How wide is the shooting range of a 12mm lens?
The term "12mm lens" typically refers to two different things:
1. M12 Lens Mount: This is a standard threaded interface (12mm diameter) used to secure small lenses. It does not specify the focal length of the lens. A lens with an M12 mount can have various focal lengths, such as 2mm, 4mm, 8mm, etc.
2. 12mm Focal Length: This refers to the distance from the lens's optical center to the sensor, which directly determines the shooting range (angle of view).
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1. If You Are Referring to the Shooting Range of "M12 Mount Lenses"
M12 mount lenses offer an extremely wide range of shooting capabilities because they are available in various focal lengths.
Diverse Focal Length Options: The M12 lens family includes ultra-wide-angle/fisheye lenses (e.g., 1.5mm, 1.8mm), wide-angle lenses (e.g., 2.1mm, 2.5mm), standard lenses (e.g., 4mm, 6mm), and telephoto/telecentric lenses (e.g., 8mm, 12mm, and longer).
Angle of View Range: Consequently, their angle of view (FOV) can range from over 180° for ultra-wide-angle (even 220°+ for fisheye) to **less than 30° for narrow-angle telephoto.
In simple terms, the M12 interface itself can meet almost any requirement for shooting range, depending on the focal length you choose.
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2. If You Are Referring to the Shooting Range of an "M12 Lens with a 12mm Focal Length"
For an M12 lens with a specific 12mm focal length, its shooting range (angle of view) is also constrained by a second critical factor: the image sensor size.
A larger sensor allows for a wider field of view with the same focal length lens. Common sensor sizes include 1/4 inch, 1/3 inch, 1/2.8 inch, 1/2.5 inch, 1/1.8 inch, etc.
An intuitive understanding of the 12mm focal length's field of view:
It is a telephoto or telescopic lens with a relatively narrow field of view.
Analogy: Using it to see details of distant objects is like using a telescope.
Typical Applications:
In surveillance, for focusing on a distant entrance or driveway.
In industrial inspection, for telecentric measurement or observing fine details of small objects.
On drones, for long-range reconnaissance or monitoring.
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Summary and Selection Guide
Lens Type (M12 Mount) | Typical Focal Length | Approx. FOV (Diagonal) | Key Features & Applicable Scenarios |
Ultra-Wide Angle/Fisheye | 1.5mm - 2.1mm | 140° - 220°+ | Extremely wide FOV, significant distortion. Used for 360° panorama stitching, surround-view monitoring, immersive VR. |
Wide Angle | 2.1mm - 4mm | 80°- 130° | Wide FOV, slight distortion. Most common. Used for security monitoring (rooms/hallways), vehicle rearview, smart doorbells. |
Standard | 4mm - 6mm | 50°- 70° | FOV close to the human eye's monocular view, low distortion. Used for facial recognition, general monitoring, robot navigation. |
Telephoto/Telecentric | 8mm - 12mm+ | 30° or smaller | Narrow FOV, magnifies distant objects. Used for focusing on specific areas, reading long-range barcodes, precision industrial inspection. |
How to determine how wide a shooting range you need?
1. Define Requirements: How wide a scene do you need to see? How far away are the objects?
2. Choose Focal Length:
See width/See panorama (e.g., a small room) -> Choose a short focal length (2.1mm, 2.5mm).
See details/See far away (e.g., a license plate across the street) -> Choose a long focal length (8mm, 12mm).
2. Confirm Sensor Size: Check your camera module specifications to ensure the lens's supported image circle covers your sensor, avoiding vignetting.
Final Answer:
M12 mount lenses as a category offer a shooting range from over 180° ultra-wide-angle to less than 30° narrow-angle telephoto, covering virtually all needs.
However, a specific M12 lens with a 12mm focal length has a relatively narrow shooting range (horizontal FOV approx. 20°-28°) and belongs to the telephoto category, suitable for viewing details at a distance.
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