Choosing the right kind of security camera is already hard. And deciding on the security camera lens that’s perfect for your needs is even harder.

If you pick the wrong lens, it can compromise the quality of the images. Plus it can affect the functionality of the camera.

Here are some things you need to know to choose the best security camera lens.

Types of Security Camera Lenses:

Fixed Lens or Monofocal Lens

It has a fixed angle. The view cannot be changed.

You can only choose between a wide angle security camera lens and a narrow angle lens.

Security cameras with monofocal lens are ideal for monitoring small rooms. Or when you want to monitor activities that are always done on the same spot.

Varifocal Lens 

It gives you the freedom to adjust the focal length of the security camera according to the need.

Some varifocal lenses have motorized zoom lenses. They can automatically adjust the focal length of the camera for clearer images.

Understandably, it is more expensive than monofocal lenses.

How to Choose the Right Security Camera Lens

Here are some things you should consider when deciding on which is the right security camera lens.

1 – Focal length

This is usually the first thing that people look at when they’re looking into a security camera lens. It determines the viewing angle or field of view.

It is measured in ‘mm’. The smaller the mm, the wider the view. The larger the focal length number is, the farther you can see but with a more narrow view.

Cameras with wide angle views are ideal for wide or open spaces such as a field, a warehouse, or parking lot.

Cameras with narrow angle views are more suited for monitoring cashiers, doors, or hallways.

2 – Aperture

The Aperture is the hole in a security camera lens where light passes through to enter the camera.

The size of an aperture is measured in f-stops. The aperture affects the depth of field.

A lower f-stop means a wider aperture which allows more light to pass into the camera. A wide aperture could give off blurry images.

A higher aperture means it allows more light to pass into the camera. A narrower aperture with a higher f-stop can yield more focused images.

3 – Iris

The iris controls how much light passes through the lens’ aperture.

There are manual iris lenses and auto iris lenses.

A manual iris lens is ideal for indoor use where the lighting usually stays constant.  A manual iris lens allows a fixed amount of light to pass through the aperture.

An auto iris lens is ideal for outdoor use because the lighting frequently changes. An auto iris lens automatically changes depending on the brightness of the environment.

4 – Image format 

Security cameras have image sensors. They are measured by a fraction of an inch.

Usually, the smaller the camera format is, the narrower the security camera lens field of view is. This is the image format.

When you pair the lens with the camera, the lens’ image sensor compatibility must be of the same size or bigger than the camera’s lens.