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.

✨ Protect Your Optics. Preserve Performance. ✨  Smudges, dust, and scratches can degrade your imaging results. Keep your...
10/22/2025

✨ Protect Your Optics. Preserve Performance. ✨

Smudges, dust, and scratches can degrade your imaging results. Keep your lenses and filters in top condition with the MidOpt® Professional Optics Cleaning Kit – designed specifically for delicate optical surfaces.

🧼 Includes everything you need to safely clean and maintain coated optics
🧳 Also available: compact Cleaner + Cloth Kit – perfect for in the lab or on the go

✅ Avoid damage from improper cleaning agents
✅ Extend the life of your filters and lenses
✅ Ensure consistent, high-quality image performance

Clean gear = clear results.

Learn More: https://midopt.com/accessories/ck100-optics-cleaning-kit/

🧪 Test. Solve. Improve. Meet the MidOpt® NS100 Swatch Filter Kit – your fast-track solution to testing Neutral Density F...
10/20/2025

🧪 Test. Solve. Improve.
Meet the MidOpt® NS100 Swatch Filter Kit – your fast-track solution to testing Neutral Density Filters in the field or lab.

🔍 Quickly evaluate light control and image quality with swatches in:

• ND030 • ND060 • ND090 • ND120 • ND200 • ND300 • ND400
All stackable for custom optical densities.

✅ No mounting required
✅ Compact 43mm swatches
✅ Ideal for rapid testing and troubleshooting

Perfect for engineers, integrators and anyone needing to dial in exposure *on the fly*.

Learn More: https://midopt.com/filter-kits/ns100/

😎 MidOpt® ND Filters: Light Control for Any Application 😎  Whether you're dealing with intense lighting or fine-tuning e...
10/16/2025

😎 MidOpt® ND Filters: Light Control for Any Application 😎

Whether you're dealing with intense lighting or fine-tuning exposure, MidOpt® Neutral Density Filters deliver unmatched versatility across a range of applications:

💡 Light Saturation Reduction
Control extreme brightness from sources like welding arcs, bulbs or LEDs with darker ND filters – perfect for high-intensity environments.

📷 Shallow Depth of Field
Keep your subject in focus while blurring distractions. ND Filters allow wider apertures *without* overexposure.

🚁 Outdoor Aerial Imaging
Think of ND Filters as “sunglasses” for your drone – reduce brightness while maintaining color accuracy and sharpness.

⏱️ Long Exposure & Slow Shutter Imaging
Capture motion blur, reduce frame rate interference or smooth out dynamic elements like water or moving lights.

Swipe through the examples ➡️
📸 *No Filter vs. With MidOpt® ND Filter*

🔧 Stack & Customize with MidOpt® ND Filters 🔧  MidOpt® Neutral Density Filters feature both male and female threading, m...
10/14/2025

🔧 Stack & Customize with MidOpt® ND Filters 🔧

MidOpt® Neutral Density Filters feature both male and female threading, making it easy to stack filters and fine-tune your optical density (OD) on the fly.

👓 Example: Stack an ND030 (OD 0.3) with an ND120 (OD 1.2) to achieve an ND150 (OD 1.5) – it’s that simple.

Perfect for testing and adapting to changing light conditions without swapping out your entire setup.

10/10/2025

✨ Introducing the new MidOpt® NX Series Neutral Density Filters
Engineered for smooth, consistent light attenuation across the 400-2000nm spectrum, the NX Series delivers reliable performance for VIS, NIR and SWIR imaging.

Available in 6.25%, 12.5%, 25% and 50% transmission options, NX Filters offer precise control for longer exposures, reduced depth of field and broadband illumination.

Built with precision-polished B270 glass and a proprietary absorptive coating, these rugged, stackable filters ensure superior image clarity and consistency, ideal for demanding machine vision and optical applications.

📸 Learn more ➜ https://bit.ly/nx-nd-filters

Dial in Light Control with the Right ND Filter  Not all Neutral Density Filters are the same – choose the best match for...
10/08/2025

Dial in Light Control with the Right ND Filter

Not all Neutral Density Filters are the same – choose the best match for your application:

🔹 ND Series – VIS spectrum (425–675nm), absorptive
🔹 Ni Series – VIS/SWIR (400–2000nm), reflective, large-format, Borofloat® glass
🔹 NX Series – VIS/SWIR (400–2000nm), low-reflective, coated B270 glass

Whether you're working with high-intensity lighting, sensitive sensors, or broad spectral ranges, MidOpt® ND Filters help you maintain image clarity and control light – without compromising performance.

10/06/2025

😎 Control Light Without Compromise: MidOpt® Neutral Density (ND) Filters 😎

Think of ND Filters as sunglasses for your imaging system—reducing light intensity evenly without affecting color or contrast. Ideal for both color and monochrome cameras, they help prevent pixel saturation while maintaining wide apertures and shallow depth of field.

Key Features:
✔️ Maintain image integrity across VIS/SWIR spectrums
✔️ Available in a range of optical densities (OD 0.10–6.0)
✔️ Stackable for custom light control
✔️ Exceptional surface quality (40/20 scratch/dig)

📷 Precision light control. Maximum versatility.

Learn More: https://midopt.com/filters/neutral-density/

📸 See Polarizers in Action 📸 Wondering what a difference polarizers can make? Check out these images showing real-world ...
10/02/2025

📸 See Polarizers in Action 📸

Wondering what a difference polarizers can make? Check out these images showing real-world applications.

🔍 How Polarizing Film + Filters Work Together 🔍  Pairing Polarizing Film on your light source with a Polarizing Filter o...
09/30/2025

🔍 How Polarizing Film + Filters Work Together 🔍

Pairing Polarizing Film on your light source with a Polarizing Filter on your lens is the key to eliminating glare and enhancing image contrast. Check out the infographics to see how they team up for optimal results! 👇

09/22/2025

✨ Eliminate Glare. Reveal Detail. ✨

MidOpt® Polarizing Filters are essential for reducing reflections, enhancing contrast, and detecting imperfections in transparent or shiny materials. For maximum glare reduction, pair a lens-mounted Polarizing Filter with Polarizing Film on the light source.

Key Features:
🔹 Contrast ratios up to 10,000:1
🔹 Rotating Linear Polarizers with locking thumb screw for precision tuning
🔹 Available in Linear, Circular & Wire Grid options (VIS – SWIR)
🔹 Optional A/R and oleophobic coatings
🔹 Exceptional 40/20 surface quality*

Whether you're inspecting glass, plastics, or reflective surfaces, MidOpt® Polarizers bring clarity to your imaging system.

🔗 Learn More: https://midopt.com/filters/polarizing/

MidOpt® is exhibiting at FOCUS 2025 in Seattle next week, September 24–25. Stop by and check out our newest product: SiL...
09/19/2025

MidOpt® is exhibiting at FOCUS 2025 in Seattle next week, September 24–25. Stop by and check out our newest product: SiLWIR™ Silicon Protective Windows, a cost-effective germanium alternative for thermal imaging and enter to win an FK201 Filter Kit.

FOCUS is all about the latest in machine vision and AI technology, featuring 40+ speakers showcasing cutting-edge applications that are driving incredible impact across industries. If you're interested in seeing the latest advancements in vision, you can learn more at 👉automate.org/events/focus

09/18/2025

💡 Tight on Space? Backlight Without the Bulk 💡

When space is limited but you still need sharp edge definition, the MidOpt® Backlight fluoreSHEET® is your go-to solution. This innovative material emits a bright orange fluorescence when illuminated with a blue LED – perfect for creating high-contrast silhouettes.

🎯 Pair it with the MidOpt® BP590 Orange Bandpass Filter to block blue excitation light and isolate the orange emission. The result? A crisp, white diffuse background in monochrome images – just like a traditional backlight, without the extra space.

🟧 Compact. Effective. Brilliantly simple.

Learn More> https://midopt.com/accessories/backlight-fluoresheet/

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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