The performance of a surveillance system relies heavily on the type of lens used on the camera. Each type of lens will determine the size of the field of vision, clarity of the picture, and how much detail can be seen at different distances from the camera. The correct choice of a lens will result in higher quality monitoring and better public safety, whether the camera is being placed in a home, business or a public area. Wide angle lenses best for monitoring large areas, such as a retail store or warehouse, whereas narrow lenses are best for focusing on specific areas such as doors or windows. A security camera lens that is good match to its corresponding camera will produce the best possible images under both daylight and nighttime conditions and help improve the overall effectiveness and intelligence of the surveillance system.