If you are a millennial, there is a strong possibility that your knowledge of C-Mount lenses is limited. This is because their use is mainly restricted to CCTV cameras, unlike in the past when they were used in shooting videos and films.
C-Mount lenses may be small, but they have specific applications where they tend to deliver the best performance.
In this article, we have analyzed the best C Mount lenses since we understand that making an informed choice from the many options available may be complicated.
Then, we shall provide you with a simple buying guide whereby we have discussed the factors that you need to consider as you shop for the ideal product. These factors include:
- The zooming power
- Performance in poorly lit areas
- The intended application
- Price, among others
Let’s start by checking out the models we have reviewed.
Best-Rated C Mount Lenses: A Comparison Table
This section entails a brief analysis of some models of C-Mount lenses, which we believe are some of the best in the market.
| Ranking | Product Name | Work distance | Lens Mount |
| 1 | Lirank 35mm f/1.6 APS-C Lens | 35mm | C mouth |
| 2 | Aihome Monocular 300X C-Mount Lens | 100-115mm | C mouth |
| 3 | Pixco 25mm C-Mount lens | 25mm | C Mount |
| 4 | Pixco 50mm f/1.4 C-Mount Lens | – | – |
| 5 | Generic Monocular 8x-100x C-Mount Lens | 55m-200mm | C Mount |
1. Lirank 35mm f/1.6 APS-C Lens
If you are looking for the perfect CCTV lens, the Lirank 35mm lens should be at the top of your list. With an aperture of f/1.6, this lens is ideal for low-light applications.
Thus makes it ideal for use in areas such as bars, parking lots, warehouses, shops, etc.
Even better is that it has an alloy casing that ensures the lens would remain in good shape when used in harsh environments.
Let’s not forget that it is compatible with a host of camera brands, including Canon, Sony, Olympus, Fuji, and Nikon.
Pros
- Has an alloy casing for protection
- Decent performance in poorly lit areas
- Affordable
Cons
- No zooming power
2. Aihome Monocular 300X C-Mount Lens
If you are disappointed about the lack of zooming power in the product above, then this Monocular C-Mount lens may be what you need.
Besides the zooming power, the focusing mechanism is also decent to ensure you end up with high-quality images.
What’s more, is the alloy casing that enhances the lens’s durability even when used in harsh environments.
Mounting the lens is also a straightforward affair, and this should appeal to the newbies.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Excellent zooming power
- Easy mounting
Cons
- Poor performer in low light conditions
3. Pixco 25mm C-Mount lens
The Pixco 25mm lens is a prime lens with an f/1.4 aperture. This is relatively large, and it makes the lens ideal for application in poorly lit environments.
On top of that, it has a wide field of view, meaning that it can cover a larger area under surveillance. This is one of the reasons why it is considered one of the best lenses for CCTV cameras.
Let’s also mention the infinity focus feature, which ensures that even the shots taken for long-distance subjects are always high-quality.
Pros
- Decently priced
- Has a wide field of view
- Decent performance in poorly lit environments
Cons
- Lack of zooming power
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4. Pixco 50mm f/1.4 C-Mount Lens
If the previous Pixco model impressed you, here is another one with a greater focal length to ensure that your CCTV camera delivers ultra-clear footage.
The f/1.4 aperture is enough for the lens to be used in dimly lit areas such as enclosed parking lots, bars and warehouses.
Also worth noting is the focusing ability, which is quite impressive that it always delivers high-quality shots even for long-distance subjects.
Pros
- Comes with a lens adapter
- Ideal for dimly lit places
- Decent focusing ability
Cons
- The build quality is not that great
5. Generic Monocular 8x-100x C-Mount Lens
The last item on our list is another monocular C-Mount lens, which has a wide aperture and is ideal for use with a lab microscope camera.
This lens has a sturdy housing crafted from top-notch metal alloys to enhance its durability, even if it accidentally drops on the floor.
You should not have much to complain about its price since this is one of the most affordable C-Mount lenses that you may ever find.
Pros
- Sturdy metal housing
- Well-priced
- Decent zooming power
Cons
- Poor performer in poorly lit areas
The Buying Guide
To make things easier for you, this section features some of the factors that you need to keep in mind as your search for the ideal C-Mount lens.
The Zooming Power
The zooming power determines how much of the area under surveillance that the lens can cover. Further, it also enables you to capture distant objects more clearly.
Performance in poorly lit areas
An ideal lens would capture clear images, even in dim conditions. To achieve this, you need a wide aperture of f/2.0 going downwards.
Intended Application
If you are planning to use the lens on a CCTV camera, then you need to be keen on the aperture and zooming power so that you can get clear and high-quality images.
However, if it is for leisure activities, then something simple would still get the job done.
Price
You should always have a budget within which you intend to stick. In most cases, the pricier lenses have more advanced features than their affordable counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have also compiled some common questions and their responses to boost your knowledge of C-Mount lenses.
What is a C-Mount Lens?
This is a mount-type lens that is common in CCTV camera systems as well as filmmaking (more in the past). The lens is designed to work with sensors of different sizes depending on their intended use.
What should I look for in a C-Mount lens?
Some of the factors that you need to pay attention to in your search for the ideal C-Mount lens include the zooming power, the use, your budget as well as how it would perform in poorly lit conditions.
The Best Overall
After that lengthy discussion, we have settled on the Lirank 35mm f/1.6 APS-C Lens as our top pick. It is affordable, and it puts on an excellent performance even in poorly lit conditions. On top of that, it has a sturdy housing that ensures it can withstand any type of hardship that it is exposed to.
Wrapping it Up
After all that, we hope that our article has been of great help in your search for quality C Mount lenses. Note that your intended use of the glass will significantly determine the type of lens that you go for.
So, make up your mind on what you are looking for, and you should be in a better position to make an informed choice.