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Products HomeØ1" Lens Tubes
- Lens Tubes Accept Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) Optics
- SM1 Thread Standard Used Throughout Thorlabs' Product Line
- Designed for Use with Our 30 mm Cage Systems
SM1M10
Internal Threads
SM1S20
External Threads
SM1L05
Internal and External Threads
SM1L40
Internal and External Threads
SM1L10E
Internal Threads, Optic Retention Lip
SM1L30C
Slotted Lens Tube
(Optic Not Included)
Easily Interfaces with Other Lens
Tube Sizes
SM05
SM1
SM2
SM3
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| Ø1" Shortcuts |
|---|
| Lens Tube Couplers SM Thread Adapters Lens Tube Mounts End Caps Kinematic Mounts Fixed Lens Mounts Rotational Mounts Translation Mounts |
Features
- Variety of Lens Tubes in Lengths from 0.30" (7.6 mm) to 4.00" (101.6 mm)
- Standard Lens Tubes
- Lens Tubes without External Threading
- Lens Tubes with Optic Retention and No External Threading
- Lens Tube Spacers without Internal Threading
- Slotted Lens Tubes for Access to Optics without Disassembly
- Extension Tube for Optics with Long Focal Lengths
- Wide Range of SM1-Compatible Optomechanical Components
- Compatible with Our 30 mm Cage Systems
- Lens Tubes Directly Accept Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) Optics
Lens tubes are ideal for creating compact optical subassemblies with light-tight beam paths. The Ø1" lens tubes sold here can be used to house one or several optical elements, as shown in the diagram of a beam expander below. In addition to the Ø1" lens tubes featured on this page, Thorlabs also offers Ø1/2", Ø30 mm, Ø2", and Ø3" versions, each of which is equipped with an SM series thread standard that depends on the tube diameter.
Optics are separated and secured by retaining rings that are positioned along the length of the lens tube using a compatible SM1 spanner wrench, sold below. Each of the lens tubes on this page come with one or two compatible SM-threaded retaining rings with the exception of the internally unthreaded lens tube spacers (Item #s beginning with SM1M). In addition, Thorlabs offers stress-free and plastic retaining rings for optics which require reduced stress on our SM-Threaded Retaining Rings page.
Click to Enlarge
When an engraved lens tube is attached to another lens tube, the engraving of the connected end is no longer visible.
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 |
| 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: | |
ludoangot
(posted 2019-01-03 19:50:53.187) Would it be possible you offer your SM1Lxx and SM1Mxx tubes without the retaining ring? The ring is mainly useful when an optical element is to be inserted in the tube, but in several optical assemblies the ring isn't used: after several years of using these tubes for various optical assemblies, we have accumulated more than a dozen of these rings for which we have no use. At USD4.50 the ring, it would be a welcome cost reduction to be able to order the tubes without the ring. YLohia
(posted 2019-01-09 09:26:42.0) Hello, thank you for your feedback. We do have the ability to sell these lens tube separately, however, these will be offered as "special" items through Tech Support (and have to go through a special quoting process that can incur a 1-2 day lead time). Due to the additional processing involved, the price of the tube without the retaining ring is nearly the same as that of the standard bundle with the retaining ring included. Given that you're not using retaining rings with your lens tubes, it's possible that one of our Ø1" Lens Tube Spacers Without Internal Threads may be suitable (they come without retaining rings). I will reach out to you directly with more information. user
(posted 2017-02-09 12:22:23.463) I would like to suggest creation of a new product for 0.5" thick optics without so much excess as using the 1 inch long tube: SM1L075 for a tube with thread depths of either 0.75". Thanks! tfrisch
(posted 2017-02-16 11:56:59.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We can likely offer this as a custom if you reach out to us at TechSupport@Thorlabs.com. I will also post it in our internal engineering forum. lukasz.dziechciarczyk
(posted 2016-07-25 06:50:31.153) Dear Sir or Madame,
Is there a lens tube like SM1L05 but with a locking screw going through it that could hold a custom piece inside (unthreaded) ?
Lukasz aklossek
(posted 2015-10-29 09:30:05.75) Dear ladies and gentlemen,
I'm interested in using the SM1S10 lens tube. Do I understand auto CAD pdf correctly by seeing that the thread is not complete along to the thread range? This may cause that components with thin thread (e.g. CM1-DCH) rotate freely.
Best regards
André Klossek besembeson
(posted 2015-10-29 02:55:33.0) Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Yes the thread is not complete but it will not cause free rotation. The un-threaded space on the SM1S10 is 0.38mm while the threaded region of the CM1-DCH is about 2.03mm so you should still have at least 2 threads that will lock the two together. ludoangot
(posted 2015-08-03 14:01:00.307) Hello, 1.5" long tubes would be much welcomed, I have a 1" thick lens element which doesn't fit in your 1" tubes but 2" is too long for my setup! Could you offer these in both SM1Lxx and SM1Mxx line? besembeson
(posted 2015-08-19 11:54:55.0) Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Thanks for your feedback. We can offer this to you as a special item for now. I will follow up by email. We will review this as a possible expansion to the lens tube stock product line. cbrideau
(posted 2015-07-29 11:45:51.027) I'd like to see an extension tube like this made available for the SM30 line, and I'd also like to see a 12" length of this in the SM1 and SM30 for really long builds. besembeson
(posted 2015-09-23 07:32:18.0) Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: We can provide this to you as a special item if needed. For now, you could use various combinations of the SM30 lens tubes to achieve your desired length or two SM1E60 of the SM1 extension. u.eisenbarth
(posted 2014-02-17 14:55:25.57) Dear Madam / Sir,
We are regularly using the SM tube system and are quite happy with it. However since we also use many custom parts which we want to connect to the SM standard it would be desireable if you would offer a corresponding thread cutter (for both internal and external threads). While our workshop can produce this type of (non-standard) thread on their turning machines it would make life much easier.
Regards,
Udo Eisenbarth cdaly
(posted 2014-02-25 05:52:19.0) Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for your inquiry. We do have SM05 and SM1 taps to produce internal threads available at the linke below. At the moment, we do not offer these dies as standard items, but we can offer them as customs for the time being. Inquiries for these should be directed to techsupport@thorlabs.com We will contact you directly with this information.
http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1189 sharrell
(posted 2012-03-30 14:26:00.0) A response from Sean at Thorlabs: Thank you again for your feedback on our lens tube covers. Several of our engineers have had sucess cutting the SC1L24 covers with a band saw or a coping saw. We have added this information to the website as a suggestion to future customers. In addition, one of our engineers tried using a pipe cutter and unfortunately, the tube was crushed. tcohen
(posted 2012-03-29 14:14:00.0) Response from Tim at Thorlabs: One of our target specifications for this product was for it to be easy to cut. We are grateful to hear your feedback on this so we can improve the design. I am talking to our engineers to see if we can offer this with reduced thickness or if we can provide a tool for clean cutting. Thank you for your feedback! user
(posted 2012-03-29 10:58:43.0) The SC1L24 lens tube cover requires a power tool to cut, can you please consider adding a thin tube that could be cut more easily. Alternatively, provide some sort of jig that would allow the tube to be cut, i'm thinking a pipe cutter like gizmo.
Thanks for listening, you guys are great! bdada
(posted 2011-06-24 11:41:00.0) Response from Buki at Thorlabs:
Thank you for your feedback. We have listed more details about our SMx series threads on our website. Please use the link below and click on the "Threading Specs" tab.
http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfmObjectGroup_ID=3307&pn=SM1L03#3388
If you have any questions, please contact TechSupport@thorlabs.com jon.hackett
(posted 2011-06-24 10:23:11.0) I see below that you have emailed the details of the SM1 thread form to others, can you please send me the details of this and the SM05, as I am designing parts to mate with them? Thanks. Customer Email: jon.hackett@ametek.co.uk This customer would like to be contacted. jjurado
(posted 2011-06-23 18:10:00.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to nkad: Thank you very much for contacting us. We offer a few SM1 couplers which consist of external SM1 threads throughout the entire length of the tube. However, keep in mind that the internal diameter of these couplers is 24.0 mm, as it is not possible to have a tube with both internal and external SM1 threads along the section of the tube. Please take a look at the following link for our SM1 couplers with external threads and our adjustable lens tubes:
SM1 lens tube couplers with external threads:
http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=2704
Adjustable SM1 lens tubes:
http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=4109
I will contact you directly to get a better understanding of your application. nkad
(posted 2011-06-22 21:56:14.0) Do you have an SM1 tube with external threads along the whole length of the tube? This would permit infinite length adjustment for optics fixed at one end, especially when coupled with Lens Tubes Without External Threads. Customer Email: nkad@essex.ac.uk This customer would like to be contacted. Greg
(posted 2011-01-13 08:31:48.0) A response from Greg at Thorlabs to mr.keith: Thank you for contacting us! I have e-mailed you the specifications of our SM1 threading. Thorlabs
(posted 2010-09-02 13:52:28.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to driall: I will send you an e-mail with the complete specifications for the SM1 thread shortly. driall
(posted 2010-09-02 11:34:31.0) i have a question on the SM1 threads: 1.035" - 40 does not define thread class, tooth profile. What is the full thread callout? im designing a part to mate with one of these tubes, and id like more info.
Thanks, Dan |
Zoom- Stackable Design Enables Multi-Element Optical Systems
- SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Bore Accepts Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) Optics
- Compatible with Our 30 mm Cage Systems
- 0.30", 0.50", 1.00", and 2.00" Lengths Available in Packs of 5
These stackable Ø1" lens tubes provide a fast and easy means for building compact optical assemblies. Their stackable design and direct interfacing with any SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) components provide flexibility for complex optomechanical assemblies. One SM1RR Retaining Ring is included with each lens tube.
For convenience, four of our most popular SM1 lens tube sizes are also available in packs of 5. Each pack of 5 includes one retaining ring per lens tube for a total of five rings.
| Item # | L1 | L2 | Thread Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM1L03 | 0.45" (11.4 mm) | 0.12" (3.0 mm) | 0.30" (7.6 mm) |
| SM1L05 | 0.65" (16.5 mm) | 0.50" (12.7 mm) | |
| SM1L10 | 1.15" (29.2 mm) | 1.00" (25.4 mm) | |
| SM1L15 | 1.65" (41.9 mm) | 1.50" (38.1 mm) | |
| SM1L20 | 2.15" (54.6 mm) | 2.00" (50.8 mm) | |
| SM1L25 | 2.65" (67.3 mm) | 2.50" (63.5 mm) | |
| SM1L30 | 3.15" (80.0 mm) | 3.00" (76.2 mm) | |
| SM1L35 | 3.65" (92.7 mm) | 3.50" (88.9 mm) | |
| SM1L40 | 4.15" (105.4 mm) | 4.00" (101.6 mm) |
| Alternatives | Ø1/2", Ø30 mm, Ø2", and Ø3" Stackable Lens Tubes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Zoom
- Unlike Stackable Lens Tubes, Optics can be Accessed from Both Ends
- SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Bore Accepts Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) Optics
- Use Lens Tube Couplers to Stack Multiple Lens Tubes
- Allows Coupling of Two Externally SM1-Threaded Components
Unlike our Ø1" stackable lens tubes featured above, these internally threaded lens tubes do not feature a lip at one end nor do they have external SM1 threading. Therefore, optics housed inside can be accessed from both ends. To join these lens tubes end-to-end, use a Lens Tube Coupler. Two SM1RR Retaining Rings are included with each lens tube.
| Alternatives | Ø1/2" and Ø2" Lens Tubes Without External Threads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Zoom
| Item # | L | Thread Depth |
|---|---|---|
| SM1L05E | 0.54" (13.7 mm) |
0.50" (12.7 mm) |
| SM1L10E | 1.04" (26.4 mm) |
1.00" (25.4 mm) |
- Internal SM1 Threading (1.035"-40) with Optic Retention Lip at One End
- Quickly Add and Remove Optics from Ø1" Lens Tube Assemblies
- 1/2" (12.7 mm) and 1" (25.4 mm) Thread Depths Available
- Ø0.90" (Ø22.9 mm) Clear Aperture
These lens tubes feature internal SM1 threading on one end and a retaining lip for holding optics on the other. They allow optics to be quickly added to any externally SM1-threaded components. The SM1L05E is 1/2" (12.7 mm) long and can hold optics up to 0.3" (8 mm) thick, while the SM1L10E is 1" (25.4 mm) long and can hold optics up to 0.8" (20 mm) thick. Each segment includes an SM1RR retaining ring for securing the optic into place. The retaining ring provides a clear aperture of Ø0.90" (Ø22.9 mm) through the lens tube.
These lens tubes are engraved with their respective part number at the end, as shown in the image to the left. This engraving is hidden when the lens tubes are combined with other SM1-threaded components.
Zoom
- Use as Spacers Between Lens Tubes
- External SM1 Threading (1.035"-40) on Each End
- Ø0.95" (Ø24.0 mm) Clear Aperture
- Lengths Ranging from 1.0" (25.4 mm) to 3.5" (88.9 mm)
These Lens Tube Spacers are designed to connect two components with internal SM1 threads at a fixed distance. They are internally unthreaded and have a clear aperture of Ø0.95" (Ø24.0 mm).
Please note that due to the fixed thread depth of 0.12" (3.0 mm), the orientation of the attached components will be arbitrary. For full control over the component orientation, Thorlabs offers Lens Tube Couplers with adjustable locking rings.
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 SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Components
- Available in 2" (50.8 mm) and 3" (76.2 mm) Thread Depths
These stackable Ø1" 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 SM1RR 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 1.21" (31.0 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 | Ø1/2" and Ø2" Slotted Lens Tubes | |
|---|---|---|
Zoom
- Extra-Long 6" (152.4 mm) Tube for Optics with Large Focal Lengths
- 1.00" (25.4 mm) Long, SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Bore Accepts Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) Optics
- Compatible with 30 mm Cage Systems
The SM1E60 6" Long Extension Tube is designed to enable longer distances between optical components in lens tube systems that utilize lenses with large focal lengths. This tube features thicker walls than our standard lens tubes while maintaining the same outer diameter, which leads to greater rigidity.
| Alternatives | Ø2" Extension Tubes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Zoom| Retaining Ring Specs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Feature | Thickness | Inner Diameter |
| SM1RR | Aluminum | 0.08" (2.0 mm) |
0.90" (22.9 mm) |
| SM1LTRR | Aluminum with Rubber O-Ring for Stress-Free Mounting |
0.16" (3.9 mm) |
0.82" (20.7 mm) |
| SM1RRC | Aluminum, 5 mm Thick for High-Curvature Lenses |
0.20" (5.0 mm) |
0.90" (22.9 mm) |
| SM1PRR | Non-Marring Plastic | 0.11" (2.8 mm) |
0.80" (20.3 mm) |
| POLARIS-SM1RR | Stainless Steel | 0.08" (2.0 mm) |
0.90" (22.9 mm) |
Click to Assemble
Spanner Wrench Usage
- Five Types of Retaining Rings for Securing Ø1" 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 five different kinds of SM1 (1.035"-40) retaining rings. The SM1RR is our standard aluminum retaining ring that ships with our Ø1" lens tubes as well as many other Thorlabs components, and is available individually and in packs of 10.
Additionally, SM1RR Retaining Rings can be swapped out for one of the SM1-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 SM1-compatible mounts will be diminished in some cases.
Thorlabs also offers several spanner wrench choices. The 1" long SPW606 and the 3.87" long SPW602 can be used with the SM1RR and SM1LTRR retaining rings, while the adjustable SPW801 can be used with all three types of SM1 retaining rings. These spanner wrenches can be inserted into the lens tube, as shown to the right, and are hollow to prevent obstruction of the beam path. We also offer the SPB1 Spanner Bit, which can be used with a standard 1/4" hex driver (sold separately). The SPB1 is included as part of the SPB600 Spanner Wrench Bit Kit.
| Alternatives | Ø1/2", Ø2", and Ø3" Fixed Diameter Spanner Wrenches | Ø1/2", Ø2", and Ø3" Retaining Rings | |
|---|---|---|---|
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