Infinity Photo-Optical Company

What Infinity Photo-Optical Company does

Infinity Photo-Optical Company is a privately held precision optical instruments manufacturer headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, with a European office in Göttingen, Germany. Founded in 1997 but tracing its technology lineage to the 1984 introduction of the original Model K2 long-distance microscope, the company designs and produces specialty optical systems for three primary customer segments: professional cinematographers and photographers, scientific researchers, and industrial machine vision integrators. Its portfolio spans the MikroMak prime probe lens series, the InfiniProbe continuously-focusable video microscope line (including the TS-160 and ROBUSTO cinema variants), the K-Series long-distance microscopes (K1 CentriMax, K2 DistaMax, KC VideoMax, KX InfiniMax), and the Proximity Series of machine vision lenses (InfiniTube, InfiniGage, InfiniStix, InfiniFlex, InfiniMini, InfiniMite), plus the Achrovid video-dedicated microscope objectives.

The company's technological core rests on Nelsonian optical principles derived from E.M. Nelson's microscope diffraction theory and Abbe's Sine Condition. Multiple patented and patent-pending systems differentiate its offering: CentriTel internal focusing (US Patents 4,988,173 and 7,869,139) enables focal translation without magnification change from a fixed position, suitable for OEM integration into robotic arms and production lines; the ConstantMag system maintains near-constant magnification throughout the focusing range; the InFocus system (a two-time R&D 100 Award winner) imparts dynamic optical focusing to infinity-corrected microscopes from all major brands; and the Dynamic Focusing System (DFS) provides continuous spherical correction during focal translation. The MikroMak prime lenses apply Nelsonian microscope optical theory to photographic/cinematic lenses for the first time.

Revenue is generated through one-time capital equipment sales of base optical units, with additional revenue from modular accessories, interchangeable objectives, amplifiers, mounts, and custom configurations for OEM customers. Pricing is not publicly disclosed but is available via downloadable PDF price guides. Distribution combines direct e-commerce via the company website with two separate franchised dealer networks (Cine/Photo and Microscope/General Imaging) and regional distributors including Edmund Optics (global), SLAM Solutions (Mexico/Latin America), and Creative Video Productions (UK). The company maintains no subscription or recurring revenue model and operates as an independent, privately held firm with no disclosed institutional investment, M&A activity, or parent organization.

Name

Infinity Photo-Optical Company

Legal name

Infinity Photo-Optical Company

Website

https://infinity-usa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Infinity Photo-Optical Company is a privately held precision optical instruments manufacturer that designs and produces long-distance microscopes, continuously-focusable video microscopes, and Nelsonian-design prime probe lenses for cinematographers, scientific researchers, and industrial machine vision integrators globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Precision Optical Instruments

NAICS

Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)

SIC

Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Photographic Equipment & Supplies (3861)

akta.pro primary industry

Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Lenses & Optical Accessories (Lenses, Filters, Adapters, Teleconverters) (CRACAPAF)

Keywords

• Long-distance microscopes
• Machine vision lenses
• Macro cinematography lenses
• Precision optical instruments
• Video microscope objectives

Headquarters

HQ city

Centennial

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Optical Instruments and Lens Systems: One-time purchase of precision optical instruments including long-distance microscopes (K-Series: K1 CentriMax, K2 DistaMax, KC VideoMax, KX InfiniMax), InfiniProbe video microscopes (TS-160, MS, C-Mount), MikroMak prime probe lenses, Proximity Series (InfiniTube, InfiniGage, InfiniStix, InfiniFlex, InfiniMini, InfiniMite), and Achrovid objectives. Each is a discrete capital equipment purchase with modular accessories and objectives sold separately.
2. Accessories, Objectives, and Replacement Parts: Supplementary revenue from interchangeable objectives (MX-Series, IF-Series, PL-Series, FD-Series, HM, SFX, Achrovid), amplifiers (DL, LDL, LFA, NTX), mounts (C, T, PL/ARRI-FLEX), illuminators, filters, clamps, and stands. Customers configure systems to their specific requirements.
3. Professional Services and Custom Configuration: Technical consultation for configuring optical systems for specific imaging requirements. Custom configurations for specific OEM and breadboard applications. Direct sales support for enterprise buyers requiring bespoke solutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Infinity Photo-Optical Company designs, manufactures, and sells precision optical instruments — specifically long-distance microscopes and continuously-focusable macro/micro imaging systems — based on proprietary Nelsonian optical design principles. The portfolio includes the K-Series long-distance microscopes, MikroMak prime probe lenses, InfiniProbe video microscopes, and Proximity Series machine vision lenses, sold as one-time capital equipment purchases with modular accessories and objectives.

Product overview

Infinity Photo-Optical Company offers a comprehensive portfolio of precision optical instruments organized into multiple product lines. The core offering spans several series: the MikroMak Prime Probe Lens Series (five focal lengths: 125mm, 90mm, 70mm, 50mm, 40mm, plus MikroMak/RO erect-image variant) built on Nelsonian optics principles for micro/macro cinematography and photography; the InfiniProbe Series encompassing the flagship InfiniProbe TS-160 Universal and its ROBUSTO/ROBUSTO-Lite cinematography variants, the compact InfiniProbe MS for C-mount macro, and the InfiniProbe C-Mount line (with Visible and UV models) for machine vision; the K-Series Long-Distance Microscopes including Model K1 CentriMax (with CentriTel constant-magnification focusing), Model K2 DistaMax (the highest-resolution flagship long-distance microscope), Model KX InfiniMax (with ConstantMag focusing), and Model KC VideoMax; the Proximity Series of application-specific video/machine vision lenses including InfiniTube FM, Standard, and Ultima tube systems, InfiniGage measurement lenses, InfiniStix, InfiniFlex HD, InfiniMini, and InfiniMite; and accessory modules including the InFocus Microscope Objective Converter, SUFFOCATOR fine-focus module, and CentriTel internal focusing technology. Products range from consumer/professional cinema and photography lenses to industrial machine vision and research-grade microscopy instruments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MikroMak: Prime probe lenses for micro/macro cinematography with focal lengths of 125, 90, 70, 50, and 40mm. Includes MikroMak/RO variant with erect image.
• InfiniProbe
• InfiniTube
• ROBUSTO
• Nelsonian
• CentriTel
• K-Series
• Proximity Series
• Achrovid
• InFocus

Products and services

• MikroMak Prime Probe Lens Series Five prime probe lenses (125mm, 90mm, 70mm, 50mm, 40mm) built on Nelsonian optical principles, offering micro-to-macro focusing from close working distances to infinity with lab-quality microscopy imaging in a compact lens form factor.
• MikroMak/RO Erect-image variant of the MikroMak functioning as both a 120mm and 55mm lens in one, with full-frame coverage from infinity to 20mm and 0–3.5x macro capability with automatically optimized image quality.
• InfiniProbe TS-160 Universal Continuously-focusable video microscope and macro imaging system capable of direct focus from infinity to 18mm with 0–16x magnification, covering all camera formats up to 35mm full-frame with internal focusing that maintains constant outer dimensions.
• InfiniProbe TS-160 ROBUSTO Cinematography-optimized variant of the TS-160 featuring all-metal construction, aspherical correction, built-in 0.8mm pitch gearing for motor-drive follow-focus, and compatibility with dual-camera Mirror Diverter and 50/50 Beamsplitter configurations.
• InfiniProbe TS-160 ROBUSTO-Lite Lighter-weight, compact hybrid version of the ROBUSTO TS-160 retaining full optical performance and most ROBUSTO accessories, optimized for field macro use.
• InfiniProbe MS Compact C-mount variable magnification lens delivering 0–4x macro focusing from infinity to 16mm, covering up to 1-inch sensor formats, incorporating macro capabilities of the TS-160 in a unified C-mount package with built-in filter holder and iris diaphragm.
• InfiniProbe C-Mount Series Line of continuously-focusable C-mount video microscopes in three magnification ranges (0–2.5x, 0–3.2x, 0–8x) for sensors up to 2/3-inch, in straight and 90-degree versions, including UV variants (S-32 UV, S-80 UV) and right-angle N-series models.
• Model K1 CentriMax Long-Distance Microscope Long-distance microscope incorporating Infinity's patented CentriTel internal focusing system, maintaining constant magnification during active focal translation from 3 meters to 60mm using MX-series objectives, supporting C/T-mount cameras up to 4/3-inch sensors with optional large-format amplification.
• Model K1 CentriMax ROBUSTO Cinematography-grade version of the K1 CentriMax, featuring all-metal construction, precision focus adjustment, and built-in 0.8mm pitch gearing for motor attachment, extending ROBUSTO cine capabilities to long-distance microscopy.
• Model K2 DistaMax Long-Distance Microscope Flagship long-distance microscope offering the highest resolution of any K-Series instrument, capable of focusing from infinity to microscope-level magnification, supporting all camera formats with modular accessories including dual-port configurations, zoom modules, and CentriTel Focuser for constant-magnification internal focusing.
• Model K2 DistaMax ROBUSTO Cinematography-grade version of the K2 DistaMax with all-metal construction, 0.8mm gearing for motor-drive follow-focus, and full compatibility with the CentriTel Focuser module for constant-magnification Z-stacking and depth measurements.
• Model KX InfiniMax Long-Distance Microscope Long-distance microscope utilizing Infinity's ConstantMag internal focusing system that maintains virtually constant magnification within the specified focusing range for each objective; resolution second only to K2 DistaMax, with support for C-mount through 2/3-inch formats and optional 35mm full-frame coverage via Large Format Amplifier.
• Model KC VideoMax Long-Distance Microscope Compact C-mount long-distance microscope with InFocus internal focusing, covering working distances from infinity to 405mm with IF-series objectives, offering greater resolution and aperture than stereomicroscopes; available in ST and SD dual-port versions and contains the R&D 100 award-winning InFocus system.
• InfiniTube FM-Series Series of four miniature multi-element infinity-corrected microscope tube systems (FM-50, FM-75, FM-100, FM-200) with 30mm outer diameters, internal focusing on FM-100 and FM-200, accepting PL-series, Mitutoyo, Nikon, and other infinity-corrected objectives; optional Mini Coaxial Illuminator.
• InfiniTube Standard 200mm tube optic combining with infinity-corrected microscope objectives for high-magnification video imaging, with internal focusing, dual-port and 90-degree versions, iris diaphragm control, and compatibility with Achrovid, Mitutoyo, Olympus, and Nikon objectives; InfiniTube-Z variant color-corrected for Zeiss ICS objectives.
• InfiniTube Ultima Most advanced research-grade tube system in three color-correction versions (S for standard brands, Z for Zeiss ICS, L for Leica HC/Delta), up to 9 elements in 5 groups, designed to connect cameras to infinity-corrected microscope objectives with parfocal function and optional coaxial illumination for fluorescence.
• InfiniGage Measurement Lens Distortion-free C-mount video/machine vision lens for precise gauging and measurement, pairing with seven precision spacers for seven fixed magnification/working distance combinations, available in Visible, UV, and Close-Working versions, with filter provision and optional DL Doubler Tube for 2x magnification.
• InfiniStix Video/Machine Vision Lens Series Application-specific video/machine vision lenses providing 19 magnification choices from 0.5x to 8.0x at four fixed working distances (18mm, 44mm, 68mm, 94mm), with 15mm diameter, C/CS-mount compatibility, and optional DL Doubler Tube for 2x amplification.
• InfiniFlex HD Compact Lens Series High-resolution HD imaging lenses configurable for 2x to 12x magnification via four main body options and two amplifier tubes, with 20mm standardized working distance, built-in filter provision, 15mm diameter fronts for angular illumination, and compatible with up to 2/3-inch C-mount cameras.
• InfiniMini Versatile Machine Vision Lens Internal-focusing video/machine vision lens with four rear converter systems (Standard, IF, SF, WA) for focus ranges from 750mm down to 150mm, incorporating patented DFS that continuously corrects spherical aberration during focus progression from telescope to microscope modes.
• InfiniMite Smart Lens Series C/CS-mount video lens family in three versions (Alpha for 1/3- to 1/2-inch sensors, Beta with 50% greater working distance for 1/2-inch sensors, Gamma for larger-sensor cameras) incorporating patented DFS that automatically finds specific, repeatable magnifications at defined working distances, with direct focus from infinity to 30mm.
• Achrovid Infinity-Corrected Microscope Objectives Six video-dedicated infinity-corrected microscope objectives (2x, 2.5x, 3.3x, 4x, 5x, 10x) designed on Nelsonian principles for optimized contrast and resolution in automated video and machine vision, M26-threaded and compatible with all Infinity products accepting external microscope objectives.
• InFocus Microscope Objective Converter Converter module replacing the TS-160 front lens/iris assembly to enable use of infinity-corrected microscope objectives, available in three color-correction variants (NEUTRAL for Nikon/Olympus/Mitutoyo/Achrovid, ZEISS ICS, LEICA HC/DELTA) to accommodate different brands' proprietary correction factors.
• SUFFOCATOR Fine Focus Module Secondary fine-focus module for the TS-160 ROBUSTO that eliminates lens breathing across all frontal lens configurations (Macro, Micro, SFX, microscope objectives), providing extraordinarily sensitive real-time focus without magnification change and enabling cinema Z-stacking workflows.
• CentriTel Optics Proprietary internal focusing technology (U.S. Patents 4,988,173 and 7,869,139) that enables focal translation from a fixed working distance without magnification change, implemented across K1 CentriMax, K2 DistaMax (via CentriTel Focuser), and selected other models.

Quantifiable outcome

• K2 DistaMax maintains highest resolution of any long-distance microscope with unsurpassed adaptability for research applications
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Edmund OpticscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Edmund Optics received the 2021 Nelsonian Dealer Award at the SPIE meeting. Robert Edmund, CEO and Chairman of Edmund Optics, accepted the award. Edmund Optics is described as an 'optical industry legend' and promotes, disseminates, and markets Infinity's Nelsonian optics internationally. Gregory Hollows (VP at Edmund Optics) also won a Nelsonian individual award in 2020, demonstrating deep integration between the two companies.
• SLAM SolutionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2020SLAM Solutions is Infinity Photo-Optical's distributor for Mexico and Latin America. CEO and Founder Jorge Villanueva received the 2020 Nelsonian Dealer Award. SLAM's expertise is described as renowned in scientific, audiovisual, cinema, and industrial markets. Featured on the KC VideoMax product page providing video demonstration content.
• Creative Video Productions (CVP)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Creative Video Productions (CVP) received the 2019 Nelsonian Dealer Award. Based in the UK, CVP is recognized for promoting and marketing Infinity products in the UK market.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Edmund Optics: Edmund Optics is Infinity's primary international dealer and 2021 Nelsonian Dealer Award recipient, but it also manufactures and distributes its own broad optics catalog. Their partnership is channel-enabling rather than purely competitive, making them an adjacent ecosystem participant with strategic distribution value for Infinity.

Broad incumbents

• Carl Zeiss (Zeiss): Zeiss is a major microscope and cinema lens manufacturer whose ICS infinity-corrected objectives Infinity explicitly supports through the InFocus converter. As a broad incumbent, Zeiss offers overlapping and competing capabilities across Infinity's microscope and optics segments.
• Leica Microsystems: Leica manufactures research and industrial microscopes, including infinity-corrected objective systems referenced by Infinity's InFocus converter. It is a broad incumbent in microscopy whose objectives Infinity's hardware is designed to be compatible with, and could expand into the long-distance microscopy space.
• Canon Inc. Canon is a leading cinema lens (CN-E series) and camera manufacturer that competes in the broader professional cinematography optics market where Infinity's MikroMak and ROBUSTO TS-160 lenses are deployed. As a broad incumbent, Canon has the scale to compete in macro cine if it chooses to invest.
• Mitutoyo: Mitutoyo manufactures industrial measurement optics and infinity-corrected microscope objectives that Infinity's InfiniTube systems are designed to accept. It is a broad incumbent in precision industrial optics with overlapping technology but broader application footprint.
• Sigma Corporation: Sigma manufactures cine and stills lenses including macro offerings that compete for the same professional cinematography and photography customers Infinity serves. As a broader optics incumbent, it represents alternative sourcing for budget-conscious macro specialists.
• Nikon (Instruments): Nikon manufactures research microscopes and infinity-corrected objectives that Infinity's tube systems and InFocus converter explicitly accommodate. It is a broad incumbent in microscopy that competes for the same scientific research and OEM integration customers.

Direct peers

• Laowa (Venus Optics): Laowa specializes in macro, ultra-wide, and specialty cine stills/cinema lenses that overlap directly with MikroMak and InfiniProbe-style macro/close-focus cinematography applications. Both companies serve professional cinematographers and photographers seeking unusual working-distance capabilities — Laowa competes most directly in the macro cine niche.

Regional players

• Vision Research (AMETEK): Vision Research Phantom high-speed cameras are referenced as a complementary integration with Infinity's MikroMak/RO lens (used by 2021 Nelsonian winner Kyle Gilroy). While not a direct optics competitor, the relationship demonstrates the convergence of high-speed imaging and micro/macro optics that defines Infinity's cinema and research customer base.

Emerging players

• SLR Magic: SLR Magic is a specialty cine lens maker focused on affordable, compact anamorphic, macro, and miniature optics for independent cinematographers. It overlaps with Infinity's macro-cine target audience (MikroMak, InfiniProbe MS) at a different price/positioning tier.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/InfinityPhotoOptical/videos
• Xx.com/opticalcompany
• Facebookfacebook.com/Infinity-Photo-Optical-Company-182403955162075
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/infinity-photo-optical

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Infinity Photo-Optical Company