Which Lens is Best for CCTV?

Choosing the right lens for your CCTV camera can be challenging, given the variety of options available. To help you make an informed decision, we'll break down the main lens sizes offered by Uniview, focusing on the 2.8mm, 4mm, and 6mm lenses with a 5MP resolution. We compared their viewing angles and the clarity of footage they provide below.

Understanding Lens Sizes

The general rule is: the smaller the lens size, the wider the field of view. Below, we delve into the specifics of each lens size.

2.8mm Lens

Viewing angle: Approximately 108° | Best for: Wide area coverage

Camera used: IPC2B15SS-ADF28KMC-I1

This lens offers the broadest viewing angle, making it ideal for monitoring expansive areas. However, its clarity diminishes over distance. For instance, number plates are not recognisable beyond 15 meters, making it less suitable for long-distance identification.

4mm Lens

Viewing angle: Approximately 83° | Best for: Moderate area coverage with better clarity

Camera used: IPC2B15SS-ADF40KMC-I1

This lens strikes a balance between wide coverage and detail. While it covers a slightly smaller area than the 2.8mm lens, it provides improved clarity. Number plates can be recognised clearly at 15 meters but would struggle past 20 meteres. We think this lens offers a good compromise between field of view and detail.

6mm Lens

Viewing angle: Approximately 57° | Best for: Detailed surveillance of specific areas

Camera used: IPC2225SB-ADF60KM-I1

This lens is tailored for detailed surveillance of smaller areas. It provides clear visibility of number plates at 20 meters and maintains visibility as far as 30 meters. The narrower viewing angle focuses on specific zones, making it perfect for targeted monitoring.

Check out the footage for yourself

Conclusion

• Wide Areas: If you need to monitor a broad area, the 2.8mm lens is the best choice due to its expansive field of view.
• Balanced Coverage: For a good mix of wide coverage and clarity, the 4mm lens is ideal.
• Detailed Surveillance: For clear, detailed monitoring of specific areas from a distance, opt for the 6mm lens.

Selecting the right CCTV lens depends on your surveillance requirements. Whether you need to cover wide spaces, balance coverage, and clarity, or focus on detailed monitoring, Uniview’s range of lenses has you covered. Uniview also offer other fixed and motorised lens sizes in a wide selection of camera specs, so please be sure to browse through our website to see our extensive range