30 mm Lens Tubes


  • Directly Accepts Ø30 mm Optics
  • Compatible with All SM30-Threaded Components
  • Stackable Design Enables Construction of Multi-Element Optical Systems

SM30L10

SM1A15

SM30RR

SM1L05

SM1A16

SM30L05

Easily Interface with
Other Lens Tube Sizes

Related Items


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Additional Lens Tube Sizes
Ø1/2"
Ø1"
Ø1.5"
Ø2"
Ø3"
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Features

  • Easily Construct Multi-Element Optical Systems
  • Mount Several Optics within the Same Tube Using Multiple Retaining Rings
  • Adapters Provide Direct Compatibility with Our Ø1" or Ø2" Lens Tubes
  • Directly Accepts Ø30 mm Optics

Lens tubes are ideal for creating compact optical subassemblies. The Ø30 mm lens tubes sold here can be used to house one or several optical elements. Optics are separated and secured by retaining rings that are positioned at the desired depth within the lens tube using a spanner wrench. These stackable lens tubes are compatible with all SM30-threaded (M30.5 x 0.5) components. The lens tubes ship with one retaining ring; additional retaining rings can be purchased separately. In addition to the Ø30 mm lens tubes featured on this page, Thorlabs also offers Ø1/2", Ø1", Ø1.5"Ø2", and Ø3" versions, each of which is equipped with an SM thread standard that depends on the tube diameter.

Adapters for SM30-threaded components are also available on this page. These can be used to switch from the Ø30 mm standard to either our Ø1" or Ø2" standard. Via a two-step process, it is also possible to switch to our Ø1/2" or Ø3" standards.

Threading specifications for Thorlabs' lens tube and cage system components can be found on the Threading Specs tab.


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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.
Lens Tube Application Example
Lens Tube Compatible Products
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Threading Specifications

The following is a general overview of screw threading. For more details regarding specifications and dimensions, please consult the Machinery's Handbook, available for purchase at many bookstores.

Features of a Thread
A thread consists of three repeating features: a crest, flank, and root (see drawing to the right). Except in special cases, threads have symmetrical sides inclined at equal angles when a vertical line is drawn through the center of a crest or root. The distance between corresponding points on adjacent threads is known as the pitch of the thread. The flank angle is defined as the angle the flank makes with a perpendicular ray drawn from the screw axis. Unless otherwise stated, threads have a flank angle of 30°, resulting in a total angle between flanks of 60°. Each feature is shown in the diagram to the right.

The major diameter is taken from the crests of a thread while the minor diameter is taken from the roots. For most screws, crests and roots do not terminate at a sharp point, so crest and root truncation values are included in the definitions of major and minor diameter. The pitch diameter is approximately halfway between the major and minor diameters.

Thread Form
A thread form is a set of rules that define the features' scale relative to one another. Common thread forms include the Unified Screw Thread Form, used in the United States of America and measured in imperial units, and the ISO Metric Screw Thread Form, used in many parts of the world and measured with the International System of Units. There are many thread forms in the Unified screw thread standard designated by either UN, which defines a flat root contour, or UNR, which defines a round root contour. These can be further described by appending more letters. For example, an extremely fine thread with a flat root contour is designated UNEF. Those forms which are not standardized by the Unified screw thread system are designated UNS.

Thread Series
Most screws are identified by their thread series. Thread series are denoted by the major diameter and density of threads. Unified threads specify density in threads per inch, while Metric threads specify the thread pitch. For example, in the Unified nomenclature, a 1/4"-20 cap screw has a 1/4" diameter barrel and the pitch is 20 threads per inch (TPI). In metric nomenclature, an M4 x 0.7 cap screw has a 4 mm barrel and the pitch is 1 thread per 0.7 mm. The term M4 x 0.7 is often shortened to just M4.

Unified Thread Class Tolerancing
Location Loose Optimal Strict
Internal 1B 2B 3B
External 1A 2A 3A
Metric Thread Tolerance Positions
Location Loose Optimal Strict
Internal - G H
External e or f g h
Metric Thread Tolerance Grades
Dimension Location Tolerance Gradesa
Minor Diameter Internal 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Major Diameter External 4, 6, 8
Pitch Diameter Internal 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
External 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • The tolerance becomes looser as the grade increases. The underlined grades are used with normal lengths of thread engagement.

Thread Class
The tolerances and allowances on a thread series are given by a thread class. Unified thread classes are alphanumeric identifiers starting with a number from 1 through 3, where 1 is the loosest tolerance and 3 is the tightest, and either A for external threading or B for internal threading.

Metric threads have a slightly more complex tolerancing method that uses tolerancing grades, designated by a number 3 through 9; and tolerancing positions, which use letters e through h. Grades provide a measure of the tolerance itself: the smaller the number, the tighter the tolerance. Positions denote the distance of the tolerance from the pitch diameter. Uppercase positioning letters indicate internal threads while lowercase positioning letters indicate external threads.

Quoting from the Machinery's Handbook, 29th Edition, p. 1885: "To designate the tolerance class, the grade and position of the pitch diameter is shown first followed by that for the major diameter in the case of the external thread or that for the minor diameter in the case of the internal thread, thus 4g6g for an external thread and 5H6H for an internal thread. If the two grades and positions are identical, it is not necessary to repeat the symbols, thus 4g, alone, stands for 4g4g and 5H, alone, stands for 5H5H."

Thorlabs' SM Series Threads
Threading specifications for our SM threads, utilized in our lens tube and cage system components, are given below so that you can machine mating components to suit your application. Most SM series threads utilize a non-standard Unified thread form, indicated by the letters UNS, with a 30° flank angle and a thread class of 2A and 2B. The exception is our SM30 series thread, which is a Metric thread form with a 30° flank angle and a tolerance of 6H/6g. We also offer products with C-Mount and RMS threads, and the specifications for these threads are given below for reference. Please note that other manufacturers may have different tolerances for C-Mount and RMS 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, M30.5 x 0.5 – 6H/6g Internal Thread, M30.5 x 0.5 – 6H/6g
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"
SM4 Threading: Ø4" Lens Tubes
External Thread, 4.035"-40 UNS-2A Internal Thread, 4.035"-40.0 UNS-2B
Max Major Diameter 4.0337" Min Major Diameter 4.0350"
Min Major Diameter 4.0286" Min Pitch Diameter 4.0188"
Max Pitch Diameter 4.0175" Max Pitch Diameter 4.0245"
Min Pitch Diameter 4.0131" Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) 4.008"
Max Minor Diameter 4.0066" Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) 4.014"

Posted Comments:
Karin Fulford  (posted 2023-02-23 15:13:33.187)
Can you make this part without the external threads and retention lip? Similar to SM1M30, but 30 mm diameter.
jdelia  (posted 2023-02-28 11:50:56.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I have reached out to you directly to discuss the feasibility of your customized request.
宁 康  (posted 2020-05-09 17:42:51.203)
是否有直径为30 mm的开槽透镜套管,类似于SM1L20C形状。
YLohia  (posted 2020-05-11 10:24:38.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. An applications engineer from our team in China (techsupport-cn@thorlabs.com) will reach out to you directly.
martin.gersing  (posted 2016-09-28 15:47:25.307)
Dear Thorlabs. I need to insert a collimator (length: 131mm, diameter: 30mm) into one of your 30mm Lens Tubes. Unfortunately the maximal length of those tubes is 80mm. Is there a possibility to combine several 30mm-tubes without reducing the inner diameter, so i can fit the whole collimator inside the tube and clamp it with a retainment ring?
jlow  (posted 2016-09-29 04:08:14.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Depending on your object and how you want to mount it, one could possibly use other mounting option to hold your collimator. I will contact you directly about this.
cbrideau  (posted 2014-01-28 15:30:51.143)
I need to adapt an M25x0.75 microscope objective to an M32x0.75 threaded port, and have the objective lowered down a bit. I was wondering if I could get an M32 to SM30 adapter so that I could screw an SM30 tube (L=1") into the M32 port, then get an SM30 to M25 adapter to attach the objective to the tube? Then I could crank the objective (which has an outer diameter of exactly 30mm) in and out of the SM30 tube to adjust my height. I'd be willing to pay the custom machining costs to have this done for quantity 1 for an adapter with M32 ext to SM30 int threads, and a second adapter for SM30 ext to M25 int.
jlow  (posted 2014-01-29 10:34:00.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: I will contact you regarding a quote.
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Ø30 mm Lens Tubes

SM30 Lens Tube Diagram
  • Stackable Design Enables Construction of Multi-Element Optical Systems
  • SM30-Threaded (M30.5 x 0.5) Bore Accepts Ø30 mm Optics
  • Compatible with All SM30-Threaded Components

These stackable Ø30 mm lens tubes provide a fast and easy means for building compact optical assemblies. Their stackable design and direct interfacing with any SM30-threaded (M30.5 x 0.5) components provide flexibility for complex optomechanical assemblies. One SM30RR retaining ring is included with each lens tube. Additional retaining rings can be purchased separately.

Item # L Internal Thread Depth
SM30L03 0.33" (8.4 mm) 0.30" (7.6 mm)
SM30L05 0.53" (13.5 mm) 0.50" (12.7 mm)
SM30L10 1.03" (26.2 mm) 1.00" (25.4 mm)
SM30L20 2.03" (51.6 mm) 2.00" (50.8 mm)
SM30L30 3.03" (77.0 mm) 3.00" (76.2 mm)
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM30L03 Support Documentation
SM30L03SM30 Lens Tube, 0.3" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$29.11
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SM30L05 Support Documentation
SM30L05Customer Inspired! SM30 Lens Tube, 1/2" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$32.67
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SM30L10 Support Documentation
SM30L10Customer Inspired! SM30 Lens Tube, 1" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$35.05
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SM30L20 Support Documentation
SM30L20SM30 Lens Tube, 2" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$39.31
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SM30L30 Support Documentation
SM30L30Customer Inspired! SM30 Lens Tube, 3" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$45.15
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SM30 Adapters

Item # Typical Application Adapter
Profile
External Threads Internal Threads
SM1A15
info
Step Up/Down Lens Tube Size icon SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) SM1 (1.035"-40)
SM2A12
info
Step Up/Down Lens Tube Size icon SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) SM2 (2.035"-40)
SM1A16
info
Step Up/Down Lens Tube Size icon SM1 (1.035"-40) SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5)
SM1A70
info
Mount SL50-CLS2, SL50-2P2, or SL50-3P Scan Lens to
LSK-GG4(/M), LSK-GR08(/M), or LSK-GR12(/M) Scan Head
icon SM1 (1.035"-40) SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5)
SM2A11
info
Step Up/Down Lens Tube Size icon SM2 (2.035"-40) SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5)
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM1A15 Support Documentation
SM1A15Customer Inspired! Adapter with External SM30 Threads and Internal SM1 Threads
$24.92
Today
SM2A12 Support Documentation
SM2A12Customer Inspired! Adapter with External SM30 Threads and Internal SM2 Threads
$34.17
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SM1A16 Support Documentation
SM1A16Customer Inspired! Adapter with External SM1 Threads and Internal SM30 Threads, 0.29" Long
$24.92
Today
SM1A70 Support Documentation
SM1A70Adapter with External SM1 Threads and Internal SM30 Threads, 0.47" Long
$29.99
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SM2A11 Support Documentation
SM2A11Customer Inspired! Adapter with External SM2 Threads and Internal SM30 Threads
$26.73
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Retaining Rings/Spanner Wrenches

SM30RR: Retaining Rings
These retaining rings can be used to secure optics inside an SM30 Lens tube. One retaining ring is included in the lens tube; however, additional rings enable multiple optics to be secured inside the same lens tube.

SPW607: SM30 Spanner Wrench
The SPW607 Spanner Wrench is hollow enabling retaining rings for our SM30 lens tubes to be adjusted and installed without obscuring the beam path. The knurled grip on one end and the guide flanges on the other ensure safe adjustment of retaining rings without the risk of damage to optical elements.

SPW801: Adjustable Spanner Wrench

  • Ranges from Ø0.12" (Ø3 mm) to Ø2.89" (Ø73.4 mm)
  • One-Handed Operation Adjusts Spanning Range
  • Replaceable Blades

The innovative design of the SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench provides one-handed adjustment of the wrench blades, allowing for dynamic fine tuning of the blade separation to match spacing requirements exactly. The reversible blades contain an edge-offset fine point on one end and a flat blade on the opposing end (SPW102 replacement blades are available). This wrench is ideally suited for inserting the retaining rings into our Ø1/2", Ø1", Ø30 mm, Ø1.5", Ø2", and Ø3" lens tubes. Please note that the SPW801 wrench can withstand a maximum torque of 80 in-lbs.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM30RR Support Documentation
SM30RRSM30 Retaining Ring for Ø30 mm Lens Tubes and Mounts
$12.88
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SPW607 Support Documentation
SPW607Customer Inspired! Spanner Wrench for SM30-Threaded Retaining Rings, Length = 4.35"
$47.76
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SPW801 Support Documentation
SPW801Adjustable Spanner Wrench
$114.14
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SPW102 Support Documentation
SPW102Adjustable Spanner Wrench, Replacement Blade Set
$33.20
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