SWIR lenses collection

SWIR lenses

Compare SWIR lenses for industrial inspection, material analysis, research, and automated imaging applications across Canada. VA Imaging supplies fixed focal length C-mount optics for dedicated SWIR and Visible+SWIR systems, with choices covering different sensor formats, resolution classes, and fields of view.

A suitable SWIR camera lens must match more than the camera mount. Its spectral transmission, image circle, optical resolution, pixel-size recommendation, and focal length must fit the complete imaging system. Use the products below to compare available models, or ask VA Imaging for application-focused selection support throughout Canada.

SWIR Lens products

 

 

What Are SWIR Lenses Used For?

SWIR lenses focus shortwave infrared light onto a SWIR-sensitive camera sensor. They are used when materials or features that appear similar under visible light produce different contrast at shortwave infrared wavelengths.

In machine vision, dedicated SWIR systems commonly operate from approximately 900–1700 nm. Visible+SWIR systems extend coverage into the visible band, allowing one optical setup to work from approximately 400–1700 nm. The lens must transmit the required wavelengths and maintain useful image quality across the operating band.

The lens alone does not determine the result. Material behaviour, illumination wavelength, optical filters, camera sensitivity, exposure, focus, and image processing all influence the final image.

Compare VA Imaging SWIR Lens Series

When using a SWIR camera, it is crucial to select a lens that is compatible and optimized for the SWIR wavelength range.  Using a standard lens designed for the visible spectrum can result in less resolution and lower quality images. Our lenses are designed with materials optimized for high performance in the SWIR spectrum and maximum transmission on SWIR wavelengths.

Our C-mount SWIR lenses are designed to meet the durability and reliability requirements of industrial environments. They are built to withstand challenging industrial conditions.

  • The wavelengths range for SWIR lenses covers 900nm to 1700nm
  • The wavelengths range for Visible + SWIR lenses cover visible light + SWIR, from 400nm to 1700 nm. 

Compare VA Imaging SWIR Lens Series

VA Imaging offers three fixed focal length C-mount lens series for SWIR machine vision. This compatibility table provides an initial comparison of the available spectral ranges, sensor formats, pixel-size guidance, and focal lengths.

Lens series Spectral range Maximum sensor format Resolution class Recommended camera pixel size Available focal lengths Sensor match noted on product pages
1.3 MP Visible+SWIR 400–1700 nm 1/2″ 1.3 MP 3.45 µm or larger 12, 16, 25, and 35 mm Sony IMX990 and IMX991
2 MP SWIR 900–1700 nm 2/3″ 2 MP 3.45 µm or larger 8, 12, 16, 25, and 50 mm Sony IMX990
5 MP SWIR 900–1700 nm 1″ 5 MP 3.45 µm or larger 25, 35, and 50 mm Sony IMX992 and IMX993

Every model in this collection uses C-mount. The listed sensor matches are based on the individual product information and provide a useful starting point. Always verify the exact camera model, active sensor dimensions, spectral response, cover glass, and required image quality before making the final selection.

Dedicated SWIR or Visible+SWIR?

Choose a dedicated SWIR lens when the application operates only in the shortwave infrared band. Choose a Visible+SWIR lens when the same system must capture both visible and shortwave infrared information.

Dedicated SWIR lenses operate at approximately 900–1700 nm. They are suitable for SWIR-only inspections using a compatible camera and controlled illumination. Confirm that the lens provides sufficient transmission at the exact inspection wavelength.

Visible+SWIR lenses operate at approximately 400–1700 nm. They are suitable for systems that must capture both visible and SWIR images. Check the focus and image quality across every wavelength used by the application.

A broad wavelength specification does not guarantee identical focus or contrast throughout the entire range. If the system alternates between visible and SWIR illumination, test the camera, lens, filter, lighting, and representative sample together.

How to Choose a C-Mount SWIR Lens

Start with the required wavelength and camera sensor, then calculate the focal length. This order prevents a mechanically compatible lens from being selected when its optical band or image circle is unsuitable.

Selection factor What to confirm
Operating wavelength The lens, sensor, illumination, and filter all support the wavelength that creates the required contrast.
Sensor coverage The lens image circle covers the camera’s active sensor without unacceptable vignetting.
Pixel size and resolution The optics provide sufficient contrast for the sensor pitch and smallest feature that must be detected.
Field of view The complete object and necessary positioning tolerance remain inside the image.
Working distance The lens can focus at the available camera-to-object distance.
Aperture The f-number provides a workable balance between light collection, exposure, depth of field, and diffraction.
Filter and lighting The filter size and transmission range match the lens and intended illumination.

Use the machine vision lens calculator for an initial focal-length estimate. Validate the result with the exact sensor dimensions and representative samples before production integration.

Focal Length, Field of View, and Pixel Size

Focal length controls the field of view for a given sensor size and working distance. A shorter focal length generally captures a wider area, while a longer focal length produces a narrower view in which the target occupies more of the image.

The Canadian collection includes focal lengths from 8 mm to 50 mm. Select the focal length from the required field of view and installation distance—not from the desired level of detail alone. The system must leave enough image margin for expected variation in the object’s position or height.

All three lens families specify a recommended camera pixel size of 3.45 µm or larger. Pixel pitch is only one part of system resolution: focus, motion, illumination, signal-to-noise ratio, wavelength, and lens contrast can also limit visible detail. Compare the lens’s MTF or resolving-power data at the required wavelength and image position rather than relying only on megapixel count.

SWIR Imaging Applications in Canada

SWIR imaging can support Canadian manufacturers, processors, research teams, OEMs, and system integrators when visible-light contrast is insufficient. The correct wavelength and imaging geometry must be established with representative material samples.

Typical applications include:

  • Food and moisture inspection: Water absorption at selected SWIR wavelengths can reveal differences in moisture content.
  • Agricultural and plant imaging: SWIR information can support analysis of water-related and material characteristics in crops or plant samples.
  • Semiconductor and silicon inspection: Suitable wavelengths may reveal features beneath silicon surfaces, depending on material thickness and system design.
  • Recycling and material sorting: Differences in SWIR reflectance or absorption can help distinguish materials that look alike in colour images.
  • Mining and mineral analysis: Spectral differences can support classification tasks when the chosen wavelength produces sufficient contrast.
  • Fill and packaging inspection: Some packaging materials that block visible light transmit selected SWIR wavelengths.
  • Scientific and OEM systems: Visible+SWIR lenses can support equipment that compares information from multiple spectral regions.

Application suitability is material- and wavelength-dependent. A sample test is the most reliable way to determine whether SWIR provides enough contrast for the required inspection.

Match the SWIR Lens, Camera, Lighting, and Filter

A reliable SWIR system requires a compatible optical chain. The camera sensor must respond at the target wavelength, the lens must transmit and focus it, and the illumination must provide enough energy for a stable exposure.

Before requesting a lens recommendation, define:

  • the material, feature, or defect to be detected;
  • the wavelength expected to create contrast;
  • the camera model, sensor dimensions, pixel size, and resolution;
  • the required field of view and smallest relevant feature;
  • the available working distance and installation space;
  • whether the system uses SWIR only or both visible and SWIR imaging; and
  • the intended lighting and optical filter.

Browse machine vision lighting available in Canada when planning the illumination geometry. For spectral isolation, compare bandpass and longpass lens filters and verify both the transmission range and mechanical thread size.

Frequently Asked Questions About SWIR Lenses

A SWIR lens transmits and focuses shortwave infrared light onto a compatible camera sensor. At suitable wavelengths, the resulting image can reveal moisture, material, or subsurface differences that may not be visible to a colour or monochrome camera.

A C-mount SWIR lens uses the standard C-mount mechanical interface found on many industrial cameras and contains optics intended for shortwave infrared imaging. The mount does not guarantee optical compatibility; wavelength range, sensor coverage, resolution, and focal length must also match.

A standard lens may attach to the camera but still transmit SWIR poorly or deliver inadequate focus and contrast. Use a lens specified for the operating wavelength, then confirm its image circle and optical performance for the selected sensor.

Many industrial SWIR systems use controlled illumination because ambient light may be weak or inconsistent at the required wavelength. The light source must produce sufficient output within the response range of the filter, lens, and camera sensor.

They can be integrated into outdoor systems when the complete installation is designed for the environment. Check the lens and camera temperature specifications and provide suitable protection against moisture, condensation, dust, and changing ambient light.

Find the Right SWIR Lens for Your Canadian Application

Compare the SWIR lenses above or contact VA Imaging for help matching the lens to your camera, wavelength, sensor, field of view, working distance, lighting, and inspection target. VA Imaging provides application-focused SWIR selection support throughout Canada.

Reviews SWIR Lenses

  • 10
    Absolutely thrilled

    I am absolutely thrilled with the MER2-160-227U3M camera I purchased from VA-Imaging. The camera exceeds my expectations in every way. The image quality is sharp and clear, even with fast movements... I am absolutely thrilled with the MER2-160-227U3M camera I purchased from VA-Imaging. The camera exceeds my expectations in every way. The image quality is sharp and clear, even with fast movements. Installation was straightforward. VA-Imaging's customer service was also outstanding. They were very helpful in answering my questions and delivered the camera quickly and securely.

  • 8
    Cameras are a great value for money

    The cameras are a great value for money and the lenses also. The software is outdated and needs refreshing. It took me considerable amount of time to discover how to access the camera features. The cameras are a great value for money and the lenses also. The software is outdated and needs refreshing. It took me considerable amount of time to discover how to access the camera features.

  • 10
    Easy to deal with

    Its a pleasure to contact with the sales department. They are very polite and always ready to help. Our orders are always delivered on time and the communication is easy and simple. High quality pr... Its a pleasure to contact with the sales department. They are very polite and always ready to help. Our orders are always delivered on time and the communication is easy and simple. High quality products.

  • 10
    embedded camera

    We initially explored several embedded vision camera and USB3 camera options for our application. Our main priorities were compact dimensions and keeping the required software development to a mini... We initially explored several embedded vision camera and USB3 camera options for our application. Our main priorities were compact dimensions and keeping the required software development to a minimum. We selected a VEN-161 boardlevel camera. It was easy to integrate and USB3 Vision interface allowed our software team to get started quickly. The sales guy was very helpful with selecting the hardware for us. We are happy that we selected the USB3 board-level camera instead of a Mipi embedded vision camera as we didn't require now the additional driver development.

  • 10
    Excellent

    It was easy and quick process from ordering to receiving. One personal message from the team is making it even better. Thanks It was easy and quick process from ordering to receiving. One personal message from the team is making it even better. Thanks

  • 10
    Excellent quality material and attentive and reliable supplier

    In the commercial phase we had maximum support and delivery times were respected. The material is quite good with low and competitive costs. In the commercial phase we had maximum support and delivery times were respected. The material is quite good with low and competitive costs.

  • 10
    Fast cable delivery

    I had ordered a camera but forgotten to include the required cable. the cable was ordered and delivered very fast. I had ordered a camera but forgotten to include the required cable. the cable was ordered and delivered very fast.

  • 8
    Fast delivery

    Fast delivery even without paying the speed premium Fast delivery even without paying the speed premium

  • 9
    Fast Delivery and good quality!

    A very good company, I will continue to cooperate next time！ A very good company, I will continue to cooperate next time！

  • 10
    Fast service

    Extremely fast service. I got the camera next day. Highly recommend the seller! Thank you! Extremely fast service. I got the camera next day. Highly recommend the seller! Thank you!

  • 8.5
    Good Experience

    Top, good experience. Very attentive and quick to respond. Product arrived in good condition. Top, good experience. Very attentive and quick to respond. Product arrived in good condition.

  • 10
    Good products and services

    Lead time are a bit long but they VA imaging is a reliable provider that simply does what it says. Each time we needed to talk to someone, we had a proper client service with real listening and the... Lead time are a bit long but they VA imaging is a reliable provider that simply does what it says. Each time we needed to talk to someone, we had a proper client service with real listening and the will to find solutions.

  • 8
    Good quality and fast delivery

    So far, all components meet expectation, it would be great, though, if 3d models for all components were available. So far, all components meet expectation, it would be great, though, if 3d models for all components were available.

  • 10
    Great

    These people know their subject. Thanks to their help, I was able to successfully complete my machine vision project. They are competent in optics and that makes the difference. Delivery and post-d... These people know their subject. Thanks to their help, I was able to successfully complete my machine vision project. They are competent in optics and that makes the difference. Delivery and post-delivery service at the highest level.

  • 9
    Great customer service, fast delivery.

    Unfortunately they could not help me finding a suitable camera+lens combination for a specific application, but they even assigned a physicist to my query. Unfortunately they could not help me finding a suitable camera+lens combination for a specific application, but they even assigned a physicist to my query.

  • 10
    Great customer support, products and prices

    I contacted GeT Cameras to help out with selecting the best camera and lens solution for me. They provided great support. I ordered with express and received the products 2 days later :) I contacted GeT Cameras to help out with selecting the best camera and lens solution for me. They provided great support. I ordered with express and received the products 2 days later :)

  • 9
    Great prices, great service, everything great

    Bought quite a few cameras from these guys, prices are great, service is great, delivery times of the hardware is also very nice. Bought quite a few cameras from these guys, prices are great, service is great, delivery times of the hardware is also very nice.

  • 10
    Great products. Excellent support.

    GeT Cameras in Germany made some photo's of our products to show the performance of their cameras and they looked perfect. Recently we purchased a camera with lens, and LED lights. We are not exper... GeT Cameras in Germany made some photo's of our products to show the performance of their cameras and they looked perfect. Recently we purchased a camera with lens, and LED lights. We are not experienced with machine vision but the installation worked out fine. After installation on our laboratory we were surprised again of the high quality of the photos and the versatility of this system. (options in Galaxy viewer and integration in Python. Recently we had an issue with the software and the customer support was able to give us the relevant information to fix it within one day. The next time we need a camera we will not be looking to other suppliers but contact GeT Cameras immediately.

  • 10
    Great service

    I needed a replacement part for a camera - not only was it delivered almost two weeks earlier than expected, but it also arrived well packaged. I needed a replacement part for a camera - not only was it delivered almost two weeks earlier than expected, but it also arrived well packaged.

  • 10
    Great support and inhouse knowledge of the cameras

    First I was a little bit sceptic about buying online industrial cameras. It’s a critical part for our machine. For a new product development there was a lot of price pressure. We needed a cheap cam... First I was a little bit sceptic about buying online industrial cameras. It’s a critical part for our machine. For a new product development there was a lot of price pressure. We needed a cheap camera. I called them and Caspar was providing great support. He even advised a cheaper camera than I had in mind. I was just surprised by the inhouse knowledge of get cameras about machine vision. Never expected this from a webshop. The image an built quality of the camera is also great. The camera feels and operates the same as our Basler cameras.

  • 10
    Great support by email

    I ordered a 20MP USB3 camera including a lens 2 months ago for a datamatrix code reading application. In the beginning I was sceptic because of the low prices, but support by email was great. They ... I ordered a 20MP USB3 camera including a lens 2 months ago for a datamatrix code reading application. In the beginning I was sceptic because of the low prices, but support by email was great. They advise a lens and provided additional technical information. Unfortunately they don't offer a loan service, but I decided to try it. I had the cameras in house within 2 weeks and connection was easy. The SDK looks like the SDK from Basler so I felt directly comfortable with it. The camera and lens was a perfect match and now I'm able to read small DMC codes on large products with just a single camera.

  • 10
    Great support while selecting a lens

    We have bought a 20MP camera and lens with extension tubes to use it as a digital microscope in our lab. The support with selecting a lens was great. Connecting the USB3 camera was easy. We receive... We have bought a 20MP camera and lens with extension tubes to use it as a digital microscope in our lab. The support with selecting a lens was great. Connecting the USB3 camera was easy. We received everything on time.

  • 10
    High quality

    High quality components and service! My order was handled quickly and arrived ahead of schedule. Would recommend. High quality components and service! My order was handled quickly and arrived ahead of schedule. Would recommend.

  • 10
    I like the quality and price of the camera

    I bought a camera and lens. It was delivered fast. Connecting was easy using their quickstep article. The image quality is really great. I bought a camera and lens. It was delivered fast. Connecting was easy using their quickstep article. The image quality is really great.

  • 10
    It is important to have a skilled and efficient team of workers to get the goods efficiently.

    Maintained a good relationship and very good communication from start to finish to purchase the item. Maintained a good relationship and very good communication from start to finish to purchase the item.

  • 10
    Just great

    Needed a customized lens with fixed iris and I just needed 10 pieces. They where able to do it for just a few euro's extra per lens. Great service Needed a customized lens with fixed iris and I just needed 10 pieces. They where able to do it for just a few euro's extra per lens. Great service

  • 9
    Outstanding products and customer service

    The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly. The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly.

  • 10
    Outstanding products and customer service

    Get Cameras were extremely kind to sponsor us with some amazing equipment for our RoboCup student team, Delft Mercurians. We had no issues with the cameras, they perform as advertised and enabled u... Get Cameras were extremely kind to sponsor us with some amazing equipment for our RoboCup student team, Delft Mercurians. We had no issues with the cameras, they perform as advertised and enabled us to continue with the project and the company was extremely supportive of us overall. The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly.

  • 8
    Perfect customer interaction

    Good site and perfect customer interaction. Good site and perfect customer interaction.

  • 10
    Products delivered sooner than promised

    Ordered products were delivered sooner than promised, all ordered items were included in the package and we had no problems to make them work (cameras work with the attached software and with Matlab). Ordered products were delivered sooner than promised, all ordered items were included in the package and we had no problems to make them work (cameras work with the attached software and with Matlab).

  • 10
    Professional support, fast delivery and good product.

    I liked that your team helped me chose the needed equipment by my description. The items that i have ordered are exactly what i have looked for. I liked that your team helped me chose the needed equipment by my description. The items that i have ordered are exactly what i have looked for.

  • 10
    Prompt responses to many questions

    Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forwar... Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forward. We continue to buy regularly.

  • 10
    Prompt shipment

    Reachable by phone and smooth cooperation. Invoice provided without the need for extra requesting for it. Reachable by phone and smooth cooperation. Invoice provided without the need for extra requesting for it.

  • 10
    Quick responses and good selection of cameras

    Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forwar... Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forward. We continue to buy from Get-Cameras regularly.

  • 10
    Quick shipping and excellent customer service

    The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding e... The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding examples to implement the cameras in our systems.

  • 10
    Quick shipping and excellent customer service

    The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding e... The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding examples to implement the cameras in our systems.

  • 10
    Really nice products

    i called them and they proposed the camera, lens and light setup. I received everything 2 days later. Tested it and it works. I didn't expect such a good image quality for the total set price. They... i called them and they proposed the camera, lens and light setup. I received everything 2 days later. Tested it and it works. I didn't expect such a good image quality for the total set price. They recommended the cheapest camera they had, but it's perfect for detecting the defects on my products.

  • 9
    Suitable product for us

    We already have several of your cameras. These are for stock only. Since we are taking them into stock, that means we are happy with them. Only lead time is little bit longer. We already have several of your cameras. These are for stock only. Since we are taking them into stock, that means we are happy with them. Only lead time is little bit longer.

  • 10
    The German-speaking customer service team is very attentive to our needs.

    We greatly value our collaboration with VA Imaging. The German-speaking account managers always address our individual requirements and consistently find suitable solutions, even for last-minute ch... We greatly value our collaboration with VA Imaging. The German-speaking account managers always address our individual requirements and consistently find suitable solutions, even for last-minute changes. Thanks to their support and flexibility, we have always been able to implement our projects quickly and smoothly. Thank you for the excellent collaboration!

  • 8
    Very good service

    We are very happy with the quality of goods and services. We are very happy with the quality of goods and services.

  • 10
    Very good value for money

    The camera arrived on schedule and gives excellent images. Very good value for money. The SDK makes it very easy to acquire images into a program of my own written using C++Builder (about 2 hours p... The camera arrived on schedule and gives excellent images. Very good value for money. The SDK makes it very easy to acquire images into a program of my own written using C++Builder (about 2 hours programming).

  • 10
    Very happy with the support

    I was using cameras from a German competitor, but I was not happy with the support. They contacted me and we where able to select a camera with the same sensor. I received the camera within 2 days.... I was using cameras from a German competitor, but I was not happy with the support. They contacted me and we where able to select a camera with the same sensor. I received the camera within 2 days. It took me half a day to implement their SDK into my software so it was relative easy.

  • 10
    Very helpful customer service

    We needed a vision camera for our project very urgently. They where able to deliver it in a few days time. They responded quick to my emails also when I needed support. They send me an article how ... We needed a vision camera for our project very urgently. They where able to deliver it in a few days time. They responded quick to my emails also when I needed support. They send me an article how to quickly install the camera and set the most important parameters. it was very helpfull and within half an hour we had a good live view image. We have also ordered the lens they advised. It provides a nice and sharp image.

  • 10
    Very pleasant contact, quick response

    My questions were answered very quickly. The right camera was determined quickly and the order placed immediately. Camera delivered within two days. I hope to do business again in the future! My questions were answered very quickly. The right camera was determined quickly and the order placed immediately. Camera delivered within two days. I hope to do business again in the future!

  • 10
    Very smooth transaction

    Great seller, good comunication, ship very fast. Great seller, good comunication, ship very fast.

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