MKS-Ophir Debuts Low-Germanium LWIR Continuous Zoom Lens at Eurosatory 2026

MKS-Ophir has officially launched a redesigned long-wave infrared (LWIR) continuous zoom lens engineered to reduce dependence on germanium optical materials and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities in thermal imaging systems.

Product Overview

The Ophir® LightIR 15-75mm f/1.2 LWIR Motorized Continuous Zoom Lens is a re-engineered low-germanium optical solution that maintains high-performance thermal imaging capability while significantly reducing supply chain risk. It is designed for defense, security, and industrial applications.

The product made its official debut at Eurosatory 2026, where MKS-Ophir is exhibiting at Hall 6, Booth G254. The lens is targeted at long-duration defense, homeland security, and surveillance programs, with its low-germanium architecture directly addressing growing industry concerns over material availability, export sensitivity, and price volatility.

Technical Specifications

• Focal Length Range: 15–75mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
• Supported Detectors: VGA 10–12 µm uncooled LWIR detectors
• Horizontal Field of View: 29.9° (wide) to 5.8° (narrow) on a 640×480 VGA 12 µm detector
• Weight: 349 grams
• Dimensions: Ø75 × 75.6 mm

The lens balances wide-area situational awareness with long-range target observation. Its compact, lightweight form factor makes it particularly suited for Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP)-constrained platforms, including airborne, ground-based, handheld, perimeter security, and drone thermal imaging systems.

Ruggedized Environmental Design

To ensure durability in demanding defense and security environments, the lens incorporates advanced hard coating technologies, including hard carbon coatings and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings. MKS-Ophir also offers a dedicated lens-to-detector adapter to accommodate the updated back focal distance and mechanical interface, facilitating a smooth transition from legacy all-germanium designs.

Statement from MKS-Ophir

Dr. Kobi Lasri, General Manager of Ophir Optics Products, commented: "Germanium has long been a foundational material for infrared optics, but rising global demand, limited raw material supply, export sensitivity, and price volatility are creating increasingly serious challenges for thermal imaging system manufacturers and long-term defense programs.

"MKS's re-engineered optical architecture is designed to mitigate these risks while preserving the high-performance imaging capabilities required for mission-critical applications. The new Ophir low-germanium optics help customers reduce supply chain and lifecycle risks while maintaining the optical performance Ophir infrared imaging products are known for."

Roadmap and Availability

This launch marks the first product in MKS-Ophir's expanding low-germanium LWIR optics portfolio. Additional fixed focal length lenses covering wide-to-narrow field-of-view configurations are planned for future release. The lens is now available to order, with OEM pricing available upon request.

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