SWIR lenses collection

SWIR lenses

Choose SWIR lenses for industrial shortwave infrared imaging, inspection, material analysis, and research applications in the United States. VA Imaging Inc. offers fixed focal length C-mount SWIR camera lenses in multiple sensor formats and resolution classes, including dedicated SWIR and Visible+SWIR options.

The correct lens must match the camera’s spectral range, sensor size, resolution, required field of view, and working distance. Use the filters and product specifications below to compare the available models. With our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, VA Imaging Inc. helps the U.S. market select compatible SWIR cameras, lenses, and optical components for machine vision projects.

SWIR Lens products

 

 

What Is a SWIR Lens?

A SWIR lens is an imaging lens designed to transmit and focus shortwave infrared wavelengths onto a compatible camera sensor. In industrial machine vision, many SWIR systems operate around 900–1700 nm, while Visible+SWIR systems can extend from the visible spectrum into the SWIR range.

This spectral capability matters because a conventional visible-light lens may not transmit SWIR wavelengths efficiently or maintain the required focus and resolution outside its intended band. Optical materials, coatings, and mechanical design must therefore be suitable for the wavelengths used by the application.

A SWIR lens does not create material contrast by itself. The complete imaging system—including the object, illumination wavelength, filter, lens, sensor, exposure, and image processing—determines what can be detected.

How to Select a C-Mount SWIR Lens

VA Imaging Inc. offers three fixed focal length C-mount lens series for SWIR machine vision imaging. Use this compatibility chart to narrow the collection by spectral range, sensor format, resolution, pixel size, and focal length.

VA Imaging Inc. 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 in this cateogry use C-mount. The sensor references above are application-relevant matches stated on the individual product pages. They are not a substitute for checking the exact camera model, active sensor area, cover glass, and spectral response.

Pixel size matters because the lens must reproduce sufficient contrast at the sensor’s spatial sampling rate. A smaller pixel pitch does not automatically improve system detail if the lens, focus, motion, illumination, or signal-to-noise ratio becomes the limiting factor. Compare the lens’s MTF or resolving-power data at the required wavelength and field position rather than selecting only by megapixel count.

Industrial Applications for SWIR Camera Lenses

SWIR camera lenses support applications in which shortwave infrared provides more useful contrast than visible light. The result depends on the spectral behavior of the material, so representative samples should be tested at the intended wavelength.

Common applications include:

  • Moisture and food inspection: Water absorption in parts of the SWIR spectrum can help reveal differences in moisture content under suitable illumination.
  • Semiconductor and silicon inspection: Certain SWIR wavelengths can transmit through silicon, supporting inspection of structures that are not visible from the surface. Performance depends on wavelength, material thickness, and system design.
  • Material identification and sorting: Materials that look similar in visible light may reflect or absorb SWIR differently, which can support classification and contamination detection.
  • Container and fill inspection: SWIR may reveal contents through some packaging materials that are opaque in visible light. This is material- and wavelength-dependent.
  • Agricultural imaging: SWIR data can support analysis of water content and other plant or crop characteristics.
  • Scientific and OEM imaging: Visible+SWIR optics can support systems that compare information from multiple spectral bands.

For a complete optical setup, pair the selected lens with a compatible industrial SWIR camera and illumination that provides sufficient output at the target wavelength.

Technical Resources for SWIR Lens Selection

Use the product specifications and supporting optical data to validate a SWIR lens before integration. VA Imaging Inc. provides a technical download request page for resources such as lens manuals, MTF charts, and 3D STEP files.

  • Lens manuals and specifications: Check focal length, aperture, dimensions, minimum object distance, filter thread, and environmental limits for the exact model.
  • MTF charts: Compare contrast performance at the required spatial frequency, wavelength, and image position when that data is available.
  • 3D STEP files: Confirm mechanical clearance, mount access, and integration space in the machine design.
  • Application validation: Test representative samples with the intended camera, lens, lighting, filter, working distance, and exposure settings before production release.

Contact VA Imaging Inc. if a required curve or file is not shown on a product page.

Why the SWIR Lens, Camera, and Lighting Must Be Matched

A SWIR imaging system performs best when the lens, camera, lighting, and optional filters are selected as one optical chain. A component can be individually suitable yet still limit the system when its wavelength range, sensor coverage, geometry, or power does not match the other parts.

Before selecting a lens, define:

  • the material, feature, or defect that must be detected;
  • the wavelength that creates useful contrast;
  • the camera sensor size, resolution, pixel size, and spectral response;
  • the required field of view and smallest relevant feature;
  • the available working distance and installation space;
  • whether visible imaging, SWIR imaging, or both are required;
  • the illumination wavelength, geometry, and intensity; and
  • whether a bandpass, longpass, or other optical filter is needed.

Browse machine vision lighting for U.S. applications when planning the illumination geometry. If spectral isolation is required, compare bandpass and longpass lens filters, then verify the filter’s transmission range and thread size against the selected lens. Visible or standard near-infrared lighting is not interchangeable with every SWIR application.

SWIR Lens Selection Support in the United States

VA Imaging Inc. supports U.S. engineers, machine builders, system integrators, OEMs, researchers, and technical buyers with SWIR lens selection. With our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, VA Imaging Inc. helps the U.S. market compare focal length, sensor coverage, spectral range, resolution, aperture, working distance, camera compatibility, and illumination requirements.

To receive a more useful recommendation, provide the camera model or sensor dimensions, required field of view, working distance, smallest feature, target material, and intended illumination wavelength. Application images or representative samples can also help determine which variables need to be tested.

Frequently Asked Questions About SWIR Lenses

A SWIR lens transmits and focuses shortwave infrared light onto a SWIR-sensitive camera sensor. It allows the camera to form an image at wavelengths that may reveal moisture, material, or subsurface contrast not available in visible-light imaging.

A C-mount SWIR lens combines the standard C-mount mechanical interface used by many industrial cameras with optics designed for shortwave infrared transmission. C-mount compatibility alone is not enough; the wavelength range, sensor format, focal length, and resolution must also match the camera.

NIR is the near-infrared region immediately beyond visible red, while SWIR covers longer infrared wavelengths. Definitions vary and can overlap, but machine vision commonly treats NIR as roughly 700–1000 nm and InGaAs-based SWIR imaging as approximately 900–1700 nm. Always compare the exact spectral response of the camera, lens, lighting, and filters.

SWIR systems typically form images from reflected or transmitted shortwave infrared light, much like visible cameras use reflected visible light. Thermal cameras generally detect emitted infrared radiation associated with object temperature, often in the mid-wave or long-wave infrared bands. Because the wavelengths, detector technologies, optics, and contrast mechanisms differ, a SWIR system and a thermal-imaging system are not interchangeable.

A regular C-mount lens may attach mechanically to a SWIR camera, but it may not provide adequate SWIR transmission, focus, or resolution. Use a lens specified for the operating wavelength and confirm its sensor coverage and optical performance

Choose SWIR lens focal length from the camera sensor dimensions, required field of view, and available working distance. Then verify that the smallest relevant feature occupies enough pixels and that the full object remains in view despite normal position or height variation.

SWIR lenses require illumination that produces adequate output at the wavelength where the target shows useful contrast. Ambient light may be insufficient or inconsistent, so many industrial systems use controlled wavelength-specific illumination and, where useful, an optical filter.

Compare the SWIR lenses above or contact VA Imaging Inc. for help checking camera compatibility, spectral range, focal length, sensor coverage, field of view, working distance, and illumination requirements. Our Charlotte, North Carolina office supports SWIR imaging projects throughout the United States.

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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Vision & Automation Resources

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