What are the advantages and disadvantages of different lens mounts?

There are many standard mounts available for lenses. From small compact threaded mounts like the M12 S-Mount commonly used in small surveillance CCTV applications and board level cameras through to the much larger bayonet style F-Mount found on Nikon photography cameras, with many others in between.

When choosing a mount, factors for consideration will include lens size, register distance, and how secure you need the lens to be?

What are the pros and cons of different lens mounts? – Resolve Optics

For instance – a larger mount size can accommodate a larger lens, which lets more light reach your sensor. The distance between the lens mount and the image sensor is termed the register. A shorter register allows for shorter-focus lenses and more compact cameras.

Where cost is a key decision parameter then the traditional C-mount is a popular low-cost option that is commonly used for connecting cameras and microscopes.

Another key consideration with a lens mount is its rigidity. Industrial cameras will often use a C-Mount as it offers a reasonably sturdy thread for applications where there may be low levels of vibration or shock.
However, when it comes to applications where the lens/camera will be subject to higher levels of vibration, such optics to be launched into space and certain military applications, none of these standard mounts will suffice.

For demanding applications such as these, we would recommend a custom mount. This would typically consist of a flange arrangement, which would allow the lens and camera to be bolted together. Not only does this provide a much more rugged solution, but it also provides a solution for focusing the lens without means of other moving parts. This can be achieved by use of shims between the camera and lens.

To discuss a suitable mount for your optical application, click here.