Compare Security Camera Angles
Choosing the right lenses for your security surveillance cameras is one of the primary aspects of designing an effective video surveillance system. Each type of security camera lens features a different field of view.
The images below contain footage taken from a 2 MP camera. The vehicle is parked 70 feet from the camera. Cameras with higher megapixel count will produce a more detailed image.
Some cameras offer adjustable lenses in order to help capture the perfect angle. The digital zoom feature will allow you to see these images with more detail.
|
2.8 mm lens, 110° angle
This is the widest viewing angle you can achieve. |
3.6 mm lens, 90° angle
This is the most popular and common lens size. |
|
6 mm lens, 51° angle
This angle is not as wide as 2.8mm or 3.6mm, but you can see further in the distance. |
12 mm lens, 29° angle
You can easily read a license plate from 70ft with the 12mm lens. |
|
50 mm lens, 7° angle
You can view far away objects in close detail with a 50mm lens. |
Security Camera Lens Selection Guide
Wide-Angle Lens Security Cameras
- Great for wide spaces
- Excellent when the camera is placed close to the area of observation
- May be able to provide the same coverage as two narrow-lens cameras
Great For: Large rooms, hallway corners, multi-door entrances
Narrow-Angle Lens Security Cameras
- Great for seeing over long distances
- Excellent when the camera is placed further from the area of observation
Great For: Points of sale, long hallways, single-door entrances, recording license plates
Talk to Our Expert Support Team
When you need to find the right Security Camera Lens type, CCTV Security Pros is here to help. Contact us to connect with an expert.
Security Camera Lens Chart:
|
Lens Focal
Length |
Distance between video camera and the video subject area
|
|||||||||||
|
5' away
|
10' away
|
15' away
|
25' away
|
50' away
|
100' away
|
|||||||
|
mm
|
Horz area
|
Vert area
|
Horz area
|
Vert area
|
Horz area
|
Vert area
|
Horz area
|
Vert area
|
Horz area
|
Vert area
|
Horz area
|
Vert area
|
|
2.45
|
17.3'
|
13'
|
34.6'
|
26'
|
51.9'
|
39'
|
86.5'
|
65'
|
173'
|
130'
|
346'
|
260'
|
|
2.80
|
14'
|
10.5'
|
28'
|
21'
|
42'
|
31.5'
|
70'
|
52.5'
|
140'
|
105'
|
280'
|
210'
|
|
2.97
|
12.3'
|
9.6'
|
24.6'
|
19.2'
|
36.9'
|
28.8'
|
61.5'
|
48'
|
123'
|
96'
|
246'
|
192'
|
|
3.60
|
7.5'
|
5.7'
|
15'
|
11.4'
|
22.5'
|
17.1'
|
37.5'
|
28.5'
|
75'
|
57'
|
150'
|
114'
|
|
3.70
|
7.3'
|
5.5'
|
14.6'
|
11'
|
21.9'
|
16.5'
|
36.5'
|
27.5'
|
73'
|
55'
|
146'
|
110'
|
|
4.0
|
6.6'
|
5'
|
13.2'
|
10'
|
19.8'
|
15'
|
33'
|
25'
|
66'
|
50'
|
132'
|
100'
|
|
4.30
|
6.1'
|
4.6'
|
12.2'
|
9.2'
|
18.3'
|
13.8'
|
30.5'
|
23'
|
61'
|
46'
|
122'
|
92'
|
|
5.0
|
4.7'
|
3.5'
|
9.4'
|
7'
|
14.1'
|
10.5'
|
23.5'
|
17.5'
|
47'
|
35'
|
94'
|
70'
|
|
6.0
|
3.8'
|
2.9'
|
7.6'
|
5.8'
|
11.4'
|
8.7'
|
19'
|
14.5'
|
38'
|
29'
|
76'
|
58'
|
|
8.0
|
2.9'
|
2.2'
|
5.8'
|
4.4'
|
8.7'
|
6.6'
|
14.5'
|
11'
|
29'
|
22'
|
58'
|
44'
|
|
12.0
|
1.9'
|
1.5'
|
3.8'
|
2.8'
|
5.7'
|
4.5'
|
9.5'
|
7.5'
|
19'
|
15'
|
38'
|
28'
|
|
16.0
|
1.4'
|
1.1'
|
2.8'
|
2.2'
|
4.2'
|
3.3'
|
7'
|
5.5'
|
14'
|
11'
|
28'
|
22'
|
|
25.0
|
1'
|
0.7'
|
2'
|
1.4'
|
3'
|
2.1'
|
5'
|
3.5'
|
10'
|
7'
|
20'
|
14'
|
|
50.0
|
0.4'
|
0.3'
|
0.8'
|
0.6'
|
1.2'
|
0.9'
|
2'
|
1.5'
|
4'
|
3'
|
8'
|
6'
|
