What are the differences between zoom and prime focus for industrial lenses?

In the field of industrial lenses, zoom lens and prime lens are two common and distinctive lens types. They have significant differences in structure, function, application scenarios and imaging quality. The following is a detailed analysis of the difference between zoom and prime focus of industrial lenses:

I. Basic definition and structure

1. Zoom lens

A zoom lens is a lens that can continuously change the focal length within a certain range. By adjusting the lens group inside the lens, the zoom lens can achieve the width of the field of view without changing the shooting distance, so as to shoot different sizes of images and scene ranges. Zoom lenses can be divided into manual zoom and electric zoom according to the different zoom methods. Electric zoom lens realizes continuous adjustment of focal length through electric drive, convenient operation, rapid response, and higher accuracy.

2. Prime lens

A fixed focus lens, also known as a fixed focal length lens, refers to a lens with a fixed focal length. It has only a fixed field of view Angle and cannot change the field of view by adjusting the focal length like a zoom lens. Prime lenses are relatively simple in design and typically use fewer lens groups to achieve optimal image quality. Due to its fixed focal length, the prime lens needs to keep the distance between the lenses stable by synchronously moving all lens components at different working distances, so as to achieve accurate focusing.

2. Imaging quality and characteristics

1. Image quality

In terms of image quality, prime lenses are generally superior to zoom lenses. Because the design of the prime lens is simpler and the lens group is less, the light is refracted and scattered less when passing through the lens, and the imaging is clearer and sharper. In addition, prime lenses typically have a large aperture, allowing for bright images in low-light environments.

Although the zoom lens is convenient and flexible, due to its many lens groups and complex structure, the light is prone to refraction and scattering when passing through the lens, resulting in a decline in imaging quality. Especially at both ends of the zoom range, the image quality is often not as good as a prime lens. However, with the continuous advancement of optical technology, the image quality of modern zoom lenses has been significantly improved.

2. Distortion control

The prime lens also performs well in distortion control. Due to its fixed focal length, prime lenses can more easily correct aberrations and distortions, resulting in more realistic images. In contrast, zoom lenses are more difficult to correct for aberrations and distortions due to their variable focal length, especially at both ends of the zoom range.

Third, application scenarios and flexibility

1. Application scenario

Zoom lenses are suitable for scenes with large changes in focusing distance. On the industrial production line, when it is necessary to shoot objects of different distances and different sizes, the zoom lens can quickly adjust the focal length to meet different shooting needs. In addition, the zoom lens is also suitable for more complex and changeable detection environments, such as robot assembly, semiconductor chip detection and other occasions.

Prime lenses are suitable for scenes where the focus distance is constant. In the fields of machine vision, precision measurement, research imaging, and remote monitoring, prime lenses provide stable, clear image quality. Due to its fixed focal length, the prime focus lens will not have focal length drift and other problems during the long shooting process, thus ensuring the stability of the imaging.

Step 2 Be flexible

Zoom lenses excel in flexibility. By adjusting the focal length, the zoom lens is able to shoot different objects without moving the camera and the object, thus increasing the efficiency and flexibility of shooting. In addition, the zoom lens can also take images from different angles in the same scene, providing more possibilities for post-processing.

Prime lenses are relatively fixed and lack the flexibility of zoom lenses. However, it is this steadiness that gives prime lenses greater stability and reliability in specific scenes.

Fourth, price and cost performance

1. Price

Generally speaking, the price of zoom lenses is often higher than that of prime lenses of the same grade. This is mainly because zoom lenses are more complex to design, requiring more lens groups and more sophisticated manufacturing processes. In addition, zoom lenses also need to have a stable zoom mechanism and drive system, which also increases their manufacturing costs.

2. Cost performance

When choosing an industrial lens, cost performance is an important consideration. For scenes that require frequent focal length adjustment and shooting objects of different distances and sizes, zoom lenses are undoubtedly more cost-effective. It is able to meet multiple shooting needs without increasing the number of devices, thus reducing the overall cost.

However, in the need to ensure high-quality imaging, focusing distance of the scene, the prime lens has a higher cost performance. While its price may be relatively high, its stable imaging quality and reliability for long-term use make it the first choice in these scenarios.

V. Summary

Zoom lens and prime lens in industrial lenses have significant differences in basic definition, image quality and characteristics, application scenarios and flexibility, and price and cost performance. When selecting a lens, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the specific application scenarios and requirements.

• If you need to adjust the focal length frequently, shoot objects of different distances and sizes, and the image quality is not high, you can choose a zoom lens;

• If you need to ensure high-quality imaging, constant focusing distance, and have high requirements for the stability and reliability of the lens, you can choose a prime lens.

Whichever lens type you choose, you need to ensure that it meets the high precision, high stability and high reliability requirements of industrial applications.