Industrial telecentric lenses collection

Industrial telecentric lenses

Telecentric lenses help machine vision systems perform precise, repeatable measurements by keeping image magnification nearly constant when an object’s position or height changes within the specified telecentric range. By reducing perspective and parallax errors, these lenses improve the reliability of dimensional measurement, gauging, inspection and quality-control applications.

With our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, VA Imaging Inc. helps engineers, OEMs, machine builders and system integrators across the United States select compatible lenses, industrial cameras and

Telecentric lens products

What Does a Telecentric Lens Do?

A telecentric lens keeps image magnification more consistent when the distance between the object and the lens changes within the supported operating range. This reduces the perspective effect that makes nearby objects appear larger than objects positioned farther from a conventional lens.

Telecentric lenses control the light rays entering the optical system so that the chief rays run nearly parallel to the optical axis on the telecentric side of the lens. This creates a more orthographic view of the object, helping a machine vision system measure edges, diameters, gaps and other dimensions more reliably.

A telecentric lens does not remove the need for correct focus. An object can retain similar magnification while becoming blurred when it moves outside the acceptable depth of field. The selected lens must therefore provide both the required telecentric performance and sufficient focus across the permitted object-height variation.

Types of Telecentric Lenses


Telecentric lenses can be telecentric in object space, image space or both. The appropriate design depends on which variations must be controlled in the imaging system.

An object-space telecentric lens has chief rays that run parallel to the optical axis on the object side. This helps maintain consistent magnification when the object distance changes and is the most relevant form of telecentricity for many dimensional measurement applications.

An image-space telecentric lens has chief rays that run parallel on the image or sensor side. This makes magnification less sensitive to changes in the position of the image sensor and can provide more consistent illumination across the sensor.

A bi-telecentric lens is telecentric on both the object and image sides. This provides greater magnification stability when either the object position or sensor position varies. Bi-telecentric designs are commonly used for demanding measurement applications where very high geometric consistency is required.

The available telecentric design depends on the individual product. Check the product specifications or contact VA Imaging Inc. to confirm the correct option for your application.

How to Choose a Telecentric Lens

  • Choosing the right telecentric lens starts with the field of view, camera sensor, magnification and available working distance. The lens must capture the required inspection area while providing sufficient detail for the smallest feature that must be measured.
  • Lens Magnification

Magnification determines how much of the object is projected onto the camera sensor. Lower magnification captures a larger inspection area, while higher magnification provides a closer view of a smaller area.

Use the magnification filters to narrow the collection. VA Imaging Inc. offers telecentric lenses ranging from below 0.1x to above 6x magnification.

  • Camera Sensor Size

The telecentric lens must support the complete camera sensor. Using a lens designed for a smaller sensor can cause vignetting or reduced image quality toward the edges.

VA Imaging Inc. offers telecentric lenses for sensor formats including 2/3 inch, 1 inch, 1.1 inch, 4/3 inch and 39 mm.

The optical resolution of the lens should also match the camera resolution and pixel size. A high-resolution camera cannot capture additional useful detail if the selected lens does not resolve the required features.

  • Working Distance

Working distance is the specified distance between the front of the lens and the object plane. Most telecentric lenses are designed for a fixed or narrowly defined working distance.

Select a working distance that fits the available installation space and leaves sufficient room for the object, lighting, conveyor and other machine components. The VA Imaging Inc. collection includes working-distance options from 65 to 465 mm.

  • Field of View

The required field of view must cover the complete inspection area with sufficient margin for object-position variation. Use the VA Imaging Inc. telecentric lens calculator to determine the expected field of view using the camera resolution, pixel size and lens magnification.

  • Mounting Option

Confirm whether the camera and system require a C-mount or M58 lens. Many VA Imaging Inc. telecentric lenses use a C-mount connection and can be combined with compatible industrial cameras.

If telecentric performance is not required, explore our standard C-mount lenses for machine vision cameras.

  • Coaxial Light Input

Determine whether the surface and inspection task require a telecentric lens with a coaxial light input. The collection can be filtered to display models with this option.

How to Mount a Telecentric Lens

VA Imaging Inc. offers telecentric lenses with C-mount and M58 connections. Many C-mount models can be connected directly to a compatible machine vision camera.

Large telecentric lenses should normally have their own support bracket when mounted horizontally. Without additional support, the size and weight of the lens can place too much mechanical load on the camera’s C-mount connection.

A support bracket secures the lens to the machine structure and can reduce vibration and movement. This helps maintain stable focus and alignment during measurement and inspection.

A vertically mounted telecentric lens may not technically require a separate bracket. However, a mechanical designer may still include one when vibration or long-term stability is a concern.

VA Imaging Inc. can supply support brackets for telecentric lenses even though these are not currently displayed as standard products in the online collection.

Telecentric Lenses with Coaxial Light Input

Selected VA Imaging Inc. telecentric lenses are available with a coaxial light input. An internal semi-transparent mirror or beam splitter directs light through the lens and onto the inspected object.

Because the illumination follows approximately the same optical axis as the camera, coaxial lighting can provide uniform illumination without positioning an external light at an angle. This can also simplify integration where installation space is limited.

A telecentric lens with coaxial illumination is particularly useful for inspecting:

  • Flat and reflective metal surfaces
  • Semiconductor wafers and microchips
  • Glass and polished components
  • Electronic parts
  • Printed features and surface markings
  • Small scratches and low-contrast defects

Coaxial illumination is not required for every application. The correct lighting method depends on the inspected surface and the feature that must be detected.

Lighting for Telecentric Measurement

Stable and uniform lighting helps a telecentric vision system produce clear edges and repeatable measurement results. Changes in illumination can affect contrast and edge detection even when the correct camera and lens have been selected.

Telecentric lighting for machine vision emits highly directional light and is often used as a backlight. This produces a clear silhouette of the object, making it suitable for measuring external dimensions, holes, gaps and component profiles.

Other machine vision lighting methods may be more suitable for surface inspection, reflective materials or three-dimensional components. The lens and lighting should therefore be selected as one optical system.

Telecentric Lens vs. Standard Machine Vision 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 optimized 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.

Compatible Industrial Cameras

VA Imaging Inc. telecentric lenses can be combined with different industrial cameras. Compatibility depends on the lens mount, sensor size, resolution, pixel size and required camera interface.

Available camera options include:

Always confirm that the lens supports the complete sensor format and provides sufficient optical resolution for the inspection requirement.

Telecentric Lens Applications

Telecentric lenses are used in machine vision systems where accurate geometry and repeatable dimensional measurements are required.

Common applications include:

  • Diameter and radius measurement
  • Hole and pin inspection
  • Gap and spacing measurement
  • Edge and contour inspection
  • Component positioning and alignment
  • Automotive parts inspection
  • Electronic component inspection
  • Semiconductor and wafer inspection
  • Printed circuit board inspection
  • Medical-device manufacturing
  • Packaging and print inspection
  • Metrology and quality control

Telecentric Lenses from VA Imaging Inc.

VA Imaging Inc. offers more than 100 telecentric lens configurations covering a wide range of magnifications, working distances, sensor formats and mounting options. The collection includes C-mount and M58 lenses as well as models with a coaxial light input.

With our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, VA Imaging Inc. supports customers throughout the United States with selecting compatible telecentric lenses, cameras and lighting.

Use the telecentric lens calculator to create an initial shortlist. For help confirming the final camera, lens and lighting combination, discuss your requirements with our machine vision specialists.

Discuss Your Telecentric Lens Application

Frequently Asked Questions About Telecentric Lenses

A telecentric lens maintains more consistent magnification and reduces perspective errors when an object’s position or distance changes within the supported operating range. This makes dimensional measurements more repeatable.

Use a telecentric lens when object-height or positioning variations could affect dimensional measurements. They are commonly used for gauging, metrology, edge inspection and other precision machine vision applications.

An object-space telecentric lens maintains more consistent magnification when the object distance changes. A bi-telecentric lens is telecentric on both the object and sensor sides, providing greater stability when either position varies.

Choose a telecentric lens based on the required field of view, magnification, sensor size, optical resolution, working distance, lens mount and available installation space. Also determine whether the application requires a coaxial light input.

A Imaging Inc. offers telecentric lenses with C-mount and M58 connections. The available mount depends on the required sensor format, magnification and working distance.

Yes. VA Imaging Inc. has an office in Charlotte, North Carolina, and supports engineers, OEMs, machine builders and system integrators throughout the United States with telecentric lens selection and machine vision compatibility.

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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