MKS-Ophir has introduced a compact, long-range MWIR continuous zoom lens at SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing 2025, designed to meet the demands of drone-based imaging systems.
The Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm is the latest addition to the FoldIR family of lightweight, compact, continuous zoom lenses, developed specifically for drones and optimized for smaller 15µm pitch VGA focal plane array (FPA) detectors.
Engineered to meet the requirements of newly released low-SWaP cooled VGA detectors, the lens combines compactness with performance, addressing the demanding needs of the security and defense markets.
The new FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 MWIR continuous zoom lens features a folded optics design that significantly reduces the length of the lens and the overall size and weight of the optical system. The lens has dimensions of 107mm x 101.5mm x 96mm (including the IR detector) and a net weight of 302gr (360 gr including detector). It provides a long-range detection capability of over 14.5km and delivers high image quality across the full field of view with continuous zoom capabilities.
The folded optics design of the FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 lens enables a longer optical path within a compact footprint and reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances by using fewer optical elements. The lens maintains sharp focus throughout the entire zoom range and incorporates both mechanical and electrical interfaces for seamless integration into camera systems. Its advanced design achieves near diffraction-limit performance, even in harsh environments, while addressing challenges such as line-of-sight (LOS) stabilization and athermalization.
Dr. Kobi Lasri, General Manager of the Ophir Optics product line at MKS Instruments, commented, “Infrared imaging applications continue to rapidly evolve, presenting increasing demands for reduced Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP).
“The FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 folded zoom lens delivers unparalleled functionality and standoff range relative to its SWaP attributes. With its disruptive combination of low-SWaP capabilities, detection range of over 14.5km, and cost-effective pricing, this new zoom lens is an enabler for small gimbal thermal imaging applications on drones and small UAVs.”
