Discover top 170-degree wide angle lenses that expand your field of view without sacrificing image quality. This guide targets action camera users, smartphone photographers, and security enthusiasts who want dramatic perspectives or wider surveillance coverage. The selections below highlight lenses with strong compatibility, clear optics, and practical use cases. Whether you’re filming FPV, capturing landscapes, or upgrading a CCTV system, these picks are chosen for their broad angles and reliable performance.
Summary of chosen products
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xenocam FPV 2.5mm Lens | FPV and action cameras | Ultra-wide 170° with M12 mount | Not compatible with some GoPro models |
| EBTOOLS Phone Wide Angle 170° | Smartphone photography | Low-light improvement and multi-coated optics | Clip-on design |
| NEEWER 170° 14mm VR Lens | Live streaming and landscapes | High-quality glass, 170° view | Lightweight aluminum housing |
| Arducam 120° CS Lens for Raspberry Pi HQ | Raspberry Pi projects | 120° field of view, manual focus | Specific to Raspberry Pi HQ |
| Dahszhi 180° Fisheye CCTV Lens | Security cameras | 180° wide view, HD 5MP | IR-blocking variant |
Xenocam FPV 2.5mm Wide Angle Lens
The Xenocam 2.5mm FPV lens delivers a 170° viewing angle with M12 thread compatibility. It fits multiple cameras including original GoPro models, SJCam, and popular FPV cameras like HS1177 and HS1190. Best for FPV pilots and action-camera users who need a compact ultra-wide lens. A limitation is incompatibility with certain newer GoPro versions (3+, 4, or 5).
Phone Wide Angle Lens, 170 Degree Ultra Wide Angle
This EBTOOLS lens clips onto smartphones to achieve a 170° field of view with a 3–5 layer coating for clarity. It improves exposure in low light and aims to reduce distortion. Best for mobile photographers seeking dramatic landscapes or group photos. The caveat is occasional edge distortion near the frame and the need to ensure compatibility with certain phone cases.
NEEWER 170° 14mm VR Lens
The NEEWER 170° lens offers a panoramic 170° view and is built with premium multi-coated optical glass for color accuracy. It is designed for live streaming and landscape capture, with a lightweight aluminum housing for durability. Best for creators who want a dramatic field of view without heavy gear. The limitation is that some cameras may require adapter considerations for proper mounting.
Arducam 120 Degree Ultra Wide Angle CS Lens
Designed for the Raspberry Pi HQ Camera, this 120° ultra-wide lens pairs with a 3.2mm focal length for a compact setup. It is a practical choice for DIY camera projects and desk-top surveillance tasks. Best for hobbyists and educational projects. A potential drawback is limited field of view compared to 170° options.
Dahszhi Wide Angle Fisheye Lens 180°
The Dahszhi fisheye lens captures a full 180° view, creating a dramatic curved perspective. It is suited for CCTV and IP camera applications requiring panoramic coverage. Best for wide-area monitoring in tight spaces. A limitation is potential distortion around the edges, which may influence precise measurements in some surveillance setups.
Buying Guide: How to choose a 170° wide angle lens
- Camera compatibility: Confirm mount type (M12, CS, 17mm, etc.) and sensor compatibility with your device.
- Field of view: 170° and 180° lenses offer the widest views; consider whether you need fisheye distortion or a flatter projection for accuracy.
- Image quality: Look for multi-coated optics to reduce glare and maintain color fidelity in bright environments.
- Build and durability: Aluminum housings and robust construction matter for outdoor or FPV use.
- Size and weight: Lenses should fit your enclosure and not unbalance your rig or mobile device.
- Ease of mounting: Clip-on vs threaded mounts affect setup time and compatibility with accessories.
- Limitations and compatibility notes: Some lenses do not work with certain camera models; verify model-specific compatibility.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the benefit of a 170° lens? It provides a significantly wider field of view, capturing more of the scene without moving the camera.
- Are 170° lenses suitable for everyday photography? They’re great for landscapes and group shots, but be mindful of distortion at the edges.
- Do 170° lenses work with smartphones? Yes, several clip-on options exist, but check compatibility with your phone model.
- Can 170° lenses be used for surveillance? Yes, many 170° or 180° lenses are designed for CCTV and security camera projects.
- Do these lenses affect autofocus or exposure? Some may influence exposure due to wider light intake; ensure your camera settings compensate accordingly.
- Which lens is best for FPV drones? A compact 2.5mm or 14mm wide-angle lens with a durable mount typically suits FPV setups best.