Optic Spacers


  • Space Optics within SM05 or SM1 Lens Tubes
  • Lengths Ranging from 0.4 mm to 10 mm
  • Brass or Plastic Spacers Available

SM1S01

Ø1", 0.4 mm Long, Plastic

SM1S6M

Ø1", 6 mm Long, Brass

SM05S1M

Ø1/2", 1 mm Long, Brass

Application Idea

Above, optical spacers are used to keep a set of lenses at fixed distances in an SM1L20C Lens Tube to create a camera lens. When mounted in an SM1NR1 Zoom Housing, this allows the lens to focus at variable distances.

Related Items


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Click to Enlarge
Diagram of an Optic Spacer

Features

  • Place Multiple Optics in Series at Well Defined Distances
  • Can Be Used to Mount Thin Optics
  • Minimal Wall Thickness Prevents Obstruction of Clear Aperture
  • Made from Brass or Plastic (Acetate)

These optic spacers are used to separate optics within an SM05 or SM1 lens tube. As an alternative to using a plastic retaining ring, a spacer may be used to prevent direct contact between an anodized aluminum retaining ring and the optic's surface. 

Our brass spacers are also ideal for securing thin round optics into optic mounts that use setscrews, such as our Fixed Optical Mounts. They provide a rigid, wide surface against which the setscrew can be tightened without causing damage to the optic.


Posted Comments:
Holger Tuitje  (posted 2019-10-29 16:10:19.83)
Do you have plans to offer the optic spacers in stainless steel (SST) or aluminum instead of brass?
llamb  (posted 2019-10-30 10:26:27.0)
Thank you for your feedback. There are currently no plans for releasing stainless steel or aluminum optic spacers. However, I have added this idea into our internal engineering forum for further review.
user  (posted 2019-06-13 05:53:35.633)
Dear Thorlabs, We ideally would like the plastic spacers that are 400 um thick SM05. Would it be possible for thorlabs to provide these. We would also be interested in having some brass spacers custom made for a system we are building and would like to know the costs for these custom sizes (tolerance 100um). Kind regards, David.
YLohia  (posted 2019-06-13 11:36:38.0)
Hello David, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We will reach out to you directly to discuss this possibility.
bmills  (posted 2016-05-26 15:33:16.257)
Do you plan on selling SM05 (1/2 inch) optic spacers (brass)? Thank you.
besembeson  (posted 2016-05-26 04:40:36.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Yes we are working on these. I will contact you to get your requirements.
doug.mcgregor  (posted 2016-02-14 16:00:24.717)
Are there spacers available for SM05? Something as thin as the SM1S01 would be very useful. Hand-sanding SM05RR retaining rings is a painful substitute.
besembeson  (posted 2016-03-03 12:07:27.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: We don't have these as stock items for now, but can provide these to you as a special item. I will contact you.
ronny  (posted 2013-03-04 11:18:39.59)
What about the same spacers for SM2 ???
cdaly  (posted 2013-03-06 18:35:00.0)
Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for using our web feedback. At the moment we do not offer version of these spacers for our SM2 series of lens tubes, though there have been some internal discussion about possibly of introducing them. I will log your request within our forums to help support this idea. Thank you very much for your input.
user  (posted 2013-02-21 21:21:08.187)
Sometimes it would be useful to make small adjustments to the length of a tube. Some .5mm thick shims with an ID of 1.04" and an OD of 1.2" could come in very handy.
cdaly  (posted 2013-02-27 16:27:00.0)
Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for using our feedback tool. Typically, for an application which requires a variable length lens tube, we would recommend using either the SM1V05 or SM1V10, which can be threaded into another lens tube. The overall length of the two tubes can then be adjusted by threading this in or out by a given amount. When the appropriate length is obtained, the locking nut would then be tightened down against the first lens tube, securing the length.
sharrell  (posted 2012-01-23 14:34:00.0)
A Reply from Sean at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback! We have added the inner diameter of the spacers, Ø0.91", as a bullet on the overview tab. If you have any further questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to leave additional feedback or email techsupport@thorabs.com.
user  (posted 2012-01-22 16:44:21.0)
Would be nice to have the inner diameter on the Overview tab.
bdada  (posted 2011-04-12 17:39:00.0)
Response from Buki at Thorlabs to Johannes: Thank you for notifying us of an inaccuracy on our website caused by a rounding error. The correct thickness specification is 0.015" and our ESD and Web drawings will be changed to reflect this.
johannes.piel  (posted 2011-04-12 16:00:22.0)
the presentations says: 0.015" (0,4mm), but the drawing (autocad.pdf) says 0,02" (0.3mm). But 0.015"=0.381mm and 0.02"=0.508mm. Something is wrong here...
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Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacers


Click to Enlarge
SM05S3M brass optic spacer used to mount a thin NE501B ND filter on a KM05 kinematic mount.
  • Spacers Range from 1 mm to 10 mm in Length
  • Clear Aperture of 0.43" (11.0 mm)
  • Designed for Use in SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Lens Tubes or Mounts for Ø1/2" Optics
  • Sold Individually
  • Made from Brass

These Ø1/2" brass optic spacers are used to separate optics within an SM05 lens tube. Their lengths range from 1 mm to 10 mm in 1 mm intervals, which allows optics to be spaced at varying intervals. In addition, their rounded edges help to prevent damage to optics when mounted. When using these spacers with convex lenses facing each other, use a spacer long enough to separate the lenses to prevent damage resulting from contact.

These spacers can be used with our KM05(/M) Ø1/2" Kinematic Mirror Mount to provide support when mounting thin filters or optics. Spacers that are at least 2 mm long are ideal for securing thin, round optics into Ø1/2" optic mounts with setscrews. They provide a rigid, wide surface against which the setscrew can be tightened without causing damage to the optic.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM05S1M Support Documentation
SM05S1MCustomer Inspired! Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacer, 1 mm in Length
$8.20
Today
SM05S2M Support Documentation
SM05S2MCustomer Inspired! Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacer, 2 mm in Length
$8.20
Today
SM05S3M Support Documentation
SM05S3MCustomer Inspired! Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacer, 3 mm in Length
$8.20
Today
SM05S4M Support Documentation
SM05S4MCustomer Inspired! Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacer, 4 mm in Length
$8.50
Today
SM05S5M Support Documentation
SM05S5MCustomer Inspired! Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacer, 5 mm in Length
$8.50
Today
SM05S6M Support Documentation
SM05S6MCustomer Inspired! Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacer, 6 mm in Length
$9.08
Today
SM05S7M Support Documentation
SM05S7MCustomer Inspired! Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacer, 7 mm in Length
$9.08
Today
SM05S8M Support Documentation
SM05S8MCustomer Inspired! Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacer, 8 mm in Length
$9.45
Today
SM05S9M Support Documentation
SM05S9MCustomer Inspired! Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacer, 9 mm in Length
$9.45
Today
SM05S10M Support Documentation
SM05S10MCustomer Inspired! Ø1/2" Brass Optic Spacer, 10 mm in Length
$9.45
Today
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Ø1" Plastic Optic Spacers

  • Each Spacer is 0.015" (0.4 mm) in Length
  • Inner Diameter of 0.91" (23.0 mm) and Outer Diameter of 1.00" (25.4 mm)
  • Sold in Packs of 10
  • Made from Plastic (Acetate)

Item # SM1S01 consists of ten 0.015" (0.4 mm) long optic spacers, each with a diameter of 1". These spacers can be used to closely separate optics within an SM1 lens tube. Their consistent length results in equally spaced optics. When using these spacers with convex lenses facing each other, use enough spacers to separate the lenses to prevent damage resulting from contact.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM1S01 Support Documentation
SM1S01Customer Inspired! Ø1" Plastic Optic Spacer, 0.015" (0.4 mm) in Length, 10 Pack
$6.43
Today
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Ø1" Brass Optic Spacers

Spacers Used To Create Camera Lens in an SM1L20C Lens TubeClick to Enlarge
View Product List
Item #QtyDescription
SM1L20C1SM1 Slotted Lens Tube, 2" Thread Depth, 2 Retaining Rings Included
LB1811-A1N-BK7 Bi-Convex Lens, Ø1", f = 35.0 mm, ARC: 350 - 700 nm
SM1S6M1Ø1" Brass Optic Spacer, 6 mm in Length
LC2679-A1Ø1", N-SF11 Plano-Concave Lens, f = -30.0 mm, ARC: 350-700 nm
SM1S10M1Ø1" Brass Optic Spacer, 10 mm in Length
LC1582-A1N-BK7 Plano-Concave Lens, Ø1", f = -75.0 mm, AR Coating: 350-700 nm
SM1S10M1Ø1" Brass Optic Spacer, 10 mm in Length
LBF254-050-A1N-BK7 Best Form Lens, Ø1", f = 50 mm, ARC: 350-700 nm
Multiple Ø1" optic spacers used to create a 100 mm focal length, f/4.3 camera lens within an SM1L20C lens tube (dust cover not shown).
  • Spacers Range from 1 mm to 10 mm in Length
  • Inner Diameter of 0.91" (23.0 mm) and Outer Diameter of 1.00" (25.4 mm)
  • Sold Individually
  • Made from Brass

These Ø1" brass optic spacers are used to separate optics within an SM1 lens tube. Their lengths range from 1 mm to 10 mm in 1 mm intervals, which allows optics to be spaced at varying intervals. When using these spacers with convex lenses facing each other, use a spacer long enough to separate the lenses to prevent damage resulting from contact.

The versions that are 2 mm or longer are ideal for securing thin round optics into optic mounts that use setscrews. They provide a rigid, wide surface against which the setscrew can be tightened without causing damage to the optic, and their minimal wall thickness preserves a large aperture.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM1S1M Support Documentation
SM1S1MØ1" Brass Optic Spacer, 1 mm in Length
$9.38
Today
SM1S2M Support Documentation
SM1S2MØ1" Brass Optic Spacer, 2 mm in Length
$9.50
Today
SM1S3M Support Documentation
SM1S3MØ1" Brass Optic Spacer, 3 mm in Length
$9.73
Today
SM1S4M Support Documentation
SM1S4MØ1" Brass Optic Spacer, 4 mm in Length
$9.85
Today
SM1S5M Support Documentation
SM1S5MØ1" Brass Optic Spacer, 5 mm in Length
$10.10
Today
SM1S6M Support Documentation
SM1S6MØ1" Brass Optic Spacer, 6 mm in Length
$10.21
Today
SM1S7M Support Documentation
SM1S7MØ1" Brass Optic Spacer, 7 mm in Length
$10.41
Today
SM1S8M Support Documentation
SM1S8MØ1" Brass Optic Spacer, 8 mm in Length
$10.57
Today
SM1S9M Support Documentation
SM1S9MØ1" Brass Optic Spacer, 9 mm in Length
$10.76
Today
SM1S10M Support Documentation
SM1S10MØ1" Brass Optic Spacer, 10 mm in Length
$10.92
Today