mm	0.80 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.10	1.17					3.33	7.80
		MVL10A (1.00X)		0.15	1.75					5.00	11.67
		MVL133A (1.33X)		0.19	2.33					6.33	15.54
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		0.29	3.50					9.67	23.34
MVL12X05L (0.50X)		MVL05A (0.5X)	165 mm	0.14	1.75	0.009	0.051	18.52 µm	3.33 µm	2.59	5.82	6.17 mm	0.19 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.19	2.35					3.60	7.68
		MVL10A (1.00X)		0.29	3.50					5.38	11.45
		MVL133A (1.33X)		0.39	4.66					7.22	15.51
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		0.58	7.00					10.74	22.89
MVL12X075L (0.75X)		MVL05A (0.5X)	108 mm	0.22	2.62	0.014	0.076	11.90 µm	2.22 µm	2.61	5.81	2.55 mm	0.09 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.29	3.52					3.45	7.73
		MVL10A (1.00X)		0.44	5.25					5.24	11.52
		MVL133A (1.33X)		0.58	6.98					6.90	15.49
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		0.87	10.50					10.35	23.05
None		MVL05A (0.5X)	86 mm	0.29	3.49	0.019	0.101	9.26 µm	1.67 µm	2.68	5.82	1.39 mm	0.05 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.39	4.69					3.42	7.74
		MVL10A (1.00X)		0.58	7.00					5.09	11.55
		MVL133A (1.33X)		0.77	9.31					7.13	15.54
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		1.16	14.00					10.17	23.10
MVL12X15L (1.5X)		MVL05A (0.5X)	50 mm	0.43	5.23	0.028	0.151	6.17 µm	1.12 µm	2.65	5.85	0.64 mm	0.02 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.58	7.04					3.45	7.78
		MVL10A (1.00X)		0.87	10.50					5.18	11.60
		MVL133A (1.33X)		1.16	14.00					7.15	15.68
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		1.74	21.00					10.74	23.34
MVL12X20L (2.0X)		MVL05A (0.5X)	37 mm	0.58	6.98	0.038	0.202	4.50 µm	0.83 µm	2.61	5.79	0.35 mm	0.01 mm
		MVL067A (0.67X)		0.78	9.38					3.42	7.79
		MVL10A (1.00X)		1.16	14.00					5.09	11.62
		MVL133A (1.33X)		1.54	18.60					6.93	15.43
		MVL20A or MVL20FA (2X)		2.32	28.00					10.17	23.24

Matching pixel size is that which will permit the minimum feature size to overlap two pixels. [Pixel Size = 1/2(Feature Size x System Magnification)]. If the matching pixel size is greater than the camera pixel size, the system is "lens limited". If the matching pixel size is less than the camera pixel size, the system is "camera limited".
Refers to the zoom setting of the lens.
The MVL6X3Z Zoom Lens with Coaxial Illumination port is fully compatible with the MVL6X15L 1.5X and MV6X20L 2X Magnifying Lens Attachments. While the MVL6X3Z can be used with the MVL6X025L 0.25X, MVL6X05L 0.5X, and MVL6X075L 0.75X Magnifying Lens Attachments, there will be some vignetting.
The MVL12X3Z Zoom Lens with Coaxial Illumination port is fully compatible with the MVL12X15L 1.5X and MV12X20L 2X Magnifying Lens Attachments. While the MVL12X3Z can be used with the MVL12X025L 0.25X, MVL12X05L 0.5X, and MVL12X075L 0.75X Magnifying Lens Attachments, there will be some vignetting.

6.5X System Diagram

*The MVL6X3Z Zoom Lens with Coaxial Illumination port is fully compatible with the MVL6X15L 1.5X and MV6X20L 2X Magnifying Lens Attachments. While the MVL6X3Z can be used with the MVL6X025L 0.25X, MVL6X05L 0.5X, and MVL6X075L 0.75X Magnifying Lens attachments, there will be some vignetting.

12X System Diagram

*The MV12X3Z Zoom Lens with Coaxial Illumination port is fully compatible with the MVL12X15L 1.5X and MV12X20L 2X Magnifying Lens Attachments. While the MVL12X3Z can be used with the MVL12X025L 0.25X, MVL12X05L 0.5X, and MVL12X075L 0.75X Magnifying Lens attachments, there will be some vignetting.

Lens Attachment	Zoom Lens	WD	Camera Format	Field of View (mm)^a
				0.5X Extension Tube MVL05A		0.67X Extension Tube MVL067A		1X Extension Tube MVL10A		1.33X Extension Tube MVL133A		2X Extension Tube MVL20(F)A
				Low^b	High^b	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
6.5X Zoom Lens
MVL6X025L (0.25X)	MVL6X3Z or MVL6X12Z (6.5X)	300 mm	1/4"	45.70	7.12	34.03	5.33	22.85	3.56	17.18	2.68	11.42	1.78
			1/3"	68.64	10.64	51.12	8.04	34.52	5.32	25.80	4.0	17.16	2.66
			1/2"	91.36	14.16	68.06	10.66	45.68	7.08	34.34	5.32	22.84	3.54
			2/3"	91.40	19.52	93.62	14.66	62.84	9.76	47.25	7.34	31.42	4.88
MVL6X05L (0.50X)		175 mm	1/4"	22.85	3.56	17.02	2.66	11.42	1.78	8.59	1.34	5.71	0.89
			1/3"	34.32	5.32	25.56	4.0	17.16	2.67	12.90	2.01	8.58	1.33
			1/2"	45.68	7.08	34.03	5.33	22.85	3.56	17.18	2.68	11.42	1.77
			2/3"	45.70	9.76	46.81	7.33	31.43	4.89	23.63	3.68	15.71	2.44
MVL6X075L (0.75X)		113 mm	1/4"	15.22	2.38	11.34	1.78	7.61	1.19	5.72	0.89	3.81	0.59
			1/3"	22.86	3.56	17.04	2.67	11.43	1.78	8.59	1.34	5.72	0.89
			1/2"	30.46	4.74	22.69	3.56	15.23	2.37	11.45	1.78	7.62	1.19
			2/3"	30.50	6.52	31.21	4.89	20.95	3.26	15.75	2.45	10.48	1.63
None		92 mm	1/4"	11.42	1.78	8.51	1.33	5.71	0.89	4.29	0.67	2.86	0.45
			1/3"	17.16	2.67	12.77	2.01	8.58	1.33	6.45	1.0	4.29	0.67
			1/2"	22.85	3.56	17.01	2.67	11.42	1.77	8.59	1.33	5.71	0.89
			2/3"	22.90	4.89	23.40	3.65	15.71	2.44	11.81	1.83	7.86	1.22
MVL6X15L (1.5X)		51 mm	1/4"	7.61	1.19	5.67	0.89	3.81	0.59	2.86	0.44	1.91	0.30
			1/3"	11.43	1.78	8.52	1.33	5.72	0.89	4.3	0.67	2.86	0.44
			1/2"	15.23	2.37	11.34	1.77	7.62	1.19	5.73	0.89	3.81	0.59
			2/3"	15.00	3.26	15.60	2.44	10.48	1.63	7.88	1.22	5.24	0.81
MVL6X20L (2.0X)		36 mm	1/4"	5.71	0.89	4.26	0.67	2.86	0.45	2.15	0.35	1.43	0.23
			1/3"	8.58	1.33	6.39	1.00	4.29	0.67	3.22	0.50	2.15	0.33
			1/2"	11.42	1.77	8.51	1.33	5.71	0.89	4.29	0.67	2.86	0.44
			2/3"	11.40	2.44	11.70	1.83	7.86	1.22	5.91	0.92	3.93	0.61
Lens Attachment	Zoom Lens	WD	Camera Format	Field of View (mm)^a
				0.5X Extension Tube MVL05A		0.67X Extension Tube MVL067A		1X Extension Tube MVL10A		1.33X Extension Tube MVL133A		2X Extension Tube MVL20(F)A
				Low^b	High^b	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
12X Zoom Lens
MVL12X025L (0.25X)	MVL12X3Z or MVL12X12Z (12X)	341 mm	1/4"	57.14	4.59	41.16	3.40	27.60	2.28	21.05	1.72	13.9	1.14
			1/3"	85.71	6.89	61.73	5.10	41.38	3.42	31.57	2.57	20.69	1.71
			1/2"	-	-	82.32	6.80	55.16	4.56	42.10	3.43	27.58	2.28
			2/3"	-	-	72.00^c	9.35	75.88	6.28	57.89	4.72	37.94	3.14
MVL12X05L (0.50X)		165 mm	1/4"	28.57	2.28	20.58	1.70	13.79	1.14	10.25	0.86	6.90	0.76
			1/3"	42.85	3.42	30.87	2.55	20.69	1.71	15.38	1.29	10.34	0.86
			1/2"	-	-	41.16	3.40	27.58	2.28	20.51	1.72	13.79	1.14
			2/3"	-	-	36.0^c	4.68	37.94	3.14	28.20	2.36	18.97	1.57
MVL12X075L (0.75X)		108 mm	1/4"	18.18	1.52	13.72	1.14	9.19	0.76	6.89	0.57	4.60	0.38
			1/3"	27.27	2.29	20.58	1.70	13.79	1.14	10.34	0.85	6.89	0.57
			1/2"	-	-	27.44	2.27	18.34	1.52	13.79	1.14	9.19	0.76
			2/3"	-	-	24.30^c	3.12	25.30	2.09	18.96	1.57	12.64	1.05
None		86 mm	1/4"	13.79	1.14	10.29	0.85	6.90	0.57	5.19	0.43	3.45	0.29
			1/3"	20.69	1.72	15.44	1.28	10.34	0.86	7.79	0.64	5.18	0.43
			1/2"	-	-	20.58	1.70	13.79	1.14	10.39	0.86	6.90	0.57
			2/3"	-	-	18.20^c	2.34	18.97	1.57	14.28	1.18	9.49	0.78
MVL12X15L (1.5X)		50 mm	1/4"	9.30	0.76	6.86	0.57	4.60	0.38	3.44	0.28	2.30	0.19
			1/3"	13.95	1.14	10.29	0.85	6.89	0.57	5.17	0.44	3.45	0.29
			1/2"	-	-	13.72	1.13	9.19	0.76	6.89	0.57	4.60	0.38
			2/3"	-	-	12.20^c	1.55	12.64	1.05	9.48	0.78	6.33	0.52
MVL12X20L (2.0X)		37 mm	1/4"	6.89	0.57	5.14	0.43	3.45	0.29	2.59	0.21	1.73	0.15
			1/3"	10.34	0.85	7.72	0.64	5.18	0.43	3.89	0.32	2.59	0.22
			1/2"	-	-	10.29	0.85	6.90	0.57	5.19	0.43	3.45	0.29
			2/3"	-	-	9.10^c	1.17	9.49	0.78	7.14	0.59	4.75	0.40

The above fields of view are measured diagonally across the sensor. (Horizontal = Diagonal x 0.8 and Vertical = Diagonal x 0.6).
Refers to the magnification setting of the zoom lens.
Vignetting occurs at zoom settings of less than 0.9X.

Example Images

All images shown were taken with a previous-generation Thorlabs DCC1240C color CMOS camera, MVL20A extension tube, MVL12X3Z zoom lens, and MVL12X20L magnifying lens attachment. The bottom pair of images are far-field (bottom-left) and close-up (bottom-right) views of a previous-generation Thorlabs camera.

Click to Enlarge
Individual Pixels of a Smartphone LCD Screen (326 Pixels Per Inch) with 213 μm x 170 μm Field of View (28X Magnification)

Click to Enlarge
Damaged End of a Ø50 μm Core Multimode Fiber in a Ceramic Ferrule at 28X Magnification and Oblique Illumination

Click to Enlarge
Far-Field Image of a Camera Sensor and Surrounding Circuit Board with 2.56 mm x 2.05 mm Field of View (2.32X Magnification) and Coaxial Illumination

Click to Enlarge
Close-up Image of a Camera Sensor and Surrounding Circuit Board with 267 μm x 213 μm Field of View (~22X Magnification) and Coaxial Illumination

Posted Comments:

Peter Szekely (posted 2024-07-23 11:24:05.233)

Dear Madam/Sir, In case of MVL6X20L (2.0X) I think the resolving limit should be 3,62-1,175 x - if I am not wrong... Best wishes, p

cdolbashian (posted 2024-07-29 11:12:47.0)

Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry. Based on the resources we have available and the reasoning you provided, it is very likely this needs to be changed. I will review this with our marketing division, and this will likely be updated within the coming days.

Chad Brubaker (posted 2024-03-14 14:14:31.427)

It seems as if the FOV tab needs to be updated for additional camera formats; there are at least 8 cameras that have a format >2/3". Specifically, I am looking at the following: LP126CU MVL20A MVL6X3Z MVLCMC I'd like to know the combinatorial specs of this set; most I can infer, but FOV specifically relies on chip format (which makes sense). I also want to make sure that I am not creating a mismatched configuration (other than being lens limited on my resolution; I expect that).

cdolbashian (posted 2024-03-29 01:35:37.0)

Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry Chad. As of now we do not have data for formats > 2/3", though as you have pointed out, we do indeed carry various cameras with larger sensor formats. We definitely want to avoid vingetting when viewing images with these lenses on a larger format camera sensors. At the time of posting this, we are working to update the table with such information.

Ali Mohammed (posted 2023-12-07 14:06:40.81)

I made the following set up for Flow cytometry. 1. Camera + 1x standard adapter + 6.5 Zoom lens + No lens Attachment + LEDRW40 2. Camera + 1x standard adapter + 6.5 Zoom lens+ 2X lens Attachment + LEDRW40 with the above two option I can see clear image but not cells as desire, I then order a MY20X-804 and made the this set up Camera + 1x standard adapter +6.5 Zoom lens + 20X 0bjective The challenge using the 20X objective it only allows a working distance of 20 mm and the LED light is not quite compatible and suitable to be attached at end considering the working distance. I tried lighting by holding the LED light, still can see anything. Two possibilities 1. Either the use of two adapters instead of one (idea adapter height (11.4mm) while combined would give a height (16.4mm).OR 2. I came across a document in NAVITAR web page Based on the information and images provided the zoom lens with internal co-axial zoom would be more suitable for the monitoring single cells. Even though a table providing the field of view matrix indicates both types of zoom lens are compatible with the objective and can give same performance. If read it correctly. Any advice or do you think we should use MVL12X3Z instead of MVL6X12Z Thank you

ksosnowski (posted 2023-12-28 01:44:50.0)

Hello Ali, thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. It is not common to see an objective used on these particular lenses however Navitar does make similar zoom lenses specifically for use with microscope objectives. The illumination mode that works best depends strongly on the sample being imaged and whether contrast is required more at larger or smaller features. I have reached out directly to discuss your application in further detail.

Ruben van Gulik (posted 2023-08-22 11:53:24.39)

Hi, I was wondering if there is any possibility of doing darkfield microscopy using this setup, for example by sliding a darkfield filter in the optical path.

ksosnowski (posted 2023-08-25 01:55:13.0)

Hello Ruben, thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. We recently released an LED Ring Light: LEDRW40 which is designed for oblique illumination as is necessary for darkfield microscopy. There is no access to the fourier plane to place a DC blocking spatial filter however, and there is not a filter slot in the optic train. I have reached out directly to discuss this application in further detail.

Jonggu Han (posted 2023-08-18 17:49:59.703)

Is there transmission curve of the camera lens and its components such as etension tube and Lens attachment?

jpolaris (posted 2023-08-21 08:47:40.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Additional specifications and data can be requested by emailing us at techsupport@thorlabs.com. I have reached out to you directly with this data.

Prachet Jain (posted 2022-07-13 18:34:02.797)

I would like to know if there is any way to know the focal length of the lenses based on the given specs?

cdolbashian (posted 2022-07-19 02:20:13.0)

Thank you for reaching out to us Prachet. I think the information you seek can be found on the "Specs" and "Field of View" tabs above. I have reached out to discuss the specifics of your inquiries.

Victor Carozo (posted 2022-02-16 14:02:21.107)

Dear, I have the 6X Zoom lens with coaxial illumination and the complete magnifying setup; however, I found an issue. First, the beamsplitter was sent loose, but on the first try, I saw something. After that, handling the tube, the beam splitter moved the position, and I did get the image back. Then, I noticed that the beampliiter could be threaded. So, I opened the MVL6X3Z and threaded the beampliterr in that position. But, to my surprise, I could not form an image. So, it seems that the fixed place is not correct. Any help will be appreciated.

jdelia (posted 2022-02-28 04:36:43.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We can take back your zoom lens for an RMA. I have contacted you directly to help get this set up.

Jorge Monroy Ruz (posted 2021-04-13 06:52:38.447)

Hi, I just got the 6.5X system with coaxial ilumination, and a 2X extension tube. I want to fix this vertically. What is the best solution to hold the Zoom lens verically and attach it to a C1511 on a 1.5 inch post?

YLohia (posted 2021-08-27 02:07:13.0)

Hello, we do not have a direct way to mount this, as the options to mount this camera are limited, and even more limited in a vertical orientation. The best option would be to use the threading on the front of this camera (M25x.75) to mount this, in combination with one of our V-mounts, to stabilize the body. Are you planning on mounting this pointing up or down, and are you planning on having a camera attached to the back side?

Patrick Lee (posted 2021-03-10 23:17:35.143)

Hi I wish to build an optics/ camera system with : a) field of view ~50 to 40mm b) magnification around -0.15x c) short work distance. Any suggestion ? Thank you

YLohia (posted 2021-03-12 03:39:25.0)

Hello, any lens system for a specific set of requirements can be selected using the tables given on the "Specs" and "Field of View" tabs on this page. The Specs table gives a list of all possible combinations of our Machine Vision lenses/attachments and their respective magnifications and working distances while the Field of View table provides the field of view data for all combinations of these items. The selection will depend on what you define as "short working distance" and your camera sensor size.

user (posted 2020-08-04 20:46:51.303)

How does the coaxial illuminator feeds into the optical path, a 50/50 beam splitter? I’m concerned about transmission losses from this combining element on the collected light from the object being imaged for an extremely low fluorescence application.

nbayconich (posted 2020-08-06 10:45:37.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The MVL12X3Z uses a 50:50 beamsplitter for the coaxial illumination port. I will reach out to you directly to discuss the transmission properties through these zoom lenses.

Vijay Patel (posted 2020-07-11 01:58:17.227)

Hello sir I want to see 40 micron hole with the help of a camera and zoom lense assembly so plz suggest me assembly for this

YLohia (posted 2020-07-13 10:34:34.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We have been in direct communication with you regarding this.

user (posted 2020-05-04 11:05:53.957)

Hello,I have a similar question for a long distance inspection microscope to look inside a cryostat. I'm currently building a new setup for STM measurements at low temperature. I need some optics to place the tip of my STM on top of a 40um-wide membrane inside my cryostat, at a minimum working distance of 200mm. I know already that magnification and working distance are conflicting requirements, for this reason I don't ask for extreme resolution, but something that allows me to recognize the membrane and put the tip on top. I have already one of your CCD Camera ( HD, 1/3" format, 1280x1024, CS-Mount ) Could any of your products be good for this purpose? Thanks and best regards,

YLohia (posted 2020-05-06 11:37:28.0)

Hello again, any lens system for a specific set of requirements can be selected using the table given on the Specs tab on this page. This table gives a list of all possible combinations of our Machine Vision lenses/attachments and their respective magnifications and working distances. For your application, the only possible working distance for your requirement that we can offer to you is 341 mm using the MVL12X025L, MVL12X12Z, and MVL20FA. This will yield a maximum magnification of 3.50, which would make your 40 um object a 140 um image. This should likely offer sufficient resolution for camera's ~4 um pixel size.

user (posted 2020-04-23 11:10:37.36)

Hello, I would like to build a long working distance setup (WD ~200mm) and high magnification (>24x) in the visible range, to look inside a cryostat. Could you give me some hints? I'm really new in the field. Thanks in advance!

YLohia (posted 2020-04-29 11:33:47.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, we currently do not have a suitable solution for your application. The combination of lenses to produce your required >24X magnification are MVL12X20L, MVL12X12Z, MVL20A, but they will limit the working distance to 37 mm.

Mario Sanchez (posted 2020-04-17 08:43:14.207)

Hello, This is Mario, from ITAINNOVA (Zaragoza, Spain). I usually work with Digital Image Correlation and, currently, I have to perform some small scale measurements. I have a 5 mpx CCD camera and a set of lenses (8, 23 and 60 mm + adaptor tubes) But I think that this configuration isn't enough to perform small scale measurements due tue the high lens distortion. I am interested in the High-Magnification zoom lenses system for machine vision. Please, could you give me some information about that? advantages/disadvanteges with respect to long distance microscope, price, etc. Thank you in advance. Kind Regards, Mario

asundararaj (posted 2020-04-29 11:38:05.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The choice of a zoom lens would depend on the Field Of View you require as well as the Camera. We recommend going through our selection table and make a selection based on your requirement - https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=6708&tabname=field%20of%20view. I have reached out to you directly to discuss options based on your specific parameters and requirements.

Gyeongtae Kim (posted 2020-04-02 05:38:27.277)

Hi, I have plan to build macroscope. A camera I will use is sCMOS (340M-usb). I'll use it to image mouse brain ( covering 3~10 mm diameter region of brain) and consider both fluorescence (GFP) and NIR (730nm for intrinsic imaging). Would you recommend suitable lens for the macroscope?

YLohia (posted 2020-04-03 11:53:20.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. For your requirements of 1/3 camera format, 3-10 mm FOV, 200 um resolution, and working distance > 100 mm, we recommend the following components: MVL6X075L lens attachment, MVL6X12Z zoom lens, MVL067A extension tube. This will result in a working distance of 113 mm, FOV 17.04 mm (max) and 2.67 mm (min), and a resolving limit of 6.28 µm to 19.60 µm. More information on selecting components can be found by looking at the tables presented in the Specs tab and the Field of View tab.

Maurizio Ruggiero (posted 2019-10-18 05:18:23.647)

Hi, I need your advise. I am interested in acquisition of a fluorescence image. The sensible area is 1,5mm x 250um x120um, so to have a good image, I selected Quantalux or Kiralux camera, MVL6X3Z, MVL6X20L and MVL133A. With this configuration at the distance of 36mm I have good focus and close-up of the sensible area, is it correct?do I need anything else? thanks in advance.

YLohia (posted 2019-10-22 09:10:24.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Yes, this selection will work for your sample size and target resolution. I have reached out to you directly to discuss your application further.

user (posted 2019-08-28 10:30:05.433)

Hello, is it possible to have focus length more than 20 mm while with a zoom from ~1x to ~20x? What else do I need to add to this system below? Thanks! "6.5X Zoom Lens with 1.33X Extension Tube and 1.5X Lens Attachment, Mounted on our 1500M-CL Scientific CCD Camera"

YLohia (posted 2019-08-28 11:14:37.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. When you say "focus length" are you referring to the working distance of the lens or the fine focus travel? The focal length for these lenses is not specified by the manufacturer, Navitar. All of the combinations of the lenses and attachments are given in the "Specs" tab. All working distances are > 20mm. If you require more than 20x of magnification, you will have to use the MVL12X12Z instead of the MVL6X12Z.

Jae-muk Lim (posted 2019-08-01 00:42:39.213)

To whom it may concern, Hello. I am jae-muk Lim, in Hanyang Univ. (South Korea) I'm making a finite system with MVL12X3Z . After several attempts, they were made using only the lenses inside the zoom lens and other objective lens. The bottom lens was removed, and I want to calculate the magnification theoretically and compare it to what is seen in the actual CCD. So I think the bottom lens will affect the magnification, and if I can see the specifications of the lens, I think I can calculate it in reverse.

YLohia (posted 2019-08-01 10:50:13.0)

Hello Jae-Muk, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. What specifications are you looking for? All information is listed in the "Specs" tab on this page.

Nitesh Gupta (posted 2019-06-13 06:17:37.86)

What is the working distance if we use MVL12X12Z(zoom lens) with a MVL20A(Extention tube) without using the magnifying lens attachment

YLohia (posted 2019-06-14 09:49:56.0)

Hello, working distances for all scenarios (including ones without lens attachments) are given in the "Specs" tab. For your particular application, the working distance will be 86 mm.

sorinnicolae.sauca (posted 2017-09-26 16:18:41.017)

Good day, I am Dr Sauca, from IFF Company. I need a high magnification system for 2-10 micron polymeric microcapsules. It would be useful the system DCC1240C color CCD camera, MVL20A extension tube, MVL12X12Z zoom lens, and MVL12X20L? What type of light do I need? Thank you, Sorin

tfrisch (posted 2017-10-20 10:23:04.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly about setting up a transillumination or dark-field illumination.

timothee.labouret (posted 2017-02-23 10:53:13.217)

Hi, I am very interested in a high magnification system (highest mag) listed here. I want to use it with a high-speed camera that I have from another supplier. I have technical questions regarding both compatibility and features of this kind of system. Please contact me on my email address. Thank you.

tfrisch (posted 2017-03-06 09:06:16.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I have asked our Technical Support Team to reach out to you about the compatibility and features of this magnification system.

sylvain.hermelin (posted 2016-12-02 10:27:10.077)

Dear Sir or Madam, We are interested in a MVL6X12Z + MVL20A or MVL20FA for imaging down to 380-350nm. Is it possible to have the transmission curve for this setup? Thanks, Regards

tfrisch (posted 2016-12-05 11:26:31.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. While we don't have any formal data on the performance of these lenses in the UV, the transmission does drop off sharply in the UV. I would not recommend them for use in 350-380nm. I will reach out to you directly.

ilhan.kahraman (posted 2016-04-06 14:52:14.837)

Dear, I have the galilean telescope which magnificating 4,5 times, I want to the optical zoom system which object height keep at different object distance with same object height in image plane. My telescope, at 1 km distance 2m height objective's at the image plane height object appr. is 2mm and same object at 30 m distance at the image plane object height appr. is 40mm. I need optic zoom system which make image plane same object height(at 10mm). Could you support in this topic. How I can select the correct zoom system(my camera have 12mm width and 10mm height aperture) Best regards

besembeson (posted 2016-04-06 10:57:58.0)

Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: I will contact you directly to discuss this please.

dgutierrez (posted 2016-02-05 15:37:20.13)

Hello, My Name is Diego, working at Institute of Science Materials of Barcelona (ICMAB). I am very ineresting in taking an image of some structures(100-40 um). The distance between the structures and the lens-camera is arround 8cm. I think your CMOS camera, MVL12x3Z and OSL2 will be very good for me. However, I am not sure about the adapters. I think all the components that I need to work are: DCC1645C, MVLCMC, MVL12X3Z, SM1V05, OSL2, SM1LTRR, SM1A1, SM1T2. am I correct or I miss someting? Thanks

besembeson (posted 2016-02-10 10:24:31.0)

Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Yes that is correct with additional components. You will need to add an extension tube, such as the MVL20A which will help in bringing the image to focus and an (optional) magnifying adapter such as the MVL12X20L. So a recommended arrangement will be the DCC1645C, MVLCMC, MVL20A, MVL12X3Z, MVL12X20L. For the light source through the coaxial illumination port, you will also need the OSL2, AD5LLG and LLG0538-6 or LLG0538-8. You may not need the SM1V05, SM1LTRR, SM1A1, SM1T1.

kimbym (posted 2014-03-19 03:34:35.797)

I'd like to observe the fluorescence of sample with tMVL6x12Z zoom lens mounted in a CCD camera. Is possible to connect the filter cube such as DFM/M to the zoom lens ? If possible, how can they connected ? or if not possible, I'd like ask how flurescence imagigng system is fabricated to observe the fluoscence image. Our FOV is around 10~20mm.

besembeson (posted 2014-03-27 01:12:05.0)

Response from Bweh E at Thorlabs: Yes you can connect this to the DFM/M. One way to do this, depending on which end you would prefer to use, will require the MVLCMC and SM1 adapter to C-mount adapter (SM1A12) or you will need an SM1A18 and a lens tube coupler such as SM1T2. You may consider having cage plates such as the CP02 and cage rods like the ER05 (four will be needed) to increase stability. I will send you drawing of the MVL6X12Z to understand why I suggested the SM1A18.

vincent.thominet (posted 2013-12-05 14:19:42.03)

In the Specs table, there is a x2 factor between the resolving limit values versus NA for the 6.5X Zoom Lens and for the 12X Zoom lens. Which one is correct? [Minimum Feature Size = 1/(3000 x NA)]for the 6.5X Zoom Lens and [Minimum Feature Size = 1/2 x 1/(3000 x NA)]for the 12X Zoom Lens Best regards Vincent

jlow (posted 2013-12-16 05:11:20.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you for pointing this out. The formula, Minimum Feature Size = 1/(3000 x NA), is correct. We will correct the numbers for the 12X table on the website.

ulmanis (posted 2013-08-20 14:51:29.39)

Dear Sir/Madam, I am interested in the 12x high-magnification zoom lens system for an application in a laser absorption imaging setup. In this matter I would like to ask, if the optics used in these systems are anti-reflection coated and if you could send me a graph of the transmission versus the wavelength for the 12x system. Kind regards, Juris Ulmanis Quantum Dynamics of Atomic and Molecular Systems Physikalisches Insitut Universität Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 226 69120 Heidelberg Germany Tel: +49 6221-54 19480 http://www.physi.uni-heidelberg.de/Forschung/QD/

tcohen (posted 2013-08-22 15:00:00.0)

Response from Tim at Thorlabs to Juris: Thank you for contacting us. Yes, there is an AR coating and I have sent you a typical curve. The transmission peak is ~87% for 550nm.

6.5X Zoom Lenses (0.7 - 4.5X Magnification Range)

Zoom

Click to Enlarge
LEDRW40 Ring Light Attached to an
MVL6X12Z Zoom Lens

6.5X Zoom Range (Core Lens Has a Magnification of 0.7 - 4.5X)
0.006 - 0.142 System NA
Designed for 2/3" Sensor Format Cameras
An Extension Tube (Sold Below) is Required for Use

Our 6.5X Zoom Lenses feature a variable magnification of 0.7 - 4.5X, which provides a 6.5X magnification adjustment (zoom) range. The MVL6X12Z provides 12 mm of fine focus travel for a large working distance range, while the MVL6X3Z provides 3 mm of fine focus travel, along with a coaxial illumination port, which is compatible with the fiber bundles included with our OSL2 and OSL2IR fiber light sources and our Ø5 mm liquid light guides. These zoom lenses also offer direct compatibility with our LEDRW40 Ring Light, as shown for the MVL6X12Z in the image to the right.

Please note that our 6.5X zoom lenses must be used with an extension tube (sold below), and can optionally be used with a 6.5X system magnifying lens attachment (also sold below). The threaded end of the zoom lenses have M25 x 0.75 internal threads and 1.093"-32 external threads. Our 6.5X zoom lenses can easily be mounted using the C1512(/M) fixed or C1513(/M) kinematic V-clamp.

6.5X System Magnifying Lens Attachments

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Optional Magnifying Lens Attachments Provide Additional 0.25 - 2X Magnification
Compatible with Our 6.5X Zoom Lenses
M25 x 0.75 External Threading

These magnifying lens attachments provide additional magnification to the zoom lens and extension tube system. These attachments are compatible with the 6.5X zoom lenses sold above, and provide a magnification factor of 0.25X, 0.5X, 0.75X, 1.5X, or 2.0X (see the Magnification Calculation section in the Overview tab above). Please note that only one lens attachment may be used at a time.

12X Zoom Lenses (0.58 - 7X Magnification Range)

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12X Zoom Range (Core Lens Has a Zoom Range of 0.58 - 7X)
0.005 - 0.202 System NA
Designed for 2/3" Sensor Format Cameras
An Extension Tube (Sold Below) is Required for Use

Our 12X Zoom Lenses feature a variable magnification of 0.58 - 7X, which provides a 12X magnification adjustment (zoom) range. The MVL12X12Z provides 12 mm of fine focus travel for a large working distance range, while the MVL12X3Z provides 3 mm of fine focus travel, along with a coaxial illumination port, which is compatible with the fiber bundles included with our OSL2 and OSL2IR fiber light sources and our Ø5 mm liquid light guides.

Please note that our 12X zoom lenses must be used with an extension tube (sold below), and can optionally be used with a 12X system magnifying lens attachment (also sold below). The MVL12X12Z and MVL12X3Z have 1.093"-32 internal and 1.500"-32 external threads. Our 12X zoom lenses can easily be mounted using the C1512(/M) fixed or C1513(/M) kinematic V-clamps.

12X System Magnifying Lens Attachments

Zoom

Optional Magnifying Lens Attachments Provide Additional 0.25 - 2X Magnification
Compatible with Our 12X Zoom Lenses
1.093"-32 External Threading

These magnifying lens attachments provide additional magnification to the zoom lens and extension tube system. These attachments are compatible with the 12X zoom lenses sold above, and provide a magnification factor of 0.25X, 0.5X, 0.75X, 1.5X, or 2.0X (see the Magnification Calculation section in the Overview tab above). Please note that only one lens attachment may be used at a time.

Extension Tubes for 6.5X and 12X Systems

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Required for the Use of our 6.5X or 12X Zoom Lenses
Compatible with Both Systems
Provide an Additional 0.5 - 2X Magnification
Designed for 2/3" Sensor Format Cameras
MVL20FA Features an Integrated F-Mount Bayonet Mount

These extension tubes are required for the use of our 6.5X or 12X zoom lenses, and they are compatible with both systems. They may be attached to a camera using the MVLCMC C-Mount adapter sold below. Additionally the MVL20FA extension tube has an integrated F-Mount bayonet mount for direct attachment to a camera.

C-Mount Attachment

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Connects Our Extension Tubes to an Internal C-Mount-Threaded Camera
External C-Mount (1.000"-32) Thread
Three 1/16" Hex Key Set Screws for Attachment to the Extension Tube
Use with the SM1A9 or SM1A10 Adapters to Integrate these Zoom Lenses into Thorlabs' SM1-Threaded Optomechanics

The MVLCMC adapter allows for the integration of our zoom lenses with a standard C-mount camera. The adapter features external C-mount (1.000"-32) threads and provides the correct lens spacing for the standard C-mount 17.526 flange focal distance. Additionally, when used with the SM1A9 or SM1A10 adapters, the zoom lenses sold on this page can be integrated with Thorlabs' SM1-threaded optomechanics.