MKS Inc. has introduced the Ophir SupIR 16-80mm f/1.2 lens at ADEX Seoul, marking a significant development in lens technology for the security sector. This compact, continuous zoom lens is the first designed to cater specifically to SXGA (1280 × 1024 pixels) uncooled Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) detectors with 10-12 µm pixels.
The SupIR lens maximises the resolution potential of advanced LWIR sensors, offering system integrators the capability to produce high-performance thermal images. Its design facilitates reliable detection ranges, suitable for integration into small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) payloads, as well as portable surveillance systems.
The SupIR 16-80mm f/1.2 lens boasts the ability to detect vehicle targets over distances exceeding 8 km and supports human identification up to 0.7 km. It offers robust mid-range performance, crucial for demanding environments.
The lens features motorised zoom and focus mechanisms allowing rapid adjustments within ≤5 seconds for zoom and ≤1 second for focus, thereby improving target acquisition and situational awareness. The lens’s line-of-sight (LOS) stabilisation-ready design maintains image stability throughout its zoom range. Additionally, its athermalised optical design ensures that focus and image quality remain consistent despite temperature changes.
“In portable and airborne surveillance missions, size and weight matter,” asserted Dr Kobi Lasri, General Manager of Ophir Optics. “The SupIR 16–80mm f/1.2 lens combines SXGA resolution with a compact, lightweight design, giving defence and security platforms the ability to achieve high-resolution thermal imaging at credible detection ranges while maintaining practical size and weight for integration.”
The lens measures Ø93.6 × 108.4 mm and weighs 705 grams, achieving an optimal balance between resolution, detection range, and size, essential for effective surveillance.
Users can select from high durability versions and those with hard carbon coating to meet various operational needs. An expansive field of view (45° wide and 9° narrow) offers adaptable solutions for both broad situational awareness and precise observation.
With a focus on image clarity, the lens achieves a high modulation transfer function (MTF), enhancing thermal contrast and detail, fully exploiting the capabilities of the SXGA detector. Its construction is built for endurance, featuring IP67-sealed front elements and high-durability coatings to ensure performance in challenging conditions.
