FA Lens


FA Lenses & Machine Vision Optics with superior brightness, compact design, and high resolution. Engineered for industrial automation, quality inspection, and precision measurement systems.

High Quality
High resolution imaging, low distortion, and superior contrast performance in a compact C-mount design ensure sharp, accurate results across all sensor formats and focal lengths.

Fast Shipping
Extensive inventory means most standard lenses ship same-day. With our diverse product range, we can quickly fulfill orders of any size to keep your projects moving.

Expert Support
Our optical engineers work directly with you to develop complete testing and product solutions tailored to your specific project needs. One team, one solution - we've got you covered.

Custom & Sourcing
Supply chain hub advantage: We source any component you need or create custom solutions in 7-14 days. From prototypes to volume production.
1
/
1
FA Lens Selector Tool
Filter by specifications to find FA lenses that meet your precision requirements
FILTER RESULTS BY SPECS | BROWSE ALL FA LENSES | COMPARE SELECTED MODELS

Precision Positioning
Guide with micron-level accuracy
Enable robots and automated systems to locate and manipulate objects with exceptional precision. Critical for pick-and-place operations, assembly processes, and bin-picking applications where accuracy determines success.

Dimensional Measurement
Measure without contact
Perform high-speed, non-contact measurements with metrology-grade precision. Ideal for inspecting delicate components, hot parts, or complex geometries that physical probes can't effectively measure.

Recognition and Verification
See beyond human perception
Ensure color consistency and verify precise color matching in critical applications. Essential for pharmaceutical verification, food quality assessment, and print quality control where subtle color variations matter.
1
/
2

Real-World Applications:
How Industries Use FA Lenses

Automotive Parts Manufacturing
FA lenses enable precise inspection of critical components including bearings, gaskets, engine parts, and safety systems. Their low distortion and high resolution help manufacturers maintain strict quality standards while operating at full production speeds.

Pharmaceutical Verification
FDA compliance demands 100% inspection of pharmaceutical products. FA lenses provide the optical clarity needed to verify pill integrity, detect contamination, and ensure accurate labeling—all at production speeds.

Food Processing & Packaging
From foreign object detection to seal integrity verification, FA lenses enable vision systems that ensure food safety and quality. Their robust design withstands washdown environments while maintaining optical performance.

Semiconductor Inspection
High-precision FA lenses detect microscopic defects in wafers, chips, and electronic components that would otherwise cause device failures. These lenses resolve features down to 2.5μm, ensuring quality in today's miniaturized semiconductor manufacturing.
1
/
4
What is an FA Lens / Fixed Focal Length Lens?
A FA lens (Factory Automation lens) is a specialized optical component designed specifically for machine vision and industrial automation applications.
These lenses have a fixed focal length (non-zoom), and feature precise engineering to deliver consistent imaging performance in demanding industrial environments.
Key characteristics include low distortion, high resolution, robust construction, and stable mounting systems—all critical for accurate and reliable automated inspection results.
These lenses have a fixed focal length (non-zoom), and feature precise engineering to deliver consistent imaging performance in demanding industrial environments.
Key characteristics include low distortion, high resolution, robust construction, and stable mounting systems—all critical for accurate and reliable automated inspection results.
It's important to note that "FA lens" and "fixed focal length lens" refer to the same type of machine vision optics. The term "FA lens" is primarily used in Asian markets (particularly Japan and Korea), while "fixed focal length lens" is the more common terminology in North American and European regions.
This regional naming difference reflects the global nature of the machine vision industry, but the technical specifications and applications remain identical.
These industrial lenses differ significantly from consumer camera lenses in several key ways:
-
They prioritize measurable, consistent performance over artistic image qualities
-
They maintain precise calibration despite industrial vibration and temperature fluctuations
-
They provide superior resolution and contrast specifically optimized for inspection tasks
-
They're built for continuous 24/7 operation in factory environments
-
They incorporate locking mechanisms to prevent focus or aperture shifts during operation
Fixed focal length lenses are preferred over zoom lenses in machine vision applications because they offer superior optical performance, greater reliability, and more consistent results without the complexity and potential calibration issues of zoom mechanisms.
What are FA Lens features?

High resolution
FA lens adopts high-quality optical design, which can provide high-resolution images to meet the requirements of machine vision system on image clarity and detail.

Low aberration
Aberration is one of the important factors affecting the inspection accuracy of machine vision, FA lenses effectively reduce image aberration by optimizing the optical design, which improves the accuracy of measurement and positioning.

Large aperture
FA lenses usually have a large maximum aperture, which can provide more light intake, making it possible to capture bright images in low-light conditions. This feature is especially important in high-speed applications, as a large aperture can be used with ultra-short camera exposures to provide better imaging results.

Compact design
FA lenses are usually designed in a compact form factor, which facilitates installation and commissioning, while reducing the footprint and improving the overall flexibility of the machine vision system.

High resolution
FA lens adopts high-quality optical design, which can provide high-resolution images to meet the requirements of machine vision system on image clarity and detail.

Low aberration
Aberration is one of the important factors affecting the inspection accuracy of machine vision, FA lenses effectively reduce image aberration by optimizing the optical design, which improves the accuracy of measurement and positioning.

Large aperture
FA lenses usually have a large maximum aperture, which can provide more light intake, making it possible to capture bright images in low-light conditions. This feature is especially important in high-speed applications, as a large aperture can be used with ultra-short camera exposures to provide better imaging results.

Compact design
FA lenses are usually designed in a compact form factor, which facilitates installation and commissioning, while reducing the footprint and improving the overall flexibility of the machine vision system.


1、Improve detection accuracy:
The low distortion and high resolution characteristics of FA lens make the machine vision system able to recognize, measure and locate objects more accurately, which improves the precision and reliability of detection.
2、Enhance adaptability:
The large aperture design of FA lens makes the machine vision system able to maintain stable imaging effect under different lighting conditions, which enhances the adaptability and robustness of the system.
3、Enhance inspection efficiency:
The compact design and high quality imaging of FA lens makes the machine vision system able to complete the inspection task quickly and accurately, which improves the production efficiency and automation level.


Distortion is an optical aberration that causes straight lines in an image to appear curved or bent, despite being straight in reality. Unlike other aberrations that affect image sharpness, distortion alters the actual geometry of objects in the frame.
When a camera captures an image, variations in magnification across the field of view can cause certain areas to appear disproportionately sized compared to others. This geometric distortion is particularly noticeable in images containing straight lines, such as architecture or grid patterns.
When a camera captures an image, variations in magnification across the field of view can cause certain areas to appear disproportionately sized compared to others. This geometric distortion is particularly noticeable in images containing straight lines, such as architecture or grid patterns.
Types of Distortion

Pincushion Distortion
Pincushion distortion occurs when image magnification increases toward the edges of the frame. This causes straight lines to appear curved outward from the center, creating a "pinched" effect similar to the shape of a pincushion.
This type of distortion is commonly found in:
-
Telephoto lenses
-
The long end of zoom lenses
-
When using teleconverters
Pincushion distortion is most visible when photographing subjects with straight lines near the edges of the frame. Consumer-grade digital cameras typically exhibit pincushion distortion rates of approximately 0.4%.

Barrel Distortion
Barrel distortion is the opposite of pincushion distortion. It occurs when image magnification decreases toward the edges of the frame, causing straight lines to bow outward in a barrel-like shape.
This type of distortion is commonly found in:
-
Wide-angle lenses
-
The wide end of zoom lenses
-
When using close-focusing distances
In everyday consumer digital cameras, barrel distortion rates typically reach around 1%.

Technical Factors
The degree of distortion in an optical system depends on several factors:
-
Lens design and construction
-
Focal length (shorter focal lengths generally produce more barrel distortion)
-
Focusing distance (closer focusing often increases distortion)
As a general rule: the shorter the focal length, the wider the field of view, and the greater the potential for barrel distortion. Conversely, longer focal lengths tend to exhibit pincushion distortion.

Impact on Image Quality
While distortion changes the geometric shape of objects, it doesn't affect the resolving power or sharpness of a lens. However, it can significantly impact applications requiring precise measurements or accurate reproduction of straight lines.
Modern digital photography software can readily correct most distortion through lens profiles and distortion correction tools. For professional applications in machine vision, architectural photography, or technical imaging, using distortion-corrected lenses or applying precise software corrections is essential.
1
/
2
How to Choose the Right FA Lens for a Machine Vision System
Selecting the appropriate FA lens involves several key considerations

Working Distance and Field of View
First, determine:
-
How large an area needs to be captured in each image (field of view)
-
How far the lens must be from the subject (working distance)
These factors, along with the camera’s sensor size, determine the required focal length. Longer focal lengths provide:
-
Greater working distances
-
Narrower fields of view
-
Potentially higher magnification
Shorter focal lengths offer:
-
Wider fields of view
-
Shorter working distances
-
More depth of field

Resolution Requirements
Consider:
-
The smallest feature that must be detected
-
The required measurement accuracy
-
The camera’s pixel size
As a rule of thumb, you need at least 2-3 pixels to detect a feature, and 10+ pixels for accurate measurement. Working backward from these requirements helps determine the resolution needed from your lens.

Aperture and Depth of Field
Depth of field refers to the range of distances that appear acceptably sharp in an image. Factors affecting depth of field include:
-
Aperture setting (smaller apertures/higher f-numbers increase depth of field)
-
Focal length (shorter focal lengths generally provide more depth of field)
-
Working distance (greater distances typically increase depth of field)
For subjects with significant depth, you may need to prioritize depth of field over absolute resolution.

Lighting Conditions
Consider the available light and the exposure time requirements:
-
For high-speed applications, larger apertures may be necessary
-
For applications with intense lighting, smaller apertures often provide better optical performance
-
For fluorescent lighting, exposure timing may need to be synchronized with the light’s flicker cycle

Environmental Factors
Evaluate the operating environment:
-
Temperature range and fluctuations
-
Presence of vibration
-
Dust or moisture exposure
-
Available mounting space
These factors may influence the mechanical requirements for your lens.

Budget Considerations
While high-end FA lenses offer superior performance, they also come with higher prices. Consider:
-
The economic impact of potential inspection errors
-
The expected service life of the system
-
The criticality of the application
-
The cost-benefit ratio of incremental performance improvements
Sometimes a mid-range lens is sufficient, while other applications justify premium optics.
1
/
3
Frequently Asked Questions About FA Lenses for Machine Vision
Q: What's the difference between FA lenses and regular camera lenses?
A: FA (Factory Automation) lenses are specifically designed for industrial machine vision applications. They feature higher resolution, better distortion control, consistent optical performance across temperature variations, and more robust mechanical construction compared to consumer camera lenses. FA lenses also maintain image quality under 24/7 continuous operation.
Q: How do I choose the right focal length for my inspection application?
A: Calculate your required field of view using this formula: Focal Length = (Sensor Size × Working Distance) ÷ Field of View. For example, if you need to inspect a 50mm part with a 1/2" sensor at 200mm working distance, you'd need approximately a 25mm lens. Always account for some margin in your calculations.
Q: Why are FA lenses more expensive than standard lenses?
A: FA lenses undergo stricter quality control, use higher-grade optical glass, and include features like low distortion (<1%), consistent aperture settings, and temperature stability. These specifications ensure reliable performance in demanding industrial environments where precision and repeatability are critical.
Q: Can I use a consumer photography lens for machine vision?
A: While possible for basic applications, photography lenses often lack the precision required for accurate measurements. They may have higher distortion (>2%), inconsistent optical performance, and aren't designed for continuous industrial use. For serious machine vision applications, FA lenses provide much better reliability and accuracy.
Q: What does "telecentric" mean and do I need it?
A: Telecentric lenses maintain the same magnification regardless of object distance, eliminating perspective errors. You need telecentric lenses when measuring object dimensions, inspecting parts with varying heights, or when extremely high accuracy is required. Standard FA lenses work fine for most inspection and detection applications.
Q: How important is the lens mount type (C-mount vs CS-mount)?
A: Very important for proper focus. C-mount has a 17.5mm flange distance, while CS-mount has 12.5mm. Using the wrong mount can prevent the lens from focusing properly. Most industrial cameras use C-mount, but always verify compatibility. CS-mount lenses can work on C-mount cameras with a 5mm adapter ring.
Q: What aperture setting should I use for machine vision?
A: Generally, use f/4 to f/8 for optimal image sharpness and depth of field. Wide open apertures (f/1.4-f/2.8) may cause soft edges and shallow depth of field. Very small apertures (f/11+) can introduce diffraction, reducing overall sharpness. The optimal setting depends on your lighting conditions and depth of field requirements.
Q: How do I minimize lens distortion in my measurements?
A: Choose high-quality FA lenses with specified distortion <1%. Avoid using the extreme edges of the image where distortion is highest. For critical measurements, calibrate your system using precision calibration targets and apply software correction. Position your part near the center of the field of view when possible.
Q: My images look soft - is it the lens or camera?
A: Check these factors in order: 1) Ensure proper focus by adjusting the lens focus ring, 2) Verify the camera sensor resolution matches your lens resolution capability, 3) Check if vibration is causing motion blur, 4) Ensure adequate lighting - underexposed images appear soft, 5) Verify the lens is clean and undamaged.
Q: How do I calculate the required lens resolution for my camera?
A: Match lens resolution to your camera sensor. For example, a 5MP camera with 2.2μm pixels needs a lens capable of resolving at least 227 line pairs/mm (calculated as 1÷(2×pixel size)). Always choose a lens with 20-30% higher resolution than the minimum requirement to ensure optimal image quality.
Q: What's the typical lifespan of an FA lens in industrial use?
A: Quality FA lenses can operate reliably for 5-10 years in typical industrial environments with proper care. Factors affecting lifespan include temperature extremes, vibration, contamination exposure, and frequency of focus adjustments. Regular cleaning and avoiding mechanical shock help maximize lens life.
Q: Do I need special cables or adapters for FA lenses?
A: FA lenses typically don't require special cables - they mount directly to cameras via standard threads (C-mount/CS-mount). However, some applications may benefit from lens accessories like extension tubes for macro work, adapter rings for mount conversion, or protective filters for harsh environments.
-
Accessories