MKS-Ophir has introduced the Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 MWIR Continuous Zoom Lens at the SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing 2025 event.
The FoldIR 25-275mm lens is the newest member of the FoldIR series, which features lightweight adn compact continuous zoom lenses tailored for drone applications. this lens is specifically optimized for the latest 15µm pitch VGA focal plane array (FPA) detectors, designed to meet the evolving demands of low-SWaP cooled VGA detectors, merging compact design with high performance to cater to the security and defense sectors.
This innovative lens boasts a folded optics configuration that minimizes both the length and overall dimensions of the optical system. Measuring 107mm x 101.5mm x 96mm (including the IR detector) and weighing just 302 grams (360 grams with the detector), it offers remarkable long-range detection capabilities exceeding 14.5 kilometers while ensuring high image quality throughout its entire field of view with continuous zoom functionality.
The unique folded optics design of the FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 lens allows for an extended optical path within a compact structure, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing variances by utilizing fewer optical components. This design ensures consistent sharp focus across the entire zoom range and includes both mechanical and electrical interfaces for easy integration into various camera systems. Its advanced engineering achieves near-diffraction-limit performance, even in challenging environments, while effectively addressing issues like line-of-sight (LOS) stabilization and athermalization.
Dr. Kobi Lasri, General Manager of the Ophir Optics product line at MKS Instruments, stated, “The landscape of infrared imaging applications is rapidly changing, leading to heightened demands for reduced Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP). The FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 zoom lens offers unmatched functionality and standoff range relative to its SWaP characteristics. With its groundbreaking combination of low-SWaP features,a detection range surpassing 14.5 kilometers, and competitive pricing, this new zoom lens is a game-changer for small gimbal thermal imaging applications on drones and compact UAVs.”
