Microscope lens for C-mount camera collection

Microscope lens for C-mount camera

Microscope lenses provide the high magnification needed to inspect very small features that cannot be resolved effectively with standard machine vision lenses. VA Imaging Inc. offers C-mount microscope lenses for industrial cameras used in inspection, analysis, research, and quality control. Our microscope lenses are available with 10X and 50X magnification, support industrial camera sensors up to 1.1", and are available with or without a coaxial light input. With our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, VA Imaging Inc. supports engineers, OEMs, machine builders, and system integrators throughout the United States with microscope lens, camera, and lighting selection.

Microscope lens products

Industrial Microscope Lenses for High-Magnification Imaging

Industrial microscope lenses are designed to resolve very small features at high magnification.

Unlike standard machine vision lenses, microscope objective lenses operate over a small field of view and are suitable when fine surface details, small components, or microscopic defects need to be clearly visible.

The VA Imaging microscope lens series combines a microscope objective with a 1X C-mount lens tube, allowing the optical system to connect directly to compatible industrial cameras.

10X vs. 50X Microscope Lenses

The main difference between 10X and 50X microscope lenses is the balance between magnification, optical resolution, working distance, and depth of focus.

Specification 10X 50X
Magnification 10X 50X
Numerical aperture 0.45 0.67
Working distance 15 mm 10 mm
Optical resolution 0.61 µm 0.41 µm
Depth of focus 1.36 µm 0.61 µm
Designed wavelength 420–680 nm 420–1100 nm
Maximum sensor size 1.1" 1.1"
Mount C-mount C-mount

A 10X microscope lens provides a longer working distance and greater depth of focus, making it useful when high magnification is required together with slightly more space for positioning and illumination.

A 50X microscope lens provides higher magnification and a finer specified optical resolution of 0.41 µm. Its shorter working distance and smaller depth of focus make accurate positioning more important.

The correct choice should therefore be based on the smallest feature that must be detected, not on magnification alone.

Numerical Aperture and Optical Resolution

Numerical aperture and optical resolution help describe the level of fine detail a microscope lens can resolve.

Numerical aperture (NA) is related to the light-gathering and resolving capability of the microscope objective. A higher NA generally supports finer optical resolution, although the camera, lighting, and complete optical setup also influence the final image.

The 10X microscope lenses have an NA of 0.45 and specified optical resolution of 0.61 µm. The 50X models have an NA of 0.67 and specified optical resolution of 0.41 µm.

How to Choose Microscope Lenses for Industrial Imaging

Choosing microscope lenses for industrial imaging requires magnification, working distance, optical resolution, camera characteristics, and lighting to be considered together.

Magnification and Field of View

Higher magnification makes smaller features visible but reduces the available field of view.

Select the magnification according to the smallest feature that needs to be detected and how much of the surrounding inspection area must remain visible.

Working Distance and Depth of Focus

The 10X microscope lenses provide a 15 mm working distance and 1.36 µm depth of focus. The 50X models provide a 10 mm working distance and 0.61 µm depth of focus.

Higher magnification therefore leaves less mechanical space and requires more accurate positioning.

Camera Compatibility

VA Imaging microscope lenses use a C-mount connection and support compatible industrial cameras with sensor sizes up to 1.1".

Camera resolution and pixel size should be considered together with lens magnification and optical resolution so the camera can effectively capture the detail produced by the optics.

Microscope Lenses With or Without Coaxial Light Input

Microscope lenses with a coaxial light input allow illumination to be introduced approximately along the same optical axis as the camera.

Version Magnification Working distance Coaxial input
10X NI 10X 15 mm No
10X CO 10X 15 mm Yes
50X NI 50X 10 mm No
50X CO 50X 10 mm Yes

Models ending in -CO include a coaxial light input and are useful for flat or reflective surfaces such as metal, printed circuit boards, and semiconductor components.

Models ending in -NI can be used when external machine vision lighting is more suitable.

Microscope Lens vs. Telecentric Lens

Microscope lenses are generally selected for very high magnification, while telecentric lenses are primarily selected when consistent image geometry is required for measurement.

Requirement Microscope lens Telecentric lens
Very high magnification Strong choice Model dependent
Very small feature inspection Strong choice Application dependent
Dimensional measurement Possible Strong choice
Reduced perspective error Limited Strong choice
Precision gauging Application dependent Strong choice

Explore VA Imaging telecentric lens options when dimensional measurement and reduced perspective error are the main requirements.

Applications for Industrial Microscope Lenses

Industrial microscope lenses are used where very small features need to be captured digitally at high magnification.

Typical applications include:

  • Semiconductor and wafer inspection
  • Printed circuit board inspection
  • Electronic component inspection
  • Fine surface inspection
  • Small mechanical component inspection
  • Material analysis
  • Laboratory imaging
  • Research and development
  • Defect detection
  • High-magnification quality control

Engineering Resources for Microscope Lens Integration

Engineering resources are available to support microscope lens integration into industrial imaging systems.

Depending on the product, supporting documentation includes 3D STEP files, MTF charts, and lens manuals. These resources can help engineering teams evaluate optical performance and mechanical integration before completing the system design. Go to the download page to find the resources you need.

Microscope Lens Support in the United States

VA Imaging Inc. supports microscope lens applications throughout the United States from our office in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Our machine vision specialists can help evaluate feature size, magnification, optical resolution, working distance, camera sensor size, camera resolution, lighting method, and coaxial illumination requirements.

Need help selecting the right microscope lens?

Discuss your high-magnification industrial imaging application with our team.

Contact VA Imaging Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microscope Lenses

Microscope lenses are used when automated inspection systems need to capture very small features at high magnification. Typical applications include electronics inspection, semiconductor inspection, fine surface analysis, and small-component quality control.

VA Imaging microscope lenses use a C-mount lens tube and support compatible industrial cameras with sensor sizes up to 1.1". USB3 and GigE cameras can be used depending on the required interface and imaging setup.

Choose between 10X and 50X based on the smallest feature that must be resolved, the required field of view, and available working distance. The 50X option provides finer optical resolution, while the 10X lens provides more working distance and depth of focus.

Yes. Camera resolution and pixel size should be matched to the optical resolution and magnification of the microscope lens.

Yes. C-mount microscope lenses can be combined with compatible industrial cameras, lighting, and image-processing software as part of an automated machine vision system.

Yes. VA Imaging Inc. supports customers throughout the United States from Charlotte, North Carolina with microscope lens, industrial camera, and lighting selection.

Reviews VA Imaging

  • 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.

Reviews are automatically translated into your language. Click here to view the original review and verify its authenticity

Vision & Automation Resources

VA Imaging stands at the intersection of creativity and practical applications, delivering image-processing products designed for use in advanced machines. We provide you with machine vision products that enable you to bring your ideas to life in innovative ways. With our cameras, lenses, and lighting, your creativity takes concrete form in the world of Vision & Automation Imaging.

  • FAQ

    Most common questions are already answered on our FAQ page. Questions about delivery times, warranty, loan, returns, longevity, manuals etc.

    FAQ page
  • Imaging Software

    Image processing software captures the images from an industrial camera and performs complex image processing tasks like segmentation, detection, code and text reading.

    Discover
  • Knowledge Center

    We share our machine vision knowledge in our knowledge center. Find tutorials how to connect cameras, install software & program I/O.

    Discover
  • Machine Vision Applications

    Check how our customers use our industrial cameras, lenses and lighting in their application

    Discover
  • Machine Vision Experts

    Ask our machine vision experts! We answer rapidly and think along with your imaging project.

    Talk to us
  • Downloads

    The download page provides access to product documentation, software, drivers, manuals and technical resources for industrial cameras and machine vision components.

    Discover