How to select  a proper lens in 5 easy steps and save money doing it?

1. Determine what kind of lens mount you need? C or CS?

Check you camera manual. It will most likely be CS. If you have C mount lens (somebody gave you the lens) you can still use it on CS camera since we have inexpensive adapter rings for that purpose.

2. What is a size of CCD imager? Check your camera. You can expect: 1/3", 1/2" and rarely 2/3"

If your CCD imager is 1/3" you need 1/3" lens, but 1/2" and 2/3" will also fit! If your CCD imager is 1/2" you need 1/2" lens, but 2/3" will also fit! If your CCD imager is 2/3" you need 2/3" lens. Conclusion: you can use same or bigger lenses but not smaller ones.

3. Should I use manual iris, Auto Iris or DC lens?

You can save money and use manual iris lens only when scene illumination never changes. Example: illuminated store or office. DC lens is always better choice. Specially Raymax lenses since they have same performance as A/I lenses, they cost less and in extreme situations when your camera supports A/I lens only we have adapter cable-A/I lens amplifier which solves that problem.

4. What focal length lens do I need?

Guide: smaller the focal length number => wider is field of view.  If you have camera in the office or warehouse and you want to see as much as you can, you should go for 2.8 or 4 mm lens (makes wide, somewhat distant view) If you want to observe limited area, like entrance you should go for 8mm or 12mm lens (makes narrow view and objects are closer). Check a data below for exact numbers for field of view. Use varifocal lenses to get flexibility for choosing best field of view.

5: Order Raymaxlens from CCTV Lens Depot. We have all lenses you might ever need!!

** There is actually one more step you would need to consider in the case you are buying lenses from other manufacturers. Is application indoor or outdoor? What kind of aperture ratio you will need (F number)?

IMPORTANT DECISION! How much of the picture are you going to see??  When selecting a lens check following tables with field of view values in degrees.     Fixed lengthlenses 1/3" lenses Horizontal view in degrees Horizontal view in degrees Imager size 1/3" N/A 2.8 mm 82 N/A 4.0 mm 63 N/A 6.0 mm 45 N/A 8.0 mm 34 N/A 12.0 mm 23 1/2" lenses 1/3" camera 1/2" camera 3.5 mm 70 103 4.5 mm 54 79 6.0 mm 44 57 12.0 mm 23 30

IMPORTANT!! 
You can get lenses wired with connector already attached or with open wire ends.
Those are standard connections used on many cameras. If unsure, check your camera manual to verify that this is how your camera is wired.