Compare Security Camera Viewing Angles
Selecting the right security camera lens is critical when designing an effective video surveillance system. Each lens type determines the field of view (FOV), which directly impacts how much area your security camera can cover and how detailed the image will be.
The comparison images below show footage captured from a 2MP security camera with the subject (a vehicle) parked 70 feet away. Keep in mind that higher megapixel security cameras, such as 4MP or 4K IP cameras, will deliver significantly sharper and more detailed footage at longer distances.
For maximum flexibility, many of our cameras include adjustable varifocal lenses, allowing you to fine-tune your viewing angle on-site. Cameras with digital zoom and high-resolution sensors let you enlarge footage without major pixel loss—making it easier to identify important details like license plates or facial features.
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2.8 mm lens, 110° angle
This is the widest viewing angle you can achieve. |
3.6 mm lens, 90° angle
This is the most popular and common lens size. |
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6 mm lens, 51° angle
This angle is not as wide as 2.8mm or 3.6mm, but you can see further in the distance. |
12 mm lens, 29° angle
You can easily read a license plate from 70ft with the 12mm lens. |
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50 mm lens, 7° angle
You can view far away objects in close detail with a 50mm lens. |
? Security Camera Lens Size Comparison Guide
| Lens Size (mm) | Field of View (FOV) | Zoom Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8mm | ~100°–110° | Ultra-Wide (No Zoom) | Wide area coverage: parking lots, front yards, retail entries |
| 3.6mm | ~90° | Wide View | General surveillance: homes, offices, driveways |
| 4mm | ~80° | Moderate View | Interior rooms, loading docks, property perimeter |
| 6mm | ~60° | Narrower Field | Focusing on specific areas like gates, doors, or aisles |
| 8mm | ~45° | Closer Detail View | Long hallways, walkways, cash registers |
| 12mm | ~30° | Narrow Field, Zoomed | Long-distance focus: license plates, entrances from afar |
| Varifocal (2.8–12mm) | Adjustable (~30°–110°) | Manual Zoom/Flex | Customizable FOV: ideal for fine-tuning during installation |
| Motorized Varifocal (2.8–12mm) | Adjustable w/ Zoom Control | Remote Zoom | Remotely zoom in/out from DVR/NVR or app |
| PTZ Cameras | Pan/Tilt/Zoom Control | Optical Zoom (4x–30x) | Large areas, parking lots, tracking people/vehicles |
Choosing the Right Lens:
- Wider lens (2.8mm–4mm): More area coverage, less zoomed-in detail
- Narrower lens (6mm–12mm): Less area, more detail from a distance
- Varifocal lenses: Adjustable for flexibility during installation
- PTZ cameras: Control the zoom, tilt, and pan remotely in real-time
