A lens mount is the interface between a camera body and a lens, allowing them to be securely attached while maintaining proper alignment for optical performance and electronic communication (if applicable). Different camera manufacturers use various lens mounts, often proprietary, though some third-party manufacturers produce lenses for multiple mounts.
The C-mount and CS-mount are standardized lens mounts primarily used in industrial, scientific, and surveillance cameras, as well as some cinema and machine vision applications.
Key differences: C-Mount vs. CS-Mount
| Feature | C-Mount | CS-Mount |
| Flange Distance | 17.526 mm (≈17.5 mm) | 12.526 mm (≈12.5 mm) |
| Compatibility | Can be adapted to CS-mount with a 5mm spacer | Cannot be used on C-mount without modification |
| Common Uses | Industrial cameras, microscopy, older CCTV | Modern CCTV, compact machine vision cameras |
Applications
Machine Vision (Factory automation, barcode scanning)
Surveillance Cameras (CCTV systems)
Microscopy & Scientific Imaging
Cinema & Broadcast (Some 16mm film cameras & specialized video cameras)
Adapter Options
C-mount to CS-mount: Requires a 5mm spacer ring (since C-mount has a longer flange distance).
CS-mount to C-mount: Not possible without optical correction (image won’t focus to infinity).
C/CS to Other Mounts (e.g., MFT, Sony E): Possible with adapters, but may introduce vignetting or focus issues.
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