Infrared cameras with motorised zoom
Leslah Garland 18 March 2026 
For more than ten years, InfraTec reports it has been offering infrared cameras with motorised zoom, which can perform thermography on objects even over long distances.
The company says by using a so-called teleextender, which is now also available for ImageIR 6300 Z, the range of the cameras can be increased by about 1.5 times. The minimum working distance required between the camera and the test object (minimum focusing distance) increases only slightly, which is particularly advantageous.
While large systems such as the ImageIR 8300 Z and ImageIR 9300 Z are primarily used in stationary applications due to their weight, the ImageIR 6300 Z is said to be particularly suitable for mobile use thanks to its extremely compact design.
The ImageIR 8300 Z and 9300 Z radiometric zoom cameras are equipped with a 30× optical zoom lens as standard, covering a focal length range from 28 to 850 mm. Developed as a lens system for demanding surveillance tasks, this lens can enable the detection of people at distances of up to 17.7 km*, for example.
For applications requiring an even greater range, a teleextender is available for both cameras, extending the focal length to 1,350 mm. This upgrade increases the detection range to 23.2 km. However, the extremely high focal length range means that the system is relatively heavy. This inevitably limits the system’s mobility, and robust tripods, pan-tilt heads, and other accessories are therefore required for use.
With the ImageIR 6300 Z InfraTec says it has taken a new approach to the development of zoom cameras: thanks to a state of-the-art SWaP-optimised detector and cooling technology, the system weight has been reduced to just 2 kg. The 15 115 mm motorised zoom lens used in the standard version, in combination with an MWIR detector, can enable the detection of people at distances of over 6.1 km.
Equipped with a teleextender, the ImageIR 6300 Z weighs only 2.5 kg, and its overall length increases from 225.5 mm to just 259 mm. With the focal length extended to 170 mm, it is possible to detect people at a distance of up to 8.2 km.
Another key benefit: the ImageIR 6300 Z’s teleextender, which simply screws onto the front of the lens, can be mounted and removed by users themselves. This significantly expands the range of practical applications.
* DRI criteria in accordance with NATO STANAG 4347
