Industrial telecentric lenses collection

Industrial telecentric lenses

Telecentric lenses are designed for machine vision applications where accurate measurement and consistent image geometry are required. Unlike a standard lens, a telecentric lens reduces perspective error and keeps the magnification more consistent when the position or height of an object changes within the supported range. VA Imaging has a dedicated presence for the United Kingdom market and supports UK engineers, machine builders, OEMs and system integrators with selecting a suitable lens, camera and lighting combination.

Telecentric lens products

What does a telecentric lens do?

A telecentric lens reduces the influence of perspective on an image. The object is therefore shown at a more consistent scale, even when its position changes slightly towards or away from the lens.

With a conventional lens, an object normally appears larger when it moves closer to the camera. This can lead to measurement differences that are caused by the position of the object rather than its actual dimensions.

An object-space telecentric lens accepts chief rays that are nearly parallel to the optical axis. This reduces perspective-related measurement errors and makes edges easier to detect consistently.

Telecentric lenses are especially useful when inspecting components that:

  • Have small differences in height
  • Cannot always be positioned at exactly the same distance
  • Need to be measured from their visible edges
  • Have holes, steps or raised features
  • Must be checked within tight dimensional tolerances

When should you use a telecentric lens?

A telecentric lens is generally preferred when measurement accuracy and consistent image geometry are more important than compact size or system cost.

Consideration Telecentric lens Standard machine vision lens
Magnification Remains more consistent within the supported range Changes more noticeably with object distance
Perspective error Strongly reduced Nearby objects appear larger
Distortion Typically optimised for measurement Depends on the lens design
Working distance Usually fixed or narrowly specified Generally more flexible
Lens size Often larger and heavier Usually more compact
Typical use Measurement, gauging and precision inspection Recognition, positioning and general inspection

A conventional lens may be sufficient for barcode reading, object recognition, presence detection or inspections where small perspective variations do not affect the result.

A telecentric lens becomes important when object height or positioning variations could influence the calculated dimensions.

Types of telecentric lenses

The required telecentric design depends on which part of the optical system needs controlled ray geometry.

Object-space telecentric lenses

Object-space telecentric lenses keep the magnification more consistent when the object distance changes within the supported range. This is the most common design for dimensional measurement and industrial inspection.

Image-space telecentric lenses

Image-space telecentric lenses control the rays on the sensor side of the lens. They can help reduce sensitivity to the position of the image sensor but do not provide the same object-side measurement advantages on their own.

Bi-telecentric lenses

Bi-telecentric lenses are telecentric on both the object and image sides. They provide a high level of geometric control but are generally larger and more complex.

How to select a telecentric lens

A telecentric lens should be selected as part of the complete imaging system. The lens needs to match the required field of view, camera sensor, measurement accuracy, working distance and available installation space.
1

Magnification

Magnification determines how large the object is projected onto the camera sensor. The correct value depends on the required field of view and the physical sensor dimensions.

The VA Imaging collection includes magnification options ranging from below 0.1x to above 6x. Instead of estimating the field of view separately, use the product specifications and the VA Imaging lens calculator to create an initial selection.

2

Camera sensor size

The lens must support the complete sensor format of the selected camera. A lens designed for a smaller sensor can cause dark corners or an unusable image area when combined with a larger sensor.

Available options in the collection include support for sensor formats such as 2/3 inch, 1 inch, 1.1 inch, 4/3 inch and 39 mm. Always check the maximum supported sensor size on the individual product page.

3

Working distance

The working distance is the specified distance between the lens and the object. Telecentric lenses are designed around a particular working distance, so the available space inside the machine should be checked before selecting a model.

VA Imaging offers options with working distances from 65 mm to 465 mm. The exact working distance should always be confirmed in the technical specifications and mechanical drawing.

4

Lens mount

The collection includes C-mount and M58 telecentric lenses. Many models can be combined directly with standard industrial cameras, while larger lenses or sensor formats may require an M58 connection or a suitable adapter.

5

Resolution

The optical resolution of the lens needs to match the camera resolution and the smallest feature that must be inspected. Using a high-resolution camera does not automatically improve measurement results if the lens cannot reproduce the required level of detail.

Mounting a telecentric lens

Telecentric lenses are normally larger and heavier than standard C-mount lenses. The mounting method therefore needs to support the lens without placing too much mechanical load on the camera mount.

When a large telecentric lens is installed horizontally, a support bracket should be used. This prevents the weight of the lens from applying unnecessary force to the C-mount connection.

For vertical installations, a separate bracket is not always required, but it can still improve stability in systems affected by vibration. VA Imaging can provide suitable support brackets for telecentric lenses, although these are not currently displayed online.

Lighting for telecentric measurement

The correct lighting makes the measured edges easier to detect and keeps the inspection result more consistent.

A telecentric backlight produces parallel illumination and creates a clear object silhouette. This combination is particularly suitable for measuring outer dimensions, gaps, holes and profiles.

A telecentric lens with a coaxial light input can be more suitable when surface details must be inspected. The best lighting method depends on whether the system needs to measure the outline of the component or inspect features on its surface.

Telecentric lens applications

Telecentric lenses are commonly used for:

  • Dimensional measurement of manufactured components
  • Diameter and edge-position measurement
  • Inspection of holes, slots and gaps
  • Checking component spacing and alignment
  • Electronics and connector inspection
  • Printed feature inspection
  • Medical component inspection
  • Precision quality control
  • Automated gauging systems

The lens does not perform the measurement itself. It creates a more controlled image that allows the machine vision software to locate edges and calculate dimensions more reliably.

Build a complete machine vision system

The telecentric lens must be matched with the camera resolution, sensor size, lighting and mechanical installation.

VA Imaging telecentric lenses can be combined with USB3 cameras for compact, high-bandwidth systems or with GigE cameras when longer cable distances and flexible installation are required.

For applications where telecentric imaging is not necessary, the C-mount lens collection offers more compact options for recognition, positioning and general inspection.

UK customers can contact VA Imaging with the object dimensions, required field of view, smallest feature, working distance and preferred camera. Our team can use this information to help shortlist a suitable combination.

Discuss your telecentric lens application

Frequently asked questions about telecentric lenses

A telecentric lens is an optical lens designed to reduce perspective error and keep magnification more consistent when the object distance changes within a specified range. It is mainly used for accurate measurement and precision inspection.

Telecentric means that the chief rays are parallel, or nearly parallel, to the optical axis on the telecentric side of the lens. In object-space telecentric lenses, this helps keep the apparent size of an object more consistent.

The main advantage of a telecentric lens is that it reduces measurement errors caused by perspective and small changes in object position. This makes it easier to measure edges and dimensions consistently.

Telecentric lenses are usually larger, heavier and more expensive than standard machine vision lenses. They also have a specified working distance and need to be selected carefully for the required field of view and sensor size.

Choose the magnification based on the required field of view and the physical dimensions of the camera sensor. Use the VA Imaging lens calculator and confirm the result with the specifications of the selected lens.

A telecentric lens can only be used when the lens mount, supported sensor size, resolution and mechanical installation are compatible with the camera. Many VA Imaging models are compatible with standard C-mount industrial cameras.

Yes. VA Imaging has a dedicated presence for the United Kingdom market and supports UK customers with telecentric lens selection, technical questions, quotations and complete machine vision configurations.

Not always, but controlled lighting can improve measurement reliability. Telecentric backlighting is useful for creating precise silhouettes, while coaxial illumination can be useful for inspecting flat or reflective surfaces.

Reviews telecentric lens

  • 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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