In the field of automotive crash testing, high-speed cameras are crucial for capturing and analyzing the dynamics of impact. Imaging systems require a variety of features to not only withstand violent environments, but also capture crisp, clear images often in tight spaces, with the precision needed for accurate crash observation. That’s where Theia Technologies’ lenses with patented Linear Optical Technology comes in. Theia’s lenses with patented distortion technology have consistently been chosen for their unparalleled wide fields of view and very low barrel distortion. Theia’s ML183M lens with a 1.8 – 3mm focal range offering up to 120° horizontal field of view with less than 1% barrel distortion and 5+ megapixel resolution has found a home in vehicle crash testing since 2018. And their newest MY23F lens improves upon these features by adding ruggedization that allows it to survive impact at 50 miles per hour, while capturing high resolution, wide angle, and undistorted images of vehicle impact.

Steve Wiley of RingSide Creative is one of the biggest buyers of high-speed cameras in the crash test industry, currently using around 130 high speed cameras priced at up to $35,000 each and used for crash test analysis conducted for a major automotive company. Wiley purchases high-quality ruggedized lenses from RMA Electronics, for integration with cameras like Vision Research’s Phantom Miro C210J. RMA Electronics, a worldwide distributor and technology advisor of industrial machine vision and security lenses, recommends precision lenses durable enough for Wiley’s crash tests, such as Theia’s lenses with patented Linear Optical Technology. These lenses correct barrel distortion optically by creating a rectilinear image, where there is no curving of the image nor compression at the edges, increasing image resolution and keeping straight lines straight, eliminating the need for post processing software to correct distortion. RMA President Ron Massa Jr. states that, “When we were approached by Wiley with a need for a wide-angle lens capable of excellent near focus resolution performance, we immediately thought of Theia’s patented optics. We’ve been their distributor since 2014 and have such low returns and great customer satisfaction in those applications we thought it would be a great fit; and we were right!”