SWIR lenses collection

SWIR lenses

Select SWIR lenses for industrial inspection, material analysis and scientific imaging in the United Kingdom. VA Imaging supplies fixed focal length C-mount lenses for 400–1700 nm Visible+SWIR systems and dedicated 900–1700 nm SWIR systems, with options for sensors up to 1″ and focal lengths from 8 mm to 50 mm.

Compare the products below by spectral range, sensor format, resolution, pixel size, focal length and aperture. VA Imaging provides selection, compatibility, pricing, availability and documentation support for machine builders, system integrators, OEMs, manufacturers and research teams throughout the UK.

SWIR Lens products

 

 

Find the Right SWIR Lens Series

Start by matching the lens series to the camera sensor and wavelengths used in the inspection. The table below summarises the three fixed focal length C-mount SWIR lens families available from VA Imaging.

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

All models use C-mount. The listed sensor matches are taken from the relevant product information and are intended as an initial guide. Confirm the exact camera model, active sensor dimensions, cover glass and spectral response before choosing a lens.

Browse the wider range of C-mount lenses for industrial cameras when comparing SWIR optics with other machine vision lens types.

How SWIR Imaging Creates Material Contrast

A SWIR lens transmits and focuses shortwave infrared radiation onto a compatible camera sensor. Materials reflect, absorb or transmit SWIR wavelengths differently, allowing an imaging system to reveal features that may have little contrast under visible illumination.

Many industrial InGaAs cameras operate across approximately 900–1700 nm. Visible+SWIR systems extend into the visible spectrum and can cover approximately 400–1700 nm. The lens must support the operating band, but spectral range alone does not guarantee a useful result. The illumination wavelength, filter, material, sensor response, exposure and image-processing method must work together.

SWIR imaging should also be distinguished from thermal imaging. SWIR systems generally form images from reflected or transmitted light, whereas thermal systems normally detect longer-wave radiation emitted in relation to an object’s temperature.

Which Lens Specifications Should You Compare?

Compare the optical and mechanical specifications of the exact model rather than selecting a lens based on focal length alone. Product filters and technical documents can help narrow the available options.

Important specifications include:

  • Spectral range: Determines whether the lens transmits the visible, NIR or SWIR wavelengths required by the application.
  • Image circle and sensor format: Confirm that the lens covers the active sensor without unacceptable vignetting or loss of edge performance.
  • Pixel-size recommendation: Helps determine whether the lens can support the camera’s spatial sampling requirements.
  • MTF or resolving power: Indicates how effectively the lens transfers contrast and detail at specified spatial frequencies.
  • Focal length and angle of view: Determine the area captured at a particular sensor size and working distance.
  • Minimum object distance: Confirms whether the lens can focus within the available installation geometry.
  • Aperture: Affects light collection, exposure, depth of field and diffraction.
  • Distortion: Becomes important when the image is used for measurement or geometric analysis.
  • Filter thread: Determines whether the required bandpass or longpass filter can be fitted directly.

The nominal sensor format—such as 1/2″, 2/3″ or 1″—is useful for comparison, but field-of-view calculations should use the camera’s actual sensor width and height. Use the machine vision lens calculator for an initial estimate, then verify the result using the selected camera and a representative sample.

Dedicated SWIR Lenses Compared with Visible+SWIR Lenses

Dedicated SWIR and Visible+SWIR lenses serve different imaging strategies. Select the narrower SWIR-only range when visible imaging is unnecessary, or choose Visible+SWIR optics when the same system must operate in both spectral regions.

Lens type Range represented in this collection Appropriate when Check before selection
Dedicated SWIR Approximately 900–1700 nm The application uses SWIR illumination and a SWIR-sensitive camera Transmission and image quality at the exact operating wavelength
Visible+SWIR Approximately 400–1700 nm One system must collect both visible and SWIR images Focus stability and contrast across all wavelengths used

The wider spectral range can simplify a multi-band system, but it does not remove the need to validate focus, exposure and optical performance in each band.

Visible-to-SWIR Focus Shift

Focus shift can occur when a system changes between visible and SWIR wavelengths. Optical materials refract wavelengths differently, which can move the best-focus position even when the camera, lens and object remain fixed.

For an application that alternates between visible and SWIR illumination, focus the system at each operating wavelength during testing. Check both the centre and edges of the image and use the intended aperture, working distance and filter.

If the shift exceeds the permitted tolerance, the system may require a Visible+SWIR lens designed for the complete band, a focus adjustment between captures, a smaller aperture where exposure permits or separate calibrated imaging positions.

Do not assume that a lens transmitting the full wavelength range is automatically corrected to the same focus throughout that range. The required level of correction depends on feature size and measurement tolerance.

Choosing Illumination and Optical Filters

SWIR illumination must provide sufficient energy at the wavelength where the target produces useful contrast. A suitable lens and camera cannot compensate for a light source with inadequate output in the required band.

Possible illumination approaches include:

  • SWIR LED illumination: Suitable for controlled systems using a defined wavelength or wavelength band.
  • Broadband sources: Can support wavelength testing or multi-band imaging when combined with suitable filtering.
  • Laser illumination: May be appropriate for specialised applications but requires application-specific optical and safety assessment.

Ambient illumination is often inconsistent, particularly when an inspection must produce repeatable measurements. A bandpass or longpass filter can reduce unwanted wavelengths, but its transmission range, blocking performance and thread size must match the optical system.

Compare machine vision lighting and bandpass and longpass lens filters, then confirm that the selected products support the target SWIR wavelength.

UK Applications for SWIR Camera Lenses

SWIR lenses can support automated inspection and scientific imaging when shortwave infrared reveals information that a conventional visible camera cannot capture reliably.

Typical applications include:

  • Food and moisture inspection: Selected SWIR wavelengths can highlight water absorption and moisture variation.
  • Recycling and material sorting: Different polymers and other materials may show distinct SWIR reflectance or absorption behaviour.
  • Semiconductor and silicon inspection: Suitable SWIR wavelengths may reveal structures beneath silicon surfaces, depending on thickness and system design.
  • Solar-cell inspection: SWIR imaging can support the detection of defects or non-uniformities that are difficult to observe under visible light.
  • Container and fill inspection: Some packaging materials transmit SWIR wavelengths while blocking visible light.
  • Pharmaceutical and process monitoring: Spectral contrast can support material or process checks when validated for the specific substance.
  • Research and OEM instruments: Visible+SWIR optics can support equipment that compares information across multiple spectral bands.

These are potential application areas rather than guaranteed results. Test representative samples at the intended wavelength and production speed before defining the final system.

Frequently Asked Questions About SWIR Lenses

The sensor matches stated on the product pages provide an initial selection guide. The 1.3 MP Visible+SWIR series is associated with Sony IMX990 and IMX991 sensors, the 2 MP SWIR series with IMX990, and the 5 MP SWIR series with IMX992 and IMX993. Confirm the exact sensor dimensions, spectral response and required image quality before selecting a model.

Choose a 900–1700 nm lens for a dedicated SWIR inspection. Select a 400–1700 nm Visible+SWIR lens when the same imaging system must work with both visible and shortwave infrared light. Test focus and contrast at every wavelength used by the application.

The three SWIR lens series available specify a recommended camera pixel size of 3.45 µm or larger. Pixel size alone does not confirm image quality, so also compare the lens’s MTF or resolving-power data, wavelength performance and sensor coverage.

A standard C-mount lens may attach mechanically but still provide inadequate SWIR transmission, focus or contrast. C-mount compatibility only confirms the mechanical interface. The spectral range, image circle, resolution and focal length must also suit the SWIR camera.

Use an optical filter when unwanted wavelengths or ambient light reduce contrast or measurement stability. A bandpass filter isolates a defined wavelength range, while a longpass filter transmits wavelengths above its cut-off point. Confirm the filter’s transmission curve and thread size before installation.

Compare the lens’s maximum sensor format or image circle with the camera’s active sensor dimensions. A lens designed for a smaller sensor can cause vignetting or reduced image quality near the corners. Use the actual sensor width and height rather than relying only on the nominal format.

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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