MKS-Ophir, a developer of high-performance infrared thermal imaging lenses and optical elements for defense applications, has unveiled its rugged and compact continuous zoom lens, the Ophir® SupIR 16–80mm f/1.2, at ADEX Seoul 2025.
The high-resolution SupIR 16–80mm f/1.2 lens is designed specifically for SXGA (1280 × 1024 pixels) uncooled LWIR detectors with 10-12 µm pixels.
By leveraging the full resolution of next-generation LWIR sensors, it enables system integrators to achieve high-performance thermal imaging and reliable detection ranges in a compact, lightweight design ideal for small UAVs, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) payloads, and portable surveillance systems.
The SupIR 16–80mm f/1.2 lens features motorized zoom and focus mechanisms that achieve full adjustments in ≤5 seconds and ≤1 second, reducing time to target and enhancing situational awareness. It can detect vehicle targets at distances over 8 km and supports human identification up to 0.7 km, providing credible mid-range performance in demanding field conditions.
A Line-of-Sight (LOS) stabilization-ready design also maintains image steadiness across the entire zoom range, while an athermalized optical design ensures consistent focus and image quality despite temperature fluctuations.
The lens measures Ø93.6 × 108.4 mm and weighs 705 g, delivering a unique balance of resolution, detection range, and compact form factor, which makes it highly practical for surveillance.
Its rugged construction, including IP67-sealed front elements and durable coatings, ensures reliable operation in harsh environments, with high-durability and hard carbon coating options available for different operational needs.
The SupIR 16-80mm f/1.2 lens provides a wide field of view (WFOV) of 45° and a narrow field of view (NFOV) of 9°, ensuring flexibility for both broad situational awareness and focused target observation. The high modulation transfer function (MTF) enhances thermal contrast and fine detail to fully leverage SXGA detector performance for maximum image clarity.
Dr. Kobi Lasri, General Manager of Ophir Optics, stated, “In portable and airborne surveillance missions, size and weight matter. The SupIR 16–80mm f/1.2 lens combines SXGA resolution with a compact, lightweight design, giving defense and security platforms the ability to achieve high-resolution thermal imaging at credible detection ranges while maintaining practical size and weight for integration.”
