Low Distortion 1.8mm Wide-Angle M12 Lens for 8MP Sensors

The CIL018 is a 1.8mm F/2.8 wide-angle M12 lens for systems that need 128° coverage on a 1/2.5" sensor without the heavy barrel distortion most lenses in this class bring. It holds distortion to -14% barrel, which is why it keeps showing up when engineers ask for a 125°+ M12 lens that does not turn every straight edge into a curve. If geometry matters, this is one of the better places to start.

The optical design uses 5G2P with multiple aspherical surfaces, and that is what makes the spec believable instead of marketing copy. The 6.8mm image circle, with a usable maximum of 7.1mm, gives you a little margin on slightly oversized formats. At 6-8MP and 1.85μm pixel pitch, sensors like the IMX335 and AR0521 sit in the target zone. The MTF stays strong enough for 4K on 1/2.5" sensors, which is not common at this price point or in an 8g package.

Two mechanical variants are available. The M12A is the standard version with BBAR coating on lens surface 1 and AL6061 cap and barrel, but it has no ingress protection. The M12B keeps the same optical formula and the same F/2.8 performance, then adds IP67 sealing for splash and moisture exposure. Both variants require a 9mm-13mm tall M12 holder, and the Commonlands CLA018 is a confirmed fit.

Mechanical compatibility is broad. Allied Vision Alvium, FLIR Blackfly S, iDS uEye LE, and The Imaging Source M12 boards all accept this lens, although iDS Rev1.2 requires the C-NO suffix. The Raspberry Pi HQ Camera is also compatible. That makes the CIL018 a strong pick for Pi-based systems that need wide coverage but cannot tolerate the distortion penalty of a cheaper fisheye-style part.

STP files and mechanical drawings are available on the product page. Orders placed before 12 PM PST ship same day from San Diego. Volume pricing starts at 50 units, with additional breaks at 100, 250, 500, 1k, and above.