fisheye

Fisheye Lens

Features of the Module

  • Ultra-wide field of view, up to 180 degrees.
  • Significant barrel distortion for immersive, spherical imaging.
  • High resolution and clarity across the entire field of view.
  • Compact design suitable for various imaging applications.
  • Available in multiple focal lengths and aperture options.

Description of the Module

The Fisheye Lens is a specialized optical module designed to capture ultra-wide-angle images, typically encompassing up to 180 degrees. Unlike conventional lenses that strive to minimize distortion, the fisheye lens intentionally introduces significant barrel distortion, producing a characteristic hemispherical or panoramic image. This unique capability makes fisheye lenses ideal for applications requiring expansive visual coverage, such as virtual reality, 360-degree photography, and security systems.

Fisheye lenses operate by bending light inwards towards the sensor, creating an exaggerated perspective that allows users to capture more of the scene in a single shot. This is achieved through a combination of curved lens elements and sophisticated optical design, which ensures that the image remains sharp and clear across the entire field of view, despite the extreme angles involved.

General Specification, Manufacturing Tolerances, and Limitations

SpecificationDetail
Field of ViewUp to 180 degrees
Focal LengthTypically ranges from 8mm to 16mm
Aperture Rangef/2.8 to f/22
DistortionHigh barrel distortion (intentional)
Lens ConstructionMulti-element design with aspherical elements
CoatingAnti-reflective, anti-scratch, and hydrophobic
Image CircleCompatible with full-frame and APS-C sensors
TolerancesHigh precision in alignment and element placement

Module Composition and Classification

  • Composition: The fisheye lens module is composed of multiple lens elements, including aspherical elements to reduce aberrations and maintain sharpness. The lens assembly is housed in a durable, lightweight casing, often made of aluminum or high-grade plastic.
  • Classification:
    • Full-frame Fisheye Lenses: Cover the entire sensor, producing a circular image with a 180-degree field of view.
    • Diagonal Fisheye Lenses: Cover the entire image sensor, filling the frame with a 180-degree diagonal field of view.

Key Components

  • Front Element: Large, curved glass element responsible for capturing the wide field of view.
  • Aspherical Elements: Minimize chromatic aberrations and distortion.
  • Aperture Diaphragm: Controls the amount of light entering the lens.
  • Coatings: Multi-layer coatings for enhanced light transmission and reduced flare.

Critical Specs

  • Field of View: The primary metric for fisheye lenses, indicating how much of the scene is captured.
  • Distortion: Measured in terms of barrel distortion, critical for achieving the characteristic fisheye effect.
  • Resolution: Ensures sharpness across the entire image, especially in the periphery.

Evaluating Performance

Performance of a fisheye lens is evaluated based on image sharpness, the degree of distortion, and how well the lens handles light flare and ghosting. Laboratory tests and real-world usage are both critical in assessing these parameters. The lens should deliver consistent sharpness from the center to the edges, minimal chromatic aberration, and controlled distortion for immersive effects.

How to Select the Module

Selecting a fisheye lens depends on the intended application. For immersive photography or virtual tours, choose a lens with a 180-degree field of view and high resolution. Consider the aperture range for low-light performance, and ensure compatibility with your camera’s sensor size. Build quality and lens coatings are also crucial for durability and image quality.

Applications

  • Virtual Reality and 360-degree video capture
  • Panoramic and landscape photography
  • Architectural photography
  • Surveillance and security systems
  • Astrophotography

Why Choose Bote Optics

Bote Optics offers fisheye lenses that combine superior optical design with precision manufacturing. Our lenses are crafted to meet the highest industry standards, providing exceptional image quality and durability. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Bote Optics ensures that each fisheye lens delivers unmatched performance for a wide range of applications. Choose Bote Optics for cutting-edge optical solutions tailored to your specific needs.