Camera Lenses for IP Surveillance | Fixed & Varifocal

Plan Your Deployment

Required field of view and coverage area
Focal length selection and scene distance planning
Sensor compatibility and mount type
Low-light performance considerations
Environmental exposure and durability needs

Showing Results for Lenses

Compare

Out of stock
Pelco

SKU: MI3.9-10P

Pelco MI3.9-10P Varifocal P-Iris Lens 3.9-10mm

CS-mount varifocal lens, 3.9–10mm with P-iris for surveillance
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$402.91 $322.99 Save $79.92

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Pelco

SKU: MI9-50P

Pelco MI9-50P CS-Mount 9-50mm Varifocal Lens

9–50mm CS-mount varifocal lens for license-plate and perimeter work
- 9–50mm focal range with P-iris depth-of-field control for dynamic lighting
- CS-mount design fits Pelco Sarix Pro 3 and compatible camera systems
- F2.0 aperture with 0.10 lux low-light performance for 24/7 surveillance
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$705.64 $565.99 Save $139.65

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-237

Vivotek AL-237 4.1-9mm Varifocal Lens F1.6

4.1–9mm varifocal lens F1.6 with DC auto-iris for Vivotek IP cameras
- 4.1–9mm varifocal range adjusts field of view for retail, perimeter, or wide coverage
- F1.6 bright aperture maximizes light transmission in low-light conditions
- DC auto-iris automatically regulates exposure across changing ambient light levels
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$346.00 $269.99 Save $76.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-23A

Vivotek AL-23A 2.7-13.5mm Varifocal Lens F1.6

2.7-13.5mm varifocal lens with F1.6 aperture for low-light IP surveillance
- DC auto-iris maintains consistent exposure across bright daylight to dim conditions
- Varifocal range eliminates need for lens swap; adjust field of view in the field
- Compatible with Vivotek IP cameras and systems with DC auto-iris connectors
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$60.00 $46.99 Save $13.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-242

Vivotek AL-242 12.5-50mm Varifocal Lens F1.4 P-Iris

4x zoom varifocal lens with F1.4 aperture and P-Iris for low-light surveillance
- 12.5-50mm focal length captures wide context and detailed close-ups without zoom quality loss
- F1.4 bright aperture maximizes light gathering in dim or inconsistent lighting conditions
- P-Iris motorized control automatically optimizes depth-of-field and contrast across zoom range
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$546.00 $425.99 Save $120.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-243

Vivotek AL-243 7-22mm Varifocal P-Iris Lens

7-22mm varifocal lens with F1.4 aperture and P-Iris for Vivotek cameras
- 7-22mm varifocal range covers multi-distance scenes without repositioning
- F1.4 aperture with motorized P-Iris for low-light performance and depth control
- CS-mount design for direct compatibility with IP8166 and IP9171-HP models
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$142.00 $110.99 Save $31.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-246

Vivotek AL-246 2.8-8.5mm Varifocal Lens with P-Iris

2.8-8.5mm varifocal lens with F1.2 aperture and P-Iris control
- F1.2 aperture maximizes light for low-light surveillance performance
- P-Iris motorized control optimizes depth of field across focal range
- Vivotek network camera compatible with high-resolution sensor support
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$280.00 $218.99 Save $61.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-247

Vivotek AL-247 2.8-8mm Varifocal Lens, F1.2 Aperture, P-Iris 1/3" Sensor

Varifocal 2.8-8mm lens with F1.2 aperture and P-Iris for 1/3" sensors
- 2.8-8mm varifocal range captures wide to medium telephoto scenes without camera moves
- F1.2 aperture maximizes light capture for clear imaging in low and variable light
- P-Iris motorized control auto-adjusts aperture for consistent contrast and sharpness
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$246.00 $191.99 Save $54.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-248

Vivotek AL-248 12-50mm Telephoto Varifocal Lens F1.8

12-50mm telephoto varifocal lens with F1.8 aperture for long-range surveillance
- 4.2x optical zoom range with F1.8 aperture maximizes light capture in low-light conditions
- P-Iris motorized control maintains resolution and contrast across focal length changes
- CS-Mount design fits Vivotek IP816A and IP9100-series P-Iris camera systems
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$608.00 $473.99 Save $134.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-24A

Vivotek AL-24A 12-40mm P-Iris Lens for IP Cameras

12-40mm varifocal lens with P-Iris for 1/2-inch IP cameras
- 12–40mm varifocal range covers wide panoramic views to telephoto detail
- F1.8 aperture with P-Iris control for sharp focus across focal lengths
- CS-Mount design for 1/2-inch sensor cameras; low-light capable
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$264.00 $205.99 Save $58.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-24B

Vivotek AL-24B 3.6-17mm Surveillance Lens P-Iris

4.7x zoom surveillance lens with F1.5 aperture and P-Iris for 1/1.8" sensors
- 3.6-17mm focal length captures wide overview and telephoto detail in one lens
- F1.5 maximum aperture with P-Iris precision control for low-light performance
- Engineered for Vivotek 1/1.8-inch sensor cameras with direct plug-and-play fit
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$290.00 $225.99 Save $64.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-24E

Vivotek AL-24E Surveillance Lens 3.9-10mm F1.5 P-Iris

3.9-10mm varifocal lens with F1.5 aperture and P-Iris for low-light surveillance
- F1.5 aperture optimized for low-light and night-time security monitoring
- 3.9-10mm varifocal range covers wide areas to targeted points of interest
- P-Iris precision control maintains sharp focus and depth of field across zoom range
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$271.00 $211.99 Save $59.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: AL-252

Vivotek AL-252 9-50mm F1.5 i-CS Surveillance Lens

9-50mm F1.5 CS-mount lens for Vivotek IP cameras with i-CS control
- 9-50mm zoom range with F1.5 aperture for low-light surveillance
- i-CS electronic iris and focus for sharp, consistent images across zoom
- 1/1.8" image circle supports high-resolution sensor imaging
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$1,000.00 $780.99 Save $219.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: IP9165-LPRKIT-S-V2 (50MM)

Vivotek IP9165-LPRKIT-S-V2 License Plate Recognition Box Cam

License plate recognition box cam captures vehicles up to 60 mph
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$4,528.00 $3,531.99 Save $996.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Vivotek

SKU: IP9165-LPRKIT-S-V2 (40MM)

Vivotek IP9165-LPRKIT-S-V2 License Plate Recognition Camera

License plate recognition camera for vehicles up to 60 mph with 70+ formats
Special Order · Usually Ships in 2-3 Weeks

$3,986.00 $3,193.99 Save $792.01

Add to Cart
The item has been added

What to Look For When Buying

The decisions that matter most before you spec.

Pixel Density & DORI Alignment

Lens focal length directly controls how many pixels land on a target at a given distance. Underspecified lenses waste sensor resolution or fail identification at required range. Align focal length to identification distance and sensor MP to ensure pixel density meets DORI requirements before deployment.

Field of View vs. Coverage Trade-Off

Wider lenses cover more area but reduce per-target detail; narrower lenses sacrifice breadth for magnification. Define your coverage zones and identification thresholds first, then lock focal length—changing lenses mid-deployment signals a planning failure. Standardize focal lengths across similar zones to avoid inconsistent capture quality.

Lens Mount & Camera Compatibility

Lenses must physically mount to cameras (C-mount, CS-mount, M12, custom) and match sensor size (1/3", 1/2", 2/3"). Verify back focal distance and iris type (fixed, manual, DC auto) match your camera body. Mismatched mounts cause installation delays and focal-plane errors.

Low-Light Performance & Aperture Rating

Larger apertures (lower f-number: f/1.2 vs. f/2.8) gather more light but add cost and bulk. If 4K cameras must perform at night without IR, aperture selection becomes critical. Pair wide-aperture lenses with fast cameras and adequate ambient or IR illumination.

Environmental Durability & Coatings

Lens coatings reduce glare, ghosting, and reflections—essential for high-contrast scenes (glass storefronts, snowy parking lots). UV and anti-fungal treatments protect optics in humid, coastal, or high-UV environments. Budget for protective dome covers and weathershields in exposed installations.

Brand Standardization & Spare Parts

Standardizing on lenses from brands like Axis, Hanwha, Pelco, and Hikvision simplifies procurement, reduces inventory, and ensures spare lenses are in stock. Proprietary or rare lenses lead to extended downtime if optics fail or require adjustment.

Technology Stack

The specs and acronyms that actually affect lenses performance.

Focal Length (mm)

Determines magnification and field of view. Wide angles (4–6mm) see large areas with less detail; narrow angles (25–50mm) zoom on distant subjects. Choose based on target distance and identification requirements, not camera resolution.

Aperture (f-number)

Controls light gathering capacity: f/1.2 (very bright, expensive) vs. f/2.8 (standard). Lower f-numbers improve low-light capture and depth of field. Critical for night operation and backlighting rejection.

Iris Type (Fixed / Manual / Auto DC)

Fixed iris suits constant-light environments; manual iris requires onsite adjustment; auto DC iris (motorized) adapts to daylight-to-dusk transitions. DC auto costs more but eliminates exposure inconsistency over a 24-hour cycle.

Mount Type (C / CS / M12 / Custom)

Physical attachment standard between lens and camera body. C-mount and CS-mount are industry-standard; M12 fits compact/covert cameras. Verify back focal distance matches camera flange. Incorrect mount = no focus or physical interference.

Lens Coatings (Multi-Coat / AR / UV)

Anti-reflection coatings reduce glare and ghosting in high-contrast lighting (reflective glass, snow). UV coatings protect glass from sun degradation. Essential for long-term outdoor clarity and reduced maintenance.

Distortion & Chromatic Aberration

Barrel or pincushion distortion bends straight lines; chromatic aberration splits colors at high contrast. Wide-angle and budget lenses show more. High-end optics minimize both—important for precise perimeter analytics and identity verification.

Typical Deployment Scenarios

Warehouse Receiving Dock

Two 4MP fixed cameras with 25mm narrow-angle lenses mounted 12 feet high capture license plates and driver faces at 30+ feet. Aperture f/2.0 handles overcast dock conditions; weathershields protect optics from dock spray and UV.

Multi-Floor Retail Mall Concourse

Central atrium uses 8MP varifocal lenses (8–32mm) post-adjustable to balance foot traffic overview with kiosk-detail capture. Fixed aperture f/1.6 ensures consistent exposure as viewpoint widens or tightens. Avoid costly camera repositioning during design refinement.

School Perimeter & Parking Lot

Six 2MP fixed-lens cameras with 4mm ultra-wide optics cover entry gates, lot rows, and bus lanes from single posts. Standardize on one lens type across campus to simplify inventory and spare parts. Add dome covers for weather resilience.

Border / Perimeter Identification Zone

Telephoto 50mm, f/1.4 lens on 5MP fixed camera captures identity-grade detail at 80+ feet in daylight. Paired with dedicated PoE infrastructure to avoid bitrate degradation. High-resolution capture demands sufficient storage throughput for continuous motion recording.

Frequently Asked Questions

What focal length should I choose for my application?

Start with your identification distance (how far the camera must recognize a face or plate) and multiply by sensor FOV math: focal length = (sensor width × distance) ÷ (2 × desired pixel width). For example, 30 feet at 1 meter width = ~16mm focal length. Use pixel density and DORI calculators to verify alignment before purchase.

Can I swap lenses between different camera brands?

Only if they share the same mount type (C-mount, CS-mount, M12) and back focal distance. Mounting alone is not enough—focusing may fail if flange distances differ. Always verify camera specs before cross-brand lens purchases; test before field deployment.

What's the difference between fixed and auto-iris lenses?

Fixed iris has no light control—ideal for constant-light indoors. Manual iris requires adjustment on-site. Auto DC iris adjusts electronically to changing light, preventing washed-out days or dark nights. For outdoor perimeter or retail, auto-iris pays for itself by eliminating exposure complaints and re-tuning visits.

Do I need UV or anti-glare coatings?

Yes, if the lens faces direct sun, reflective surfaces (glass storefronts, water), or high-dust/salt environments. UV coatings prevent long-term glass yellowing; anti-reflection coatings eliminate lens flare and ghosting in backlit scenes. Coastal and solar-exposed deployments should not skip coatings.

How do I protect lenses from weather and vandalism?

Use protective dome covers, weathershields, and sun hoods to extend optics life and preserve clarity. Weatherseals prevent moisture ingress; UV-blocking domes cut glare. In high-vandalism areas, recessed or hardened housings are preferable to exposed turrets.

What happens if I buy the wrong lens mount?

The lens will not physically attach to your camera, or will attach but fail to focus due to misaligned focal planes. Always cross-check camera mount type and back focal distance before ordering. If uncertain, contact our expert team with your camera model number.

Lenses

Plan Your Deployment

Showing Results for Lenses

Pelco MI3.9-10P Varifocal P-Iris Lens 3.9-10mm

Pelco MI9-50P CS-Mount 9-50mm Varifocal Lens

Vivotek AL-237 4.1-9mm Varifocal Lens F1.6

Vivotek AL-23A 2.7-13.5mm Varifocal Lens F1.6

Vivotek AL-242 12.5-50mm Varifocal Lens F1.4 P-Iris

Vivotek AL-243 7-22mm Varifocal P-Iris Lens

Vivotek AL-246 2.8-8.5mm Varifocal Lens with P-Iris

Vivotek AL-247 2.8-8mm Varifocal Lens, F1.2 Aperture, P-Iris 1/3" Sensor

Vivotek AL-248 12-50mm Telephoto Varifocal Lens F1.8

Vivotek AL-24A 12-40mm P-Iris Lens for IP Cameras

Vivotek AL-24B 3.6-17mm Surveillance Lens P-Iris

Vivotek AL-24E Surveillance Lens 3.9-10mm F1.5 P-Iris

Vivotek AL-252 9-50mm F1.5 i-CS Surveillance Lens

Vivotek IP9165-LPRKIT-S-V2 License Plate Recognition Box Cam

Vivotek IP9165-LPRKIT-S-V2 License Plate Recognition Camera

Browse by Product Family

What to Look For When Buying

Technology Stack

Typical Deployment Scenarios

Top Brands for Lenses

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Categories

Engineering Reading