Weather drives the surveillance system. Meaning it’s one of their greatest enemies for video surveillance. The SWIR fixed focal length lens is the solution introduced to address weather-related issues. During heavy rain, snow, and fog days, the standard camera sees nothing but a “white wall.” This isn’t just limited to these weather conditions. It also refers to extreme heat conditions, where the heat is intense. Under these conditions, the cameras struggle to capture clear images because heat reduces resolution. While many people thought the thermal camera was the solution to beat the heat, that’s not the case. The thermal camera only detects heat, not faces.
The SWIR fixed focal length lens is a technology developed to beat the heat and fight heavy fog and smoke. It sees clearly through atmospheric particles and delivers perfected high resolution and clear imaging. To protect high-risk environments against environmental blindness, you must upgrade from standard to high-transmission SWIR optics. Therefore, starting with this blog is the best and most reliable source.
What are the Factors That Blocked The Vision in the Weather?
Any surveillance system camera forms an image when it captures certain light and interacts with it. A SWIR camera lens operates at wavelengths between 0.9 µm and 1.7 µm, enabling it to detect details invisible to standard visible-light cameras. These are the properties that enable the SWIR to operate in the environment when a standard camera fails. When a standard lens captures the visible light, it scatters because moisture or smoke particles hit it. However, SWIR wavelengths, given the technology and property specifications, don’t allow them to bend around particles and reach the sensors.
Here, we see Rayleigh Scattering: it occurs when light waves encounter particles much smaller than the wavelength of light. The fourth power of wavelength is inversely proportional to the scattering intensity. This indicates that shorter wavelengths (blue light) scatter more in comparison with longer ones (red light). This is why the sky appears blue.
The same logic applies to standard CCTV lens, as Rayleigh scattering can reduce clarity by diffusing light before it reaches the sensors. The effect is more pronounced when protective covers are not optimized for high-resolution transmission.
Advantages of Fixed Focal Length Lenses
In high-stakes environments such as shipping ports and industrial borders, reliability and strict surveillance are paramount. You can’t risk missing any moment or getting a fuzzy, blurred image due to weather or other external factors. While zoom lenses offer flexibility, SWIR lenses provide distinct optical advantages for static perimeter defense. Here is why the fixed optical lenses are the standard for seeing the best vision in hazardous weather:
1. Maximum Light Transmission
The SWIR CCTV lens is optimized for proper lighting. Zoom lenses contain multiple moving glass elements that naturally block or scatter light during capture. SWIR lenses, on the other hand, use a simpler design with fewer engineered materials and fewer complications. Thus, it allows significantly more infrared light to reach the sensors, resulting in a brighter image in low-visibility conditions.
2. Identification Over Detection
Unlike thermal cameras that only show heat “blobs,” thermal cameras capture a video in extreme temperatures. The SWIR system produces images that look like high-resolution black-and-white photos. Therefore, they can be used effectively to read the hull numbers or identify faces through fog. All of these can be missed if a standard camera is used to monitor such spots.
3. Rugged Durability
A SWIR fixed focal lens in industrial and shipping ports is also advisable, because it has very few internal parts. Making them more stable compared to other lenses. With all the constant vibrations and heavy machinery moving around in high winds. They are the most suitable for maintaining precise focus, as complex varifocal lenses often drift over time.
Why Choose SuperiorCCTV Optics?
Choosing SuperiorCCTV as your supplier offers many advantages. We are not only suppliers but also manufacturers of optics. We supply fixed CCTV lens, varifocal machine vision lenses, fisheye lenses, and UV lenses. Our vast product catalogue includes them all. Choosing us would yield multiple advantages for any system. Here are the best qualities and features you will get from SuperiorCCTV.
- Huge Inventory: We are both the manufacturer and supplier, having produced over 1,500 optics and working with many major suppliers. Therefore, we always maintain a large inventory of optics to ensure clients’ needs are met on time.
- Expert Technical Support: We have an experienced team of technical support staff who are always on standby to assist with any query. Our team provides expertise to ensure you get the right equipment for the job.
- Authorized Distributor: Our products are robustly built, compliant with guidelines, and deliver high-quality optics. Our genuine approach, from design through build and processing of the lens, in the market makes our brand top-tier.
- Competitive Pricing: We offer the best value on professional-grade security equipment, ensuring clients are satisfied and their requirements are met.
- Fast Shipping: Most orders ship the same day to keep your projects on time. Additionally, we offer Air and Water transportation services.
Concluding Here!
Get the best use of the security system’s surveillance, regardless of weather conditions. Install the SWIR fixed focal length lens and don’t let the weather dictate your security. SWIR technology provides the “X-ray vision” needed for modern surveillance. The investment in specialized glass and good optics pays off when you first spot the threat through fog that a standard camera lens misses. The weather is an unavoidable factor and beyond control. However, using optics that overcome weather conditions and deliver clear video is within one’s control.
Therefore, do not wait any longer and don’t let the weather become a threat to your surroundings. Contact SuperiorCCTV today to get the SWIR fixed focal length lens in no time. You will be prepared for the next weather event and equipped with reliable solutions, without fail.
FAQs
Q.1: Why use a SWIR lens instead of a thermal camera for fog?
A: Thermal cameras work well in fog, but they only detect heat and cannot resolve fine details such as text or facial features. On the other hand, a SWIR lens penetrates weather phenomena and captures reflected light, producing a high-resolution image that appears black-and-white. Making the identification of humans possible.
Q.2: Can I use a standard lens on a SWIR camera?
A: No. Standard optical glass is designed for visible light and often absorbs infrared wavelengths. However, it is best to avoid using standard lenses with SWIR sensors, as the image will be blurred or very dark. You must use a dedicated lens designed to transmit the 900 nm- 1700 nm spectrum.
Q.3: Does SuperiorCCTV provide “Net Terms” for government or corporate accounts?
A: Yes. We understand the procurement processes of large organisations and government entities. Therefore, we offer Net 30 terms to qualified business accounts, streamlining purchasing orders and making budget management easier for your security infrastructure upgrades.
Q.4: Can you help design a system for a specific location?
A: Absolutely. Our “System Design Assistance” services allow you to submit site plans or photos. Once you upload it, our technical team will analyze your viewing angles and distances to recommend the exact camera and lens combination.
Q.5: What happens when products arrive damaged?
A: We stand behind our shipping. If your equipment arrives damaged, contact our customer service team immediately. We will expedite a replacement and handle the claim process with the carrier, ensuring your installation schedule is not impacted by logistical errors.