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Products HomeØ1/2" Lens Tubes
- Directly Accepts Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Optics
- Compatible with Our 16 mm Cage Systems
- Stackable Design is Compatible with SM05-Threaded Components
SM05L30C
Slotted Lens Tube
SM05M10
Lens Tube Without External Threads
SM05L03
Lens Tube with Internal and External Threads
SM05RR
Retaining Ring
SPW603
Spanner Wrench
SM05
SM1
SM2
SM3
Easily Interfaces with Other Lens
Tube Sizes
SM05L03V
Lens Tube with Internal and External Threads
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| Ø1/2" Shortcuts |
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| Lens Tube Couplers SM Thread Adapters Lens Tube Mounts End Caps Kinematic Mounts Fixed Lens Mounts Rotational Mounts Translation Mounts |
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When an engraved lens tube is attached to another lens tube, the engraving of the connected end is no longer visible.
Features
- Easily Construct Multi-Element Optical Systems
- Wide Range of SM05-Compatible Options Available
- Directly Accepts Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) Optics
- Compatible with Our 16 mm Cage Systems
- Available With or Without External SM05 Threads
- Vacuum-Compatible Options Available
- Can be Used with Ø5 - Ø9 mm Optics by Purchasing a Small Optic Adapter
Lens tubes are ideal for creating compact optical subassemblies. The Ø1/2" lens tubes sold here can be used to house one or several optical elements, as shown in the diagram of a beam expander below. Optics are separated and secured by retaining rings that are positioned at the desired depth within the lens tube using our SPW603 spanner wrench. Depending on the item purchased, one or two retaining rings are included (see below for details). Additional retaining rings can be purchased separately. In addition to the Ø1/2" lens tubes featured on this page, Thorlabs also offers Ø1", Ø30 mm, Ø1.5", Ø2", and Ø3" versions, each of which is equipped with an SM series thread standard that depends on the tube diameter. Vacuum-compatible versions of our Ø1/2" and Ø1" stackable lens tubes are available from stock; customers can request vacuum-compatible lens tubes at other lengths and diameters by contacting Tech Support.
Thorlabs' Threading Specifications
Thorlabs' lens tubes utilize a series of non-standard threadings. Threading specifications are given below for our SM threadings utilized in our lens tube and cage system components so that you can machine mating components to suit your application. We also offer products with C-Mount and RMS threadings, and the specifications for these threadings are also given below. Please note that other manufacturers may have different tolerances for these threads. For other thread specifications that are not listed here, please contact Tech Support.
| SM05 Threading: Ø1/2" Lens Tubes, 16 mm Cage Systems | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 0.535"-40.0, UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 0.535"-40.0, UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 0.5340" | Min Major Diameter | 0.5350" |
| Min Major Diameter | 0.5289" | Min Pitch Diameter | 0.5188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 0.5178" | Max Pitch Diameter | 0.5230" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 0.5146" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of thread) | 0.508" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 0.5069" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of thread) | 0.514" |
| RMS Threading: Objective, Scan, and Tube Lenses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 0.800"-36.0, UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 0.800"-36.0, UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 0.7989" | Min Major Diameter | 0.8000" |
| Min Major Diameter | 0.7934" | Min Pitch Diameter | 0.7820" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 0.7809" | Max Pitch Diameter | 0.7866" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 0.7774" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of thread) | 0.770" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 0.7688" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of thread) | 0.777" |
| C-Mount Threading: Machine Vision Lenses, CCD/CMOS Cameras | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 1.000"-32.0, UN-2A | Internal Thread, 1.000"-32.0, UN-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 0.9989" | Min Major Diameter | 1.0000" |
| Min Major Diameter | 0.9929" | Min Pitch Diameter | 0.9797" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 0.9786" | Max Pitch Diameter | 0.9846" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 0.9748" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of thread) | 0.966" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 0.9651" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of thread) | 0.974" |
| SM1 Threading: Ø1" Lens Tubes, 30 mm Cage Systems | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 1.035"-40.0, UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 1.035"-40.0, UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 1.0339" | Min Major Diameter | 1.0350" |
| Min Major Diameter | 1.0288" | Min Pitch Diameter | 1.0188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 1.0177" | Max Pitch Diameter | 1.0234" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 1.0142" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of thread) | 1.008" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 1.0068" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of thread) | 1.014" |
| SM30 Threading: Ø30 mm Lens Tubes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, M30.5x0.5 | Internal Thread, M30.5x0.5 | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 30.480 mm | Min Major Diameter | 30.500 mm |
| Min Major Diameter | 30.371 mm | Min Pitch Diameter | 30.175 mm |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 30.155 mm | Max Pitch Diameter | 30.302 mm |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 30.059 mm | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of thread) | 29.959 mm |
| Max Minor Diameter | 29.938 mm | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of thread) | 30.094 mm |
| SM1.5 Threading: Ø1.5" Lens Tubes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 1.535"-40, UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 1.535"-40, UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 1.5339" | Min Major Diameter | 1.535" |
| Min Major Diameter | 1.5288" | Min Pitch Diameter | 1.5188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 1.5177" | Max Pitch Diameter | 1.5236" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 1.5140" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of thread) | 1.508" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 1.5068" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of thread) | 1.514" |
| SM2 Threading: Ø2" Lens Tubes, 60 mm Cage Systems | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 2.035"-40.0, UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 2.035"-40.0, UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 2.0338" | Min Major Diameter | 2.0350" |
| Min Major Diameter | 2.0287" | Min Pitch Diameter | 2.0188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 2.0176" | Max Pitch Diameter | 2.0239" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 2.0137" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of thread) | 2.008" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 2.0067" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of thread) | 2.014" |
| SM3 Threading: Ø3" Lens Tubes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| External Thread, 3.035"-40.0, UNS-2A | Internal Thread, 3.035"-40.0, UNS-2B | ||
| Max Major Diameter | 3.0337" | Min Major Diameter | 3.0350" |
| Min Major Diameter | 3.0286" | Min Pitch Diameter | 3.0188" |
| Max Pitch Diameter | 3.0175" | Max Pitch Diameter | 3.0242" |
| Min Pitch Diameter | 3.0133" | Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of thread) | 3.008" |
| Max Minor Diameter | 3.0066" | Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of thread) | 3.014" |
| Posted Comments: | |
Peter VOKHMIN
(posted 2020-04-30 15:43:19.847) Hi guys:
It is desirable to see in the ThorLabs Catalogue Ø1/2" lens tubes without external SM05 threads, but with the optic retention lips, similar to the Ø1" lens tubes SM1L10E or SM1L05E.
Best wishes.
Dr. P.A.Vokhmin YLohia
(posted 2020-05-01 03:19:38.0) Hello Peter, thank you for your suggestion. I have posted your request to our internal engineering forum for further consideration as a future product. swaush
(posted 2017-04-27 17:22:53.673) Hello
Could you let us know the manufacturing tolerance of the lens tubes without external threads, 1.5 and 2 inch length? We would need the tolerance of the length and outer diameter. nbayconich
(posted 2017-04-28 11:06:16.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. A Techsupport representative will contact you directly regarding our mechanical tolerances. s13d504
(posted 2013-05-30 22:34:59.403) Hello,this is Wei Qi,from Kagawa Unv. Japan.
We want to buy SM05L05,but we don't know that the lens(Diameter:12.7mm or smaller)can be used in the lens tubes? If the lens(Diameter:12.7mm or smaller)can be used in this lens tubes, the other parts is necessary?
You can contact me by e-mail
s13d504@stmail.eng.kagawa-u.ac.jp
Thank you very much.
Regards, tcohen
(posted 2013-05-30 12:39:00.0) Response from Tim at Thorlabs to Wei: The retention lip is .450” and lenses with a diameter larger than that will be restricted. A 12.7mm lens will pass through the SM05 threads to the retention lip and be held in with a retaining ring (included). Smaller optics can be adapted to the SM05 standard with adapters such as our LMRA series: http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=59. jlow
(posted 2012-07-31 12:19:00.0) A response from Jeremy at Thorlabs. Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your feedback to our engineering group to be added. The inner diameter for the part you referenced is Ø0.450". user
(posted 2012-07-31 09:36:49.0) The dimension of the ID of the externally threaded end is missing from the SM05L05 lens tube drawing. As this diameter defines the maximum aperture of the back end of the lens tube i would consdier it an important number to provide. Please be kind enough to add this dimension. jjurado
(posted 2011-02-15 08:39:00.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to sivan.jonathan: Thank you very much for submitting your request. I will send you the specs for our SM05 threads to your e-mail. We will also post this information on the web shortly. sivan.jonathan
(posted 2011-02-14 13:36:51.0) Hello,
I need to interface with this product, both to external and internal threading.
Can I recieve the engineering specs for these threads (they are not standard). Specifically tap, diameters etc... |
Zoom- Stackable Design Enables Multi-Element Optical Systems
- SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Bore Directly Accepts Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Optics
- Accommodates Ø5 - Ø9 mm Optics by Purchasing a Small Optic Adapter
- Directly Compatible with Our 16 mm Cage Assembly Systems
These stackable Ø1/2" lens tubes provide a fast and easy means for building compact optical assemblies. Their stackable design and direct interfacing with any SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) components provide flexibility for complex optomechanical assemblies. One SM05RR Retaining Ring is included with each lens tube.
| Item # | L | Internal Thread Depth |
|---|---|---|
| SM05L03 | 0.33" (8.4 mm) | 0.30" (7.6 mm) |
| SM05L05 | 0.53" (13.5 mm) | 0.50" (12.7 mm) |
| SM05L10 | 1.03" (26.2 mm) | 1.00" (25.4 mm) |
| SM05L15 | 1.53" (38.9 mm) | 1.50" (38.1 mm) |
| SM05L20 | 2.03" (51.6 mm) | 2.00" (50.8 mm) |
| SM05L30 | 3.03" (77.0 mm) | 3.00" (76.2 mm) |
| Alternatives | Ø1", Ø30 mm, Ø1.5", Ø2", and Ø3" Stackable Lens Tubes | Ø1" and Ø2" Lens Tube Extensions |
|---|
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Vents along the threading and at the ends of these tubes provide a free path for air to escape when under vacuum.
- Stackable Design Enables Multi-Element Optical Systems
- SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Bore Directly Accepts Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Optics
- Compatible with SM05-Threaded Vacuum Components
These stackable Ø1/2" lens tubes provide a fast and easy means for building compact optical assemblies. Their stackable design and direct interfacing with any SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) components provide flexibility for complex optomechanical assemblies. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, these lens tubes are vacuum compatible down to 10-6 Torr. One vacuum-compatible SM05-threaded retaining ring is included with each lens tube. Please contact Tech Support for replacements.
These vacuum-compatible lens tubes feature venting channels along the internal threading and at the ends of each tube. These channels allow air trapped between mounted optics an easy means of escape during pumpdown.
| Item # | L | Internal Thread Depth |
|---|---|---|
| SM05L03V | 0.33" (8.4 mm) | 0.30" (7.6 mm) |
| SM05L05V | 0.53" (13.5 mm) | 0.50" (12.7 mm) |
| SM05L10V | 1.03" (26.2 mm) | 1.00" (25.4 mm) |
| Vacuum Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Vacuum Compatibility as Packageda | >10-6 Torr |
| Materials | 6061-T6 Aluminum |
| Preparation and Packaging | Chemically Cleaned and Double Vacuum-Bagged |
| Aluminum Outgassing Rate at 20 °C | 7.6 x 10-9 Torr-Liters/s/cm2 |
| Alternatives | Ø1" Vacuum-Compatible Stackable Lens Tubes |
|---|
Zoom
- SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Bore Directly Accepts Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Optics
- Accommodates Ø5 - Ø9 mm Optics by Purchasing a Small Optic Adapter
- Unlike Stackable Lens Tubes, Optics can be Accessed from Both Ends
- Use Lens Tube Couplers to Stack Multiple Lens Tubes
- Allows Coupling of Two Externally SM05-Threaded Components
Unlike our Ø1/2" stackable lens tubes featured above, these internally threaded lens tubes do not feature a lip at one end nor do they have external SM05 threading. Therefore, optics housed inside can be accessed from both ends. To join these lens tubes end-to-end, use an SM05T2 Lens Tube Coupler. Two SM05RR Retaining Rings are included with each lens tube.
| Alternatives | Ø1" and Ø2" Lens Tubes Without External Threads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
The dust cover can be opened or closed by rotating it in either direction.
- Easy Access to Optics
- Rotatable Slip Shield Protects Optics
- Compatible with SM05 (0.535"-40) Threaded Components
- Available in 2" (50.8 mm) and 3" (76.2 mm) Thread Depths
These stackable Ø1/2" lens tubes with side slots provide a fast and easy means for building complex optical assemblies and adjusting the optics without disassembling the setup. Optics can be inserted into the tube and locked into position using the included SM05RR retaining rings. Simply thread the first retaining ring to the desired depth, add the optic, and then use a second retaining ring to secure the optic. Optics can be manually adjusted via the side slots without the use of a spanner wrench. The rotatable slip shield included with the lens tube has an inner diameter of 0.71" (17.9 mm) and fits over the lens tube slots to prevent unwanted light from entering the system and to keep the optical setup free from debris.
| Alternatives | Ø1" and Ø2" Slotted Lens Tubes | |
|---|---|---|
Zoom| Retaining Ring Specs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Feature | Thickness | Inner Diameter |
| SM05RR | Aluminum | 0.07" (1.7 mm) |
0.44" (11.0 mm) |
| SM05RRV | Unanodized Aluminum | 0.07" (1.7 mm) |
0.44" (11.0 mm) |
| SM05LTRR | Aluminum with Rubber O-Ring for Stress-Free Mounting |
0.15" (3.9 mm) |
0.32" (8.1 mm) |
| SM05RRC | Aluminum, 5 mm Thick for High-Curvature Lenses |
0.20" (5.0 mm) |
0.44" (11.0 mm) |
| SM05PRR | Non-Marring Plastic | 0.08" (2.0 mm) |
0.44" (11.0 mm) |
| POLARIS-SM05RR | Stainless Steel | 0.07" (1.7 mm) |
0.43" (10.9 mm) |
- Six Types of Retaining Rings for Securing Ø1/2" Optics
- Spanner Wrenches Provide One-Handed Adjustment of Retaining Rings
- SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench can Accommodate Diameters from 0.12" (3.0 mm) to 2.89" (73.4 mm)
Thorlabs offers six different kinds of SM05 (0.535"-40) retaining rings. The SM05RR is our standard aluminum retaining ring that ships with our Ø1/2" lens tubes as well as many other Thorlabs components, and is available individually and in packs of 10. The SM05RRV unanodized aluminum retaining ring, a vacuum-compatible version of the SM05RR retaining ring, is suitable for use in vacuum pressures down to 10-6 Torr. It is included with our vacuum-compatible Ø1/2" lens tubes.
Additionally, SM05RR Retaining Rings can be swapped out for one of the SM05-threaded retaining rings listed in the table to the right. Please keep in mind that due to the increased thickness of some retaining rings, the maximum optic thickness that can be housed inside our standard SM05-compatible mounts will be diminished in some cases.
To position and adjust these retaining rings, choose from two spanner wrench options. The SPW603 Spanner Wrench has a hollow design that enables retaining rings for our SM05 series of lens tubes to be adjusted and installed without obscuring the beam path. The handle is knurled for improved grip. For use with longer lens tubes, multiple SPW603 spanning wrenches can be stacked to extend the wrench's maximum reach. Alternatively, the SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench can also be used to position any SM05 retaining rings. Please note that the SPW801 wrench can withstand a maximum torque of 80 inch pounds. We also offer the SPB05 Spanner Bit, which can be used with a standard 1/4" hex driver (sold separately). The SPB05 is included as part of the SPB600 Spanner Wrench Bit Kit.
| Alternatives | Ø1", Ø2", and Ø3" Fixed Diameter Spanner Wrenches | Ø1", Ø1.5", Ø2", and Ø3" Retaining Rings |
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