In the fast-paced world of imaging technology, Kowa has established itself as a leader in producing high-performance lenses designed for a wide array of applications. Professionals working in industries like factory automation, surveillance, medical imaging, and robotic vision rely on Kowa lenses for precision and clarity. This guide breaks down Kowa’s lens offerings, making it easier for professionals and consumers alike to find the perfect lens for their needs. We’ll explore five main categories of lenses and highlight some top-performing models along with their ideal use cases.
Fixed Focal Length Lenses
Fixed Focal Length Lenses offer high image quality at a constant distance, making them ideal for applications where the subject remains fixed. For instance, the Kowa LM18VM42 is a 2" ø32mm lens optimized for 50MP imaging—perfect for use in factory automation, outdoor surveillance, and automotive manufacturing. Another standout is the Kowa LM35JC5M-IR, which features a 2/3" 35mm design with IR correction, ensuring excellent performance in day/night imaging solutions, such as traffic monitoring or 24/7 machine vision tasks. If high resolution is a priority, the Kowa LM16FC24M—a 1.1" 16mm lens with 24MP capability—performs exceptionally in automated inspection systems, robotics vision, and precision measurement in industrial settings.
Macro Zoom Lenses
Macro Zoom Lenses are engineered to capture intricate details at close range, making them a great fit for automated imaging processes, microscopy, and surface inspection. The Kowa LMZ50M, a 1/3" lens with a focal length range of 8.5-90mm, is ideal for quality control systems and industrial automation, where detailed close-ups are necessary.
Telecentric Lenses
Telecentric Lenses are essential for applications that require precision, such as quality control in manufacturing, semiconductor inspection, and precision measurement tasks. The Kowa LM1120TC provides a magnification range of 3.45 to 4.4x, making it suitable for electronics manufacturing and pharmaceutical inspection. The Kowa LM1121TC, with its 1.725 to 2.2× magnification, excels in high-accuracy assembly line monitoring and robotic vision and alignment. For more demanding needs, the Kowa LM1123TC is a 2/3" 0.69-0.88x telecentric lens ideal for automated inspection, precision metrology, and robotics in industries like medical imaging and electronics.
Varifocal Lenses
Varifocal Lenses provide adjustable focal lengths, making them versatile for robotics, industrial inspection systems, and security monitoring. The Kowa LMVZ4411 is a 1/1.8" lens with a 4.4-11mm focal range, well-suited for Logistics and packaging systems and Robotic vision in automation. Another option, the Kowa LMVZ990-IR, features a 9-90mm focal length, making it ideal for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) / Traffic Control or automated quality control. For applications that require broad adaptability, such as automated manufacturing processes, the Kowa LMVZ166HC offers a focal length range of 10-250mm, excelling in robotics and industrial automation and inspection.