Arducam 8-50mm C-Mount Zoom Lens for IMX477 Raspberry Pi HQ Camera
Quick take
This Arducam zoom lens is made for Raspberry Pi High Quality (IMX477) cameras and includes a C-CS adapter for compatibility. It gives you a manual zoom range up to 50mm for tighter, farther-away framing, but buyer reports suggest it can look too dark without strong illumination, and filter mounting may require a hard-to-find thread size. Expect that you might also need spacing tweaks to get the lens positioned correctly for sharp focus.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Manual zoom with adjustable focal range (rated 8-50mm) and a focus ring for fine control.
- Telephoto reach for long-ish distances, with a stated maximum focal length of 50mm and narrow horizontal FOV (5.35°).
- Includes a C-CS adapter intended for Raspberry Pi High Quality camera mounting.
- F1.4 maximum aperture can help keep exposure reasonable when paired with enough light.
Cons
- Low-light performance can be a challenge, with reports pointing to needing a strong light source.
- Filter threading is described as non-standard (37.5mm), which can limit what accessories fit.
- Some setups may require extra spacing so the adapter and sensor distance land in the “sweet spot” for focus.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is mixed but consistent on a few practical points. Many comments focus on smooth mechanical adjustments (manual zoom and focus feel), and on whether the lens works well for microscope/CCTV-style applications. A recurring theme is exposure sensitivity, with at least some buyers noting the image needs sufficient illumination to look usable. Fit and accessory details also show up, including reports about non-standard filter thread sizing and the possibility that the included adapter alone may not perfectly place the lens relative to the sensor for best focus.
What this lens is for
The Arducam 8-50mm C-mount zoom lens is aimed at makers and industrial or lab-style users who want more framing flexibility than a fixed focal length. The stated compatibility is with the Raspberry Pi High Quality camera (IMX477), and the kit includes a C-CS adapter to help bridge mount standards.
If your project involves variable magnification, inspections, or recording subjects at different distances, a manual zoom can reduce the need to swap lenses. The “telephoto” end of the range (up to 50mm) is the big reason to consider this particular model over shorter-focal options.
Key specs that matter for buying
Zoom range, focus control, and aperture
- Focal length: 8 to 50mm (with the longest reach at 50mm).
- Zoom ratio: 6.25:1 (helps you understand how much change you can dial in).
- Focus type: manual focus, using a manual focus ring.
- Aperture: rated maximum F1.4 (useful when light is limited, but still not a guarantee if illumination is weak).
Field of view and mounting format
- Angle of view: stated as 45°(H) to 5.35°(H), indicating a move from wide to quite narrow framing as you zoom in.
- Optical format: 1/2.3 inch lens optical format, which is relevant when pairing with IMX477-class sensors.
- Mount: C mount lens, with the included C-CS adapter intended for Raspberry Pi High Quality camera use.
Filter fit (important for real-world accessories)
The lens uses a 37.5mm filter thread size per the product notes. That detail matters if you plan to add polarization, UV protection, or other filters. If you already own standard 37mm filters, you may find they do not fit, so it is worth checking accessory availability before you commit.
Setup and compatibility considerations
This lens is designed to work with the IMX477 Raspberry Pi High Quality camera using the included C-CS adapter. However, buyer reports suggest spacing alignment can be sensitive. In some builds, the distance between lens and sensor may land in-between mount standards, and the included attachment may not fully achieve the optimal focus position. If you encounter trouble getting sharp focus across the zoom range, that can be a sign you need a spacer or a mechanical adjustment to place the lens correctly.
Also note that the lens is described as not including an IR filter. If your application depends on consistent IR behavior, plan your pipeline accordingly (for example, by using an appropriate filter for your imaging conditions).
Pros and cons in practice
Where it makes sense
- Zooming for inspections or observation: when you need to reframe without swapping lenses.
- Telephoto-style framing: when you want to bring distant subjects closer, at least to the extent supported by your lighting and mounting.
- Manual workflows: if you are comfortable setting focus manually and refining composition as you zoom.
Who should be cautious
- Low-light setups: reports indicate the lens can look too dark without enough illumination, so plan on strong lighting for best results.
- People relying on common filter sizes: the 37.5mm thread size can be inconvenient compared with more standard filter diameters.
- Builders who want plug-and-play mounting: some setups may require extra spacing to get the optical alignment right for sharp focus.
Is it worth it?
The Arducam 8-50mm C-mount zoom lens is a strong fit if your priority is getting variable magnification for an IMX477 Raspberry Pi High Quality camera, especially when you want the narrower framing benefits of the 50mm end. The decision is less straightforward if your environment is dim, if you need easily available filter accessories, or if you need a perfectly plug-and-play mechanical stack without spacer trials.
If you can provide adequate lighting and you are willing to fine-tune the mechanical spacing for best focus, this lens can add real flexibility to Raspberry Pi camera projects and microscope or CCTV-adjacent builds.
Price and availability
Check current pricing and availability for the Arducam 8-50mm C-mount zoom lens here:
FAQ
What is the filter thread size on the lens?
The lens uses a 37.5mm filter thread size. Standard 37mm filters may not fit.
Does this lens include an IR filter?
No, it is described as not coming with an IR filter.
Is this lens compatible with the Raspberry Pi IMX477 High Quality camera?
Yes. It is intended for the Raspberry Pi High Quality camera (IMX477) and includes a C-CS adapter for mounting compatibility.
Will I be able to get sharp focus right away?
Some buyers report that spacing between the lens and sensor may not land in the expected position with only the included adapter, and that a spacer may be needed to reach the best focus range. Mechanical fit can matter.
Does it work well in low-light conditions?
Buyer comments suggest it may require a strong light source for usable brightness, even with a rated maximum aperture of F1.4. If your lighting is limited, plan for additional illumination.
What is the maximum focal length?
The lens is rated up to a 50mm maximum focal length.
Specifications
| Product Title | Arducam 8-50mm C-Mount Zoom Lens for IMX477 Raspberry Pi HQ Camera, with C-CS Adapter, Industrial Telescope Lens |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Lenses > Camcorder Lenses |
| Brand | Arducam |
| Manufacturer | Arducam |
| Model Name | c-cs |
| Model Number | LN057 |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4056 x 3040 |
| Color | Varifocal Rpi C-Mount Lens With C-CS adapter |
| Focal Length Description | 50 mm |
| Lens | Telephoto |
| Compatible Camera Mount | C Mount |
| Maximum Focal Length | 50 Millimeters |
| Minimum Focal Length | 50 Millimeters |
| Lens Design | Zoom |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Lens Fixed Focal Length | 50 Millimeters |
| Zoom Ratio | 6.25:1 |
| Real Angle Of View | 5.35 Degrees |
| Maximum Aperture | 1.4 f |
| Minimum Aperture | 1.4 f |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Compatible Camera Models | Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera |
| Photo Filter Size | 37.5 Millimeters |
| Lens Mount | C |
| Camera Lens | 50 mm |
| Manufacturer Part Number | LN057 |
Available variants
Size
- 2.8-12mm Focal Length
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