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Frequently Asked Questions


Samples, Drawings, and Training FAQs:

Q: Are outline drawings and data available for Navitar components?

Outline drawings, in pdf format, may be downloaded from our website. If other formats are needed, contact your regional sales rep for assistance.

Q: Are solid models of Navitar systems available?

Solid models are readily available in .step format. Other formats may be requested but there may be a few days of lead-time for other file formats. Contact your regional sales rep for solid models.

Q: Does Navitar provide lens samples?

Yes, Navitar will “lend” product samples to customers for a 30-day evaluation period. A customer can then decide to purchase or return the sample after the evaluation. Navitar will pay for the initial shipping charges. Duty and taxes on export shipments are paid by the importing company. If the product is returned, the customer is responsible for return-shipping charges.

Q: How do I get samples for evaluation?

Place a regular purchase order (PO) for the samples that includes a note: "These items are being ordered for a 30-day evaluation period and may be returned within this time at no charge." If the customer decides to keep the items, they can simply pay the invoice that travels with the package.

Q: Can customers send samples to Navitar and get back images?

Yes, contact your local Navitar sales representative for details regarding your specific need. Click here to find your local sales representative.

Q: Do you offer product training sessions?

Currently, our product training sessions are conducted individually at the customer site. Contact your local sales rep to arrange for training on any of our products.

Q: Do you provide Dealer training?

Currently, our product training sessions are conducted individually at the dealer site. Contact your local sales rep to arrange for training on any of our products

Q: Where can I find training on your lenses? Is there a CD/Video available on your products?

At this time we do not have electronic training support for our products.


Delivery and Payment FAQs:

Q: What is the standard delivery/lead time for Navitar products?

Standard products are normally shipped from our factory within two weeks of the order date. Custom order delivery times will be quoted on an order-by-order basis.

Q: What volume discounts or special pricing do you offer?

Contact your dealer or Navitar sales representative for applicable discounts.

Q: What payment options are available? Can I pay by credit card?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards. Payments can also be made by TT in advance. Credit terms are available to those customers that complete our credit application. Contact your Navitar Sales representative for a copy of this application.

Q: Do you charge a handling fee when you ship products?

Yes, we charge a nominal handling fee for all shipments.


Repairs, Returns, and Warranty FAQs:

Q: Can we return the product if it doesn't work with our application?

Most returns have a 20% restocking fee. We encourage you to discuss your application with a Navitar sales rep prior to placing your order.

Q: What do we do when we need to have a lens repaired? Can a dealer repair it?

We urge our dealers to return all products to our factory for any repairs. Unauthorized disassembly will result in voiding the product warranty. Many product repairs require specialized knowledge and tools/equipment.

Q: Product warranty?

All Navitar optical products come with a conditional lifetime warranty. These products are guaranteed to perform in your most demanding applications. Navitar also provides lifetime technical support for our optical products.

How to Order from Navitar FAQs:

Q: Who do I place my order with?

Orders should be placed with your local authorized Navitar dealer.

Q: How do I find an authorized Navitar dealer?

To locate a Navitar dealer, please click here and select your specific location:

Q: Can I buy directly from Navitar?

Navitar has a world wide dealer network to assist you in specifying and ordering your products.


Navitar Company FAQs:

Q: What is Navitar?

Navitar is a leading manufacturer of optical solutions for the machine vision and audio visual markets.

Q: Who are your customers?

Navitar supplies leading companies in a wide variety of industries. Our customers can be found in the fields of Semiconductor, Bio-Medical, Flat Panel Display, Simulation, Electronic Testing, Machine Vision and Metrology.

Q: Where is Navitar located?

A: 200 Commerce Drive, Rochester, New York, 14623 USA. Click here for directions.


Navitar Optics FAQs:

Q: Who makes Navitar lenses? Where?

We design and assemble all Navitar lenses at the Navitar factory, located in Rochester, New York, USA.

Q: Why should I use a lens attachment to increase the magnification if it reduces the working distance? Why not change the lens adapter instead?

Resolution is determined by the numerical aperture (N.A.) at the object side of the lens system. Changing the lens adapter will increase the magnification but have no effect on the resolution. Increasing the resolution can only be accomplished by adding a lens attachment.

Q: How do I choose the correct components to get a specific magnification at a specific working distance.

The best way to choose the correct parts is to use the matrix charts on our website. First, choose the row where the lens attachment provides the desired working distance. Next, select the column with the desired magnification or field of view. Click here to view a sample matrix chart.

Q: How do I mount a lens?

We offer mounting brackets that clamp on the adapter barrel. Motorized lenses have optional flat plates for mounting. We can also create custom mounting fixtures as required.

Q: Can you shorten the optics of a lens?

Yes, we offer a variety of adapter tubes of different lengths. These can be used to change the overall object to image distance. Navitar also provides 90 degree bends in the object and image spaces using both mirrors and Non-inverting Right Angle (NIRA) prisms.

Q: Why can’t I get high magnification and good depth of field?

To get adequate resolution, most high magnification systems also have a high numeric aperture (N.A.). Depth of field is inversely proportional to N.A. If the system has an iris, you may increase the depth of field by closing down the iris, but this will result in less resolution.

Q: What is the resolution of your lens system?

Resolution is a function of the lens system’s numerical aperture (N.A.). The formula to calculate resolution in line pairs per mm is 3000 x N.A. View other useful formulas.

Q: How do I determine the focal length I require?

Object size and camera format determine magnification. Magnification and working distance determine lens type. Please refer to the lens calculators for fixed focal lengths and the respective charts for zoom systems and Precise Eye systems.

Q: Where are your lenses used?

Navitar supplies the leading companies in a wide variety of industries. Our customers can be found in the fields of Semiconductor, Bio-Medical, Flat Panel Display, Simulation, Electronic Testing, Machine Vision and Metrology.

Q: What is the difference between depth of field and depth of focus?

Depth of field is the viewable thickness envelope at the object plane. Depth of focus is the image thickness envelope at the image plane.

Q: Are your optics A/R (anti-reflective) coated?

Yes.

Q: How can I get more depth of field?

Use a slower lens (higher F/#, lower N.A.). Or, if available, stop down the system with an iris, but be aware that resolution will diminish.


Telecentric FAQs:

Q: Do you sell telecentric lenses?

Yes, we offer an entire line of telecentric lenses to meet your needs. Click here to view our available telecentric lenses.

Q: What is a telecentric lens?

One of the most important benefits of a telecentric lens is that image magnification does not change as object distance varies. A telecentric lens views and displays the entire object from the same prospective angle, therefore, three-dimensional features will not exhibit the perspective distortion and image position errors present when using a standard lens. Objects inside deep holes are visible throughout the field, undistorted, therefore, telecentric lenses are extremely useful for inspecting three-dimensional objects or scenes where image size and shape accuracy are critical.

Q: Are your zoom lenses telecentric?

The 12X Telecentric Zoom system allows users to reach a true telecentric condition to within less than 0.3° while maintaining constant perspective and magnification. This means that even if the object is slightly out of focus, the size of the image will not change. The 12X Telecentric Zoom provides field coverage from 50 mm down to 4 mm and the coaxial illumination allows clear viewing, even when working with mirror-like surfaces. Click here for details about our 12X Telecentric Zoom System.

Q: When would I need a telecentric lens?

If you are concerned about a shift in magnification with object distance. Or, if perspective error is unacceptable over a given field of view.

Q: Will using a telecentric lens improve my depth of field?

No, telecentricity will keep the magnification constant through the depth of field. However the focus will soften as with any lens. The depth of field will still be determined by the system's F/#.


Easy Reader Auto Focus FAQs:

Q: How fast does the auto focus work in the Easy Reader?

Approximately 1.5 seconds if the starting point is at the limit of the auto focus range. Less if the starting point is closer.

Q: Can I use the Easy Reader to make height measurements?

Yes, the Easy Reader provides an output reading of the focus position. This reading can be calibrated by the user. The user will need to develop software to interpret this reading.

Q: My object has multiple heights. I want to focus on the highest/lowest surface. Can the Easy Reader do this?

Yes, always start the auto focus routine on the side of the surface of interest that is away from other surfaces. Then run a "one-push" focus so that the camera will focus on the first surface and stop there.


CCTV / Low Magnification Video Lens FAQs:

Q: I'm using a CCTV lens in my machine vision application. How can I improve the image quality without moving up to an expensive lens?

Use a CCTV lens designed for a larger format camera. Dyotar lenses are optimized for larger magnifications and larger sensor formats.

Q: Can you recommend a lens if I know my FOV, working distance, and camera?

A: Yes. Contact your local Navitar sales representative, who will be happy to determine the correct lens for your application. You can also use the following formula to determine the required focal length (FL) for your application: FL= CCD x WD/FOV. Click here for other useful CCTV lens formulas.

Q: Do your CCTV lenses have set screws?

A: A few custom versions do have set screws. Contact your local Navitar sales representative for additional information.

Q: What is “C-Mount” ?

1” – 32T mounting thread with a 0.690” (17.53mm) flange distance.

Q: How do I put a filter on the front of my CCTV lens?

Most CCTV lenses come with female threads that accept standard Tiffen (or equal) filters (http://www.tiffen.com/). It may be necessary to purchase a “step-ring” to adapt to available filter sizes.


Camera FAQs:

Q: Do you sell cameras?

Not at this time.

Q: If not, can you recommend a camera?

We recommend that you contact a Navitar dealer or work with a reputable camera manufacturer to guide you through the camera selection process. Contact a Navitar dealer.

Q: Can I use a C-mount lens on a CS-mount camera?

Yes, with the addition of a 5mm spacer. This compensates for the smaller flange distance designed into a CS-mount camera.

Q: Do you have lenses for line scan cameras?

We do not currently offer lenses for line scan cameras, but we may in the future.


Vision Illumination / Lighting FAQs:

Q: Do you sell lighting?

Yes, we offer a variety of lighting options for various applications. Click here for details about available lighting options.

Q: How bright is your BrightLight LED system? Is it as bright as a fiber optic bundle?

The BrightLight II, at full intensity, is roughly one-half the output of a 150 watt Halogen fiber illuminator at full intensity.

Q: Can I use my own driver for the BrightLight illuminators?

Yes, if you have the skills to apply “pulse width modulation.” LED's are current-driven devices. They are easily damaged by improper driving. In addition typical current drive circuits will cause the color of the LED to vary with intensity. This can cause unexpected complications in many applications. Navitar's driver utilizes a circuit architecture that maintains consistent performance when changing intensity.

Q: What is the voltage of your power supply for the BrightLight I, II, Ring Light?

A: BrightLight I = 9 VDC, BrightLight II = 12 VDC, and Ring Light = 5 VDC.

Q: Do your fiber bundles fit power supplies from different manufacturers?

A: Navitar fiber bundles typically fit into power supplies with 0.5” or 0.72” diameter fiber receptacles. Custom couplers can be designed to fit other power supplies.

Q: What are the lifetimes for the Navitar LED systems?

A: All of the BrightLight I’s are specified at 100K hours. The higher power whites do not last as long. The dual power 2.6/4 (and yes, our driver has two modes of customer selectable operation) is specified at 50K/20K depending on mode. The 4.8 watt white is still limited to 500-1000 hours. The color 4.8 watts are good for 100K. Specifications supplied by Luxeon.


6X & 12X High Magnification
Zoom / Video Microscope System FAQs

Q: Can a crosshair be used with Navitar systems?

Yes, Navitar offers a reticle projector (1-60068) that may be used with either the Zoom 6000 or 12X Zoom systems. The reticle must be 21mm in diameter and is sold separately.

Q: How is the reticle projector configured with the zoom system?

The information on the reticle (crosshair, micrometer, custom graphic) must be contained to the size of the sensor. For example, if a ½” camera sensor is used, the reticle must have the information in a 4.8x6.4mm area to be seen on the monitor.

Q: Why isn't my zoom boresighted (the image moves laterally during zooming)?

A: Due to tolerances in lenses and cameras, it is not possible to bolt components together and have perfect alignment. The 1-6010 C-mount coupler has clearance that permits positioning the camera over the optical zoom center. Remember that, with a 12X zoom system, any centration error at low magnification will be 12 times larger at high magnification. Here is the procedure for adjusting boresighting:

All Navitar zoom systems are designed to zoom on center. Adjust the position of your CCD with respect to the optical axis of the lens:

  1. Choose a target that has many small features.
  2. Mark the center point of your monitor.
  3. Change the zoom from low to high magnification many times and locate a reference that does not shift laterally as you zoom.
  4. Adjust to lowest magnification setting.
  5. Adjust the three setscrews on the C-mount coupler to bring that reference point to the center of your monitor. (Use three hex wrenches at the same time to make this adjustment. 8-32 x 0.125)
  6. The system should now stay on center when the magnification is adjusted.

The lens must first be adjusted so that it is parfocal. (See Question & Answer Below)

Q: Do your video microscope systems stay in focus throughout the zoom range?

A: All Navitar zoom systems are designed to stay in focus when adjusted from one magnification to another. The procedure below describes how to adjust the components.

  1. Position fine focus mechanism at the middle point of travel. (If the lens has fine focus.)
  2. Adjust the magnification to its highest setting.
  3. Adjust focus by either moving entire optical system in its z-axis or using the fine focus provided on the lens. Adjust until you have a sharp image.
  4. Adjust the magnification to its lowest setting. At this point do not re-adjust z-axis height or the fine focus on the lens.
  5. Adjust the back focus of the lens. This is done by adjusting the glass in the adapter tube. Most adapter tubes with glass have a locking screw and an adjustment screw. Release the locking screw and then use the adjustment screw to bring the image into focus. If using adapters without glass they can be adjusted using the telescoping feature or the CCD in the camera can be adjusted.
  6. Lock the back focus adjustment.

At this point the lens should produce sharp images from low to high magnification.

Q: What is the difference between the Zoom 6000 and 12X Zoom?

A: The 12X zoom has a higher N.A. and larger zoom range. The Zoom 6000 has a smaller profile. The Zoom 6000 is shorter with a smaller outside diameter.

Q: What are the resolution capabilities of your zoom systems?

A: The cut-off frequency is generally 3000 x N.A. in line pairs/mm, in visible light.

Q: Why can't you use a 2/3" format camera with your 12X Ultra-zoom lens?

A: The 12X lens is designed for use with a ½” CCD. Systems used with sensors greater than ½” can show vignetting at lower magnification settings.

Q: Where can you mount clamps to the zoom lens?

A: Manual zooms have cylindrical flanges. Motorized zooms can be mounted with flat plates. Both manual and motorized zooms can be held using adapter clamps.

Q: How do I get a required magnification on my monitor with a video microscope system?

A: Total Magnification on Monitor =
(Lens Attach. Mag.) x (Zoom Mag.) x (Adapter Mag.) x (Cam/Monitor Mag.)

Q: Can I attach an M25x0.75t micro objective to an UltraZoom?

A: All The M25 x 0.75t objectives will thread directly into our UltraZooms with use of the correct coupler. Zoom 6000 and 12X UltraZoom lenses include these couplers when ordered. Precise Eye lenses also require a coupler to attach objectives. This should be purchased separately.

Q: Why do you call it a Zoom 6000?

A: This was a past product name. The lens actually provides a 6.5:1 zoom ratio or change in magnification.

Q: Why do you call it a 12X zoom?

A: The lens provides a 12:1 change in magnification from low to high.

Q: Can I get a video coupler for my microscope from Navitar?

A: Yes. Click here for data on our video coupler.


IR / UV FAQs:

Q: Do your optics work in the Infrared wavelength?

A: Nominal operating wavelengths are 400-1500 nm.

Q: Do your optics work in the Near UV?

A: Nominal operating wavelengths are 400-1500 nm.

Q: Do you offer Near IR Lenses?

A: Yes. See details for our 12X NIR lens system or our Zoom 6000 NIR lens system.


Motorized Options FAQs:

Q: What endurance can be expected from a Navitar motorized system?

A: The system wear characteristics are a function of operating speed. Navitar recommends that a complete cycle time not be less than 3 seconds.

Q: Does Navitar offer holders or clamps for their motorized systems?

A: A flat surface-mount option may be purchased for the 12X and Zoom 6000 systems. Alternatively, the user may affix the system by using a clamp placed on the adapter. Clamps shall NOT be applied in any location other than the adapter as this may cause interferences within the zoom system. Click here for mounting options.

Q: Does Navitar supply drivers for their motorized systems?

A: Yes, Navitar has gone to great lengths to make a complete motorized solution available for your zoom needs. We highly recommend that our motorized zoom systems be used in conjunction with our driver/control options. The options consist of either a board level or an enclosed driver. Both are computer controlled and an additional manual control box can be connected to any driver model. Additionally, Navitar will supply the source code for easy interface with existing equipment.

Q: Since Navitar has three different motor options (2-phase stepper, 5-phase stepper and DC servo with encoder) how do I select the proper system for my application?

A: It depends on your personal preference and requirements, as well as the following considerations: The 2-phase stepper and the DC servo have a smaller ‘footprint’ than the 5-phase stepper. However, the 5-phase provides the greatest resolution due to the decreased step-angle from the 2-phase system. Additionally, the 2-phase and 5-phase have ‘holding torque’ inherent in the stepper design. The 2-phase will tend to get warm to the touch where the 5- phase will not, so if temperature is an issue consider the 5-phase. See motor options.

Q: Can you go from one position to the next position on your motorized lens without going to the home position?

A: Yes, you can turn off the “homing” feature if absolute magnification repeatability is not an issue. If, however, repeatability is an issue, drive the lens towards the home position and always approach your target location from the same direction (home) to omit the backlash in the system.

Q: How long can the cables be for your motorized zoom lens?

A: RS-232 Cables = 150 feet / 46 meters
USB Cables = 10 feet / 3 meters max
DC Drive = No limit to length (voltage drop)
DC Encoded = 6 feet / 1.8 meters max
2-Phase Stepper/HE = 16 feet / 4.9 meters max
5-Phase Stepper/HE = 16 feet / 4.9 meters max

Q: Which axis controls the zoom on your control box?

A: The zoom shall always be axis 1 and the fine focus shall always be axis 2.

Q: What is the repeatability of our motorized zoom system?

A: Refer to the motorized operator’s manual on the Navitar website:

PDF Motorized Controller User Manual for Windows
PDF Motorized Controller User Manual for LabVIEW

If proper homing procedures are followed, along with environmental control and consistent operating parameters, magnification will repeat within less than 1/10 of 1%. Lateral repeat equals 2-3 microns. Lateral zoom wander equals 20-30 microns.


Large Format Lens FAQs:

Q: Do you carry large format lenses in either C or F mount?

A: Yes, we offer both C-mount and F-mount large format lenses. Click here to view our selection of large format lenses.


Custom Design FAQs:

Q: Can Navitar design custom products?

A: Yes. Contact Navitar with your specific requirements and our expert engineering team will work with you to develop a custom solution to meet your needs. After discussing your specifications in detail, we will offer a solution that outlines system performance, operating trade-off, NRE charges, and estimate prototype and serial production costs.

Q: I need a solution that is just a little different from what I see in the catalog. What should I do?

A: Call your regional sales rep. Navitar has many years of experience in providing solutions for a wide spectrum of machine vision applications. Chances are that we've already addressed a situation similar to yours.


Other Questions? Back to Top

Q: My question is not listed here. How do I get my question answered?

A: You can e-mail your question to Navitar, contact your local sales representative, or call Navitar directly at 1-585-359-4000.