If you are trying to upgrade your gear or complete crucial projects in the post-apocalyptic world of ARC Raiders, you will eventually run into the need for a Camera Lens. This “uncommon” Recyclable material is one of those items that seems to drop everywhere until you actually need it—specifically for the Weather Monitor System. With its heavy emphasis on high-stakes scavenging in dangerous zones, the game feels like a sci-fi evolution of extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov, but with a much sleeker, retro-futuristic aesthetic.
Where to Find and Scavenge Camera Lens
The Camera Lens in ARC Raiders cannot be purchased from any vendor, nor can it be crafted by combining other materials. The only way to obtain it is through old-fashioned scavenging on the Topside. According to the item description, these lenses are primarily found in Security locations.
If you currently need the lens for a specific project, we highly recommend using the Track feature in your inventory. This adds a small eye icon to the item in the game world, ensuring you don’t accidentally overlook it or leave it behind during a frantic firefight.
When it comes to value, selling a Camera Lens will net you 640 Coins. However, if you choose to recycle it, you receive 8 Plastic Parts. While that might not sound like much, Plastic is a cornerstone material for a vast number of crafting recipes, making the exchange worthwhile in the long run.
Top Farming Locations and Routes
The absolute best place to start your hunt is the Hydroponic Dome Complex located within the Dam Battlegrounds. This area consists of several large glass domes filled with high-value loot containers.
- Dome Complex Strategy: Systematically check every metal crate, locker, drawer, and shelf inside the domes.
- Pro Looting Tip: Always check containers even if they appear to have been looted already. Many late-game players find the Camera Lens “uncommon” and not worth the inventory space, often leaving them behind for others to find.
- Environmental Hazards: The complex is very open. Always keep an eye on the sky for Rocketeers or Fireflies, as these aerial threats can turn a routine scavenge run into a disaster very quickly.
Beyond the Domes, there are several other confirmed spots where Camera Lenses spawn across different maps:
| Location | Map |
| Hydroponic Dome Complex | Dam Battlegrounds |
| Control Tower | Dam Battlegrounds |
| Security Wing | The Blue Gate |
| Launch Towers | Spaceport |
| Lobby | Stella Montis |
Editor’s Take
ARC Raiders excels at making even “junk” feel valuable within its ecosystem. The Camera Lens is the perfect example of an item that forces you to weigh the risk of crossing the open fields of the Hydroponic Domes against the reward of finishing your next upgrade. We love the project tracking mechanic—it completely removes the frustration of accidentally discarding something you’ve been hunting for days. Just a word of caution: if you’re running a “free loadout” without a Safe Pocket, one lucky shot from a Firefly can send your hard-earned glass right back into the dirt.
FAQ
Q: Can I buy a Camera Lens from a vendor in the base?
A: No, this item cannot be purchased from any vendor. You must scavenge it from Security locations on the maps.
Q: What do I get if I recycle a Camera Lens?
A: Recycling one lens grants you 8 Plastic Parts, which are essential for many crafting recipes.
Q: How do I know if an item in the world is the one I need for my project?
A: If you use the “Track” function on a recipe (like the Weather Monitor), a small eye icon will appear over the Camera Lens when you find it in the world.
Q: Which map is the best for farming lenses?
A: Dam Battlegrounds is the top choice, specifically the Hydroponic Dome Complex and the Control Tower, due to the high density of Security loot.
Q: Can I craft a Camera Lens from other materials?
A: No. It is a base recyclable material that must be found; there is currently no recipe to craft it.
