Small, Light Weight, Continuous Zoom Lens for Drones & UAVs

MKS Instruments, a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, announced the Ophir LightIR compact, continuous zoom lens at XPONENTIAL. LightIR is a lightweight, infrared (IR) thermal imaging lens for cooled detectors in commercial applications, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), marine, and handheld devices.

LightIR is a compact, high performance, F/5.5 zoom lens with a focal length of 20-275 millimetres. At only 264g, it is one of the smallest, lightest weight, continuous zoom lenses on the market. It maintains a very high zoom ratio over the entire zoom range. A single board controller provides a micro switch option to select between RS485 and RS232 communications.

“LightIR features an innovative and unique optomechanical design that combines a lightweight, compact lens with a special zoom and focus movement,” according to Yitzhak Raif, General Manager, Ophir Optics Group. “The end result is the highest IR thermal imaging performance on the market, ideal for stabilized payloads in a variety of drone, UAV, and handheld devices for commercial applications.”

AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2017 is showcasing the future of innovation across unmanned systems and robotics and www.monch.com brings together key developments from the show. For more information please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY #5/2017, available at the show; and frequently check back for more NEWS FROM THE FLOOR.