2.8mm vs 3.6mm Lens: Better Suit For Security Camera
Introduction
When it comes to CCTV cameras, different lenses provide different results. Just like 2.8mm and 3.6mm. Although they work the same way, both of them are suited for different purposes.
It’s important that you figure out which one is best suited for you. Before you spend money on the wrong lens. In order to do that, find out what makes them so different in the first place. This can be a bit of a challenge if you’re unaware of their specs.
We’ve noted down all the noteworthy differences between the 2.8mm lens vs 3.6mm lens. So that you can understand which lens is for you. Then you can make the right purchase.
If you’re interested to know the differences, keep on reading.
Let’s get started.
Basic Comparison between 2.8 And 3.6mm Lens
Although both products serve the same purpose, they have a number of distinctive features. Those make them very different from one another.
To make your shopping experience easier, here’s a short comparison chart between both the lenses below-
Features 2.8mm 3.6mm
Cost & Availability Price range: $6 - $1000 Availability varies according to brand Price range: $90 - $500
Availability varies according to brand
Angle of view (approx) 105 degrees 78 degrees
Distance coverage for clear number plate 1.5 meters 3 meters
Widely used for Indoors Outdoors
Type of lens Varifocal Motorized
Now that you know all the basic differences, let’s get down to a more detailed comparison.
Head to Head between 2.8mm vs 3.6mm Lens – Detailed Guide
If you’re experienced with CCTV cameras, you already know the lens type makes a huge difference. 2.8mm vs 3.6mm lens is no exception.
Check out the key features of both lenses below to choose one-
Cost And Availability
Both 2.8 mm and 3.6 mm lenses can be found in the market with different price points. Which depends on their quality and brand tag.
2.8 mm Lens
There are many brands in the market that make CCTV cameras with 2.8mm lens. So it’ll always be available. For a specific brand/ model, it may or may not be available depending on the stock of the shop.
When it comes to price, you will find these lenses in a wide range. Depending on the brand and quality, they can range from $6 to $1000.
3.6mm Lens
3.6 mm lens is also produced by many brands. So they’re always available in the market. But if you’re concerned about a specific model/brand, that’s a different story.
The 3.6mm lens is marketed with a price range starting from $90 to $500. The price point differs on the basis of the brand and quality of the product.
Field Of Vision
Both 2.8mm and 3.6mm are very similar in most cases. But their biggest difference lies in the field of vision of both lenses.
2.8 mm Lens
The 2.8mm lens has a very larger field of view compared to 3.6mm. Its field of view is approximately 110 degrees. Which makes it a very common option for static camera surveillance. Even with only one sensor, it can cover a large area.
It’s great for monitoring the overall view. However, it can’t capture any detailed image or data if it’s far away. Like- car number plates.
3.6 mm Lens
The 3.6mm lens produces a scene that is identical to the 2.8mm lens. But they show more detail at a greater distance. The most noticeable change is the narrower field of vision. This gives the impression that objects are much closer to the camera. Its field of view is approximately 78 degrees.
This is why 3.6mm is also very useful when it comes to detection and recognition.
Distance Coverage
Both the lenses are considered wide-angle. Yet they differ from one another when it comes to distance coverage.
2.8 mm Lens
The 2.8 mm lens covers a total distance of 1.5 meters. Which is half less than 3.6mm. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t provide more coverage. In fact, a 2.8 mm lens provides more coverage as it has a larger view of angle.
3.6 mm Lens
The 3.6 mm lens covers a total distance of 3 meters. Its wide distance coverage along with its narrower field of view makes it perfect for grabbing details.
Placement of Camera
The placement of your CCTV camera is very crucial. It makes sure that it works with the highest efficiency and effectiveness.
2.8 mm Lens
When it comes to the indoors, the 2.8mm lens is a very common option amongst most CCTV users. In order to monitor an entire room, you’ll only need one camera mounted at the corner. So it’s great for overview shots.
3.6 mm Lens
Due to their field of vision, they’re frequently used in areas where detail is important. It’s usually placed in front of doors. It’s also useful when you need a narrower view to avoid inspecting unnecessary scenery.
Thus, they’re placed conspicuously around these areas.
Purpose
Depending on their attributes both of the lenses are used for different purposes. This ensures the best results.
2.8 mm Lens
It’s perfect for covering the top of your house. Or to get a bird’s-eye view of your whole backyard. You can keep an eye on your kids or pets while you’re in the kitchen preparing dinner.
They’re also useful for outdoor places like train station platforms.
3.6 mm lens
A 3.6 mm lens is usually used for surveillance in front of doors. Especially to catch and identify someone stealing your packages or attempting to break-in.
In that case, 3.6mm is the perfect choice for security concerns.
Which Lens Should You Go For?
There is no one fixed choice between both the lenses.
The reason being, everyone’s requirements are different. Your lens preference depends on the placement of the camera, coverage angle, etc. For example – your front porch and someone else’s front porch aren’t the same. This is why we cannot give you an absolute answer.
However, we can help you understand which is best suited based on your requirements and landscape.
If you’re looking for a lens to overlook a wide area without any details, go for a 2.8mm lens. This kind of lens is perfect for indoors, backyard coverage, etc.
But if your primary concern is security, 3.6mm is the way to go. It is useful for recognition and detection which makes it the perfect option for front porch, parking lots, etc.
At the end of the day, your lens preference entirely depends on the situation. But if you’re still unsure, you could do a trial run with a single motorized varifocal camera.
Place it in each position where you’d like a camera in the future. Then play around with the zoom until you find the field of view that suits you.
If you’re interested, you can try out the two single motorized varifocal camera options below.
Hopefully, with these cameras, you’ll be able to determine which lens is best suited for you.
That’s all from our side. Now it’s up to you to decide which lens you want for your home security.
FAQs
Question: What is lens angle of view?
Answer: Angle of view is the measurement of how much of a scene or area a lens can take in. It is expressed in degrees.
Question: What is a 3.6mm lens angle of view?
Answer: A 3.6mm lens angle of view is approximately 78 degrees. Which is perfect for most CCTV applications when it comes to sufficient area coverage and great detail detection.
Question: What is a 2.8mm lens angle of view?
Answer: A 2.8mm lens will provide approximately a 110-degree angle of view. Its wide area coverage makes it a popular choice for static camera surveillance.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve compared 2.8mm vs 3.6mm lens. You can figure out which one is one for you. At the end of the day, it’s your decision to choose which one you want regardless of the verdict.
We hope you found this article helpful. We’ve tried our best to provide you with all relevant information to make the right purchase.
Thank you for being patient and staying with us till the end.
