Midwest Optical Systems

Midwest Optical Systems A leading manufacturer of custom precision optical filters, components, and imaging solutions since Unmounted filters are offered in custom shapes and sizes.

A manufacturer of custom precision optical components and imaging solutions since 1988, Midwest Optical Systems - MidOpt - is recognized as the world’s leading resource for off-the-shelf and custom machine vision filters, lenses and accessories used in industrial imaging applications. MidOpt has an extensive history in optical component design, fabrication and inspection, and continues to develop innovative new products for industrial imaging that are simply not found elsewhere. Industries served: machine vision, security, surveillance, LPR, scientific, bio-medical and NDVI. MidOpt’s complete line of filters cover the visible, near-infrared and UV spectrums. They represent the easiest, most cost effective method for insuring the reliability, stability and repeatability of industrial imaging systems. MidOpt filters are rugged; environmentally stable; heat and solvent resistant; non-hygroscopic and oleophobic, and are easy to maintain. Various designs are available for use in:

· Refining color recognition and improving separation of subject matter
· Ease viewing of desired features through contrast enhancement
· Elimination of glare or hot spots from highly reflective surfaces
· Saving cost, space and system maintenance and start-up time by eliminating the need for shrouding
· Protecting camera lenses and lighting from dust, scratching and inhospitable environments
· Enhancing lens resolving capability by greatly reducing chromatic aberrations.
· Boosting system speed and efficiency while substantially decreasing false accepts/false rejects.
· Reducing required luminous intensity, thereby saving on lighting cost and maximizing the lifespan of LED or other light sources. MidOpt offers the largest variety of threaded filter mount sizes and types in stock ranging from M13.25 to M105. MidOpt filters can be fastened to any camera lens with the appropriate mounting solution.

12/15/2025

Choosing the right filter just got easier.
With the MidOpt® Curve Compare Tool, you can instantly visualize and compare the spectral curves of multiple filters side by side – helping you make data-driven decisions with clarity and confidence.

Fine-tune for UV, VIS or NIR applications, reduce guesswork and find the perfect match for your wavelength and sensor sensitivity – all in one easy-to-use interface.

🔗 Try it here: midopt.com/tools/curve-compare

12/11/2025

💡 SiLWIR™: The Stronger Germanium Alternative
Engineered for long-wave infrared (LWIR, 8-12µm) thermal imaging, SiLWIR™ Protective Windows offer 2X the strength of germanium – with >80% transmission and extreme durability.

✔ DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) & BBAR coatings for scratch and chemical resistance
🔥 Withstands up to 200°C
⚙️ MIL-spec compliant, up to 6" diameter
💪 1150 Knoop hardness

SiLWIR™ delivers the strength, clarity and reliability your thermal imaging systems demand.
🔗 Learn more ➝ midopt.com/silwir

🎯 Today’s machine vision filters are engineered specifically for digital imaging. They feature a Gaussian transmission c...
12/09/2025

🎯 Today’s machine vision filters are engineered specifically for digital imaging.

They feature a Gaussian transmission curve designed to match the spectral output of industrial LED lighting, ensuring better contrast, cleaner images and consistent performance across visible, UV and NIR ranges.

Whether you’re controlling illumination, managing reflections or fine-tuning contrast, precision filters help your system see more – and see it clearly. 👁️

📸 For over a century, photographers have relied on filters to reduce reflections, balance color and improve contrast – e...
12/03/2025

📸 For over a century, photographers have relied on filters to reduce reflections, balance color and improve contrast – especially in black-and-white photography.

When machine vision systems were developed, engineers initially turned to photographic filters, hoping for the same results.

The problem?
Photographic filters were built for film cameras that only see light in the visible spectrum (400–700 nm).

Modern digital sensors (CCD and CMOS) see far beyond that – into the UV and NIR spectrums, where photographic filters can’t perform. ⚙️

As sensor technology and camera resolutions advance, the demand for distortion-free filters has never been greater.  Tha...
12/01/2025

As sensor technology and camera resolutions advance, the demand for distortion-free filters has never been greater.

That’s why MidOpt® filters are double-side polished — delivering optimal flatness for sharper, more accurate imaging.

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁We’re thankful for our amazing partners and customers, wishing you a safe, happy holiday!   MidOp...
11/27/2025

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁We’re thankful for our amazing partners and customers, wishing you a safe, happy holiday!

MidOpt® will be closed Nov 27–28, shipping resumes Mon, Dec 1.

📏 PRECISION YOU CAN MEASURE  Every MidOpt® filter is tested with advanced spectrophotometer technology to ensure: 1️⃣ Ac...
11/25/2025

📏 PRECISION YOU CAN MEASURE

Every MidOpt® filter is tested with advanced spectrophotometer technology to ensure:
1️⃣ Accurate center wavelength & bandwidth
2️⃣ Reliable out-of-band blocking
3️⃣ Precise FWHM (full-width half-max) specs

Because in machine vision, precision isn’t optional – it’s essential.

MidOpt® Light Balancing Filters  Correct artificial lighting conditions and make colors appear more natural — without re...
11/19/2025

MidOpt® Light Balancing Filters

Correct artificial lighting conditions and make colors appear more natural — without relying on software fixes. By adjusting the emission spectrum of LEDs, strobes, tungsten, halogen, sodium, or fluorescent lights, these filters deliver:
✅ Improved contrast
✅ True-to-life colors
✅ Stable, high-quality imaging

✨ LA Series warms up cool LED/xenon light
✨ LB Series balances reddish tungsten/halogen/sodium
✨ FL Series reduces green fluorescent cast

Because accurate color starts with better optics.

👉 Learn more: https://midopt.com/filters/light-balancing/

🧪 The Acetone Test proves the difference.  When exposed to harsh solvents, standard acrylic clouds and degrades fast. Bu...
11/17/2025

🧪 The Acetone Test proves the difference.

When exposed to harsh solvents, standard acrylic clouds and degrades fast. But the MidOpt® AC380 Acrylic Protective Window stays clear and intact — thanks to advanced hard + AR coatings that resist chemicals, abrasion and cleaning agents.

For environments where safety, longevity and optical clarity matter, MidOpt® Acrylic Filters deliver a clear advantage.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/vLHRKP7lxtA

MidOpt® Acrylic Filters  Durable, lightweight, and cost-effective – the perfect solution for inspection windows where gl...
11/13/2025

MidOpt® Acrylic Filters

Durable, lightweight, and cost-effective – the perfect solution for inspection windows where glass breakage is a concern.

🔹 AB Series: Bandpass filters for precise spectral control
🔹 AC Series: Longpass filters ideal with LEDs, sensors & inspection systems
🔹 AP Series: Acrylic polarizers with up to 10,000:1 contrast

Available with AR, oleophobic & hard coatings for enhanced durability.

👉 Protect your optics with confidence.
https://midopt.com/filters/acrylic/

Simplify your optical setup with MidOpt® Step Adapter Rings – built for versatility and compatibility.  Step-Up Rings ✔ ...
11/11/2025

Simplify your optical setup with MidOpt® Step Adapter Rings – built for versatility and compatibility.

Step-Up Rings
✔ Mount larger filters on smaller lenses
✔ Prevent vignetting on short focal lengths
✔ Sizes: SU22.5-25.5 → SU77-105

Step-Down Rings
✔ Mount smaller filters on larger lenses

Secure fit. Reliable performance.

https://midopt.com/accessories/step-rings/

Today and every day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country.A special thank you to our own veteran...
11/11/2025

Today and every day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country.
A special thank you to our own veterans, Mike Giznik (Air Force), John Clarida (Army), and Al Houk (Navy), for your service, sacrifice, and dedication.

Happy Veterans Day from all of us at MidOpt.

Address

322 N Woodwork Lane
Palatine, IL
60067

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm

Telephone

+18473593550

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