Chloe Zhang
Lens tubes are an excellent way to mount lenses and optical filters, with the centre of the tube coinciding with the optical axis. Thorlabs offers lens tubes in various sizes, including Ø1/2, Ø1, Ø30 mm, Ø1.5, Ø2, Ø3, and C-Mount versions. These tubes are compatible with SM-threaded optical mounts and Thorlabs' cage systems. Additionally, Newport offers lens tubes that can hold multiple lenses in a single holder, allowing for the combination of different optical components. Thorlabs also provides mounting solutions such as fixed lens mounts, threaded mounting rings, lens tube clamps, and slip rings. With these lens tubes and mounting options, users can easily assemble optical components without the need for complex X-Y alignments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lens tube sizes | Ø1/2", Ø1", Ø30 mm, Ø1.5", Ø2", Ø3", and C-Mount |
| Lens tube compatibility | SM-threaded optical mounts, cage systems, and retaining rings |
| Lens tube mounts | Fixed lens mounts, threaded mounting rings, lens tube clamps, and slip rings |
| Lens tube applications | Microscopes, telescopes, collimators, beam expanders |
| Mount types | C-Mount, CS-Mount, F-Mount, S-Mount |
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What You'll Learn
- Thorlabs' SM Series Threads: SM threads are used in lens tube and cage system components
- C-Mount and CS-Mount standards: C-Mount is compatible with lens tubes, while CS-Mount is used in surveillance cameras
- F-Mount standard: a bayonet-style mount used in line scan cameras and large format cameras
- Lens tube clamps and slip rings: clamps allow drop-in installation, while slip rings enable post mounting
- Mounting adapters: adapters are available for mounting different lens sizes and types of components
Thorlabs' SM Series Threads: SM threads are used in lens tube and cage system components
Thorlabs is a leading designer and manufacturer of components, instruments, and systems for the photonics industry. The company offers a wide range of products, including lens tubes, cage systems, and optical mounts.
Thorlabs' SM Series Threads are a key feature of their lens tube and cage system components. These threads enable users to machine mating components that suit their specific applications. The SM series threads have a distinct design, with most of them utilising a non-standard Unified thread form (UNS) with a 30° flank angle and a thread class of 2A and 2B. This unique thread form sets Thorlabs' SM series apart and ensures compatibility across a broad range of product lines.
The SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) cage plates and cage cubes are designed to integrate seamlessly with the SM1 Lens Tubes. These cage plates have a threaded bore that securely accommodates the SM1 Lens Tubes, allowing for easy assembly. The cage plates also offer the flexibility to accept Ø1" optics, which can be firmly held in place with SM1-threaded retaining rings and a spanner wrench. Additionally, the CP36 cage plate features a Ø1.2" bore, providing another option for securing the SM1 lens tube.
Thorlabs' SM-threaded components offer a versatile solution for constructing complex optical systems. The range includes lens tubes, cage system components, fixed and kinematic mounts, irises, diaphragms, and mounted optics. With these SM-threaded products, users can build optomechanical structures that meet their specific requirements. Furthermore, Thorlabs' 30 mm Removable Cage Segment Plates enhance the versatility of cage systems. These plates allow for the replacement of pre-aligned segments without disturbing the existing components or compromising the rigidity of the system.
The Ø1" lens tubes from Thorlabs are also worth mentioning. These lens tubes come with one or two compatible SM-threaded retaining rings (except for internally unthreaded lens tube spacers). Thorlabs provides stress-free and plastic retaining rings for optics that require reduced stress. The SM1RR retaining ring, made of anodized aluminium, is a standard offering that can be purchased individually or in packs of 10. Additionally, Thorlabs offers a range of Ø1" lens tubes with internal SM1 threading on one end and a retaining lip on the other, allowing for quick and easy addition of optics to any externally SM1-threaded components.
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C-Mount and CS-Mount standards: C-Mount is compatible with lens tubes, while CS-Mount is used in surveillance cameras
C-Mount and CS-Mount are screw-threaded lens mount types used in machine vision and surveillance cameras. They have almost identical specifications, but their flange focal distance (FFD) differs. The FFD is the distance from the lens mount flange to the film/sensor. The standard FFD of the C-mount is 17.526 mm, while the CS-mount features a flange distance of 12.5 mm, which is 5 mm shorter than the C-mount. This shorter flange focal length makes CS-mount lenses ideal for designing affordable extreme wide-angle lenses.
The C-Mount standard is one of the most common lens mount types in machine vision. It features a thread 1" in diameter with 32 threads per inch (TPI). The threaded mount provides a robust, controlled interface between the camera and lens. The C-mount is the standard mount for imaging cameras and has access to a large selection of lenses.
The CS-Mount standard is the same as the C-Mount standard, but with a reduced flange distance. A CS-Mount camera can be modified to accommodate C-Mount lenses with a 5 mm extension tube between the lens and camera. However, a CS-Mount lens cannot be used with a C-Mount camera as the lens will focus the image in front of the sensor.
C-mount lenses can be used with CS-mount cameras with an adapter that increases the separation between the lens and the camera's sensor. This ensures the lens' focal plane aligns with the camera's sensor plane. The shorter FFD of CS-mount lenses makes them incompatible for use with C-mount cameras.
The maximum practicable sensor size for C-mount/CS-mount cameras is 1.1" format (17.6 mm diagonal). C-mount and CS-mount are not appropriate for larger sensors due to their 1-inch (25.4 mm) diameter. CS-mount lenses are frequently used by manufacturers of surveillance cameras and cost-sensitive embedded vision applications.
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F-Mount standard: a bayonet-style mount used in line scan cameras and large format cameras
The F-Mount standard is a bayonet-style mount used in line scan cameras and large format cameras. It was developed by Nikon for its 35mm format single-lens reflex cameras and has a diameter of 44mm and a flange distance of 46.5mm. The spring-loaded bayonet connection provides ease of use for photographers, with three to four tabs to lock the lens in place.
The F-Mount is ideal for imaging sensors that exceed the 22mm C-Mount size limit. It is also a good choice for high-resolution sensors or line scan cameras, as it has a much larger diameter than the C-Mount. The large variety of F-Mount compatible lenses makes it the largest system of interchangeable flange-mount photographic lenses in history.
F-Mount cameras include current models from Nikon, Fujifilm, Sinar, JVC, Kenko, and Horseman. The F-Mount has a significant degree of both backward and forward compatibility. For example, many autofocus F-Mount lenses can be used on the original Nikon F, and early manual-focus F-Mount lenses can still be used on all professional-class Nikon cameras with some modifications.
However, there are some incompatibilities to be aware of. For instance, non-AI lenses (manufactured before 1977) can cause mechanical damage to later model bodies unless they are modified to meet the AI specification. Additionally, the spring-loaded bayonet connection can contribute to camera-lens misalignment in industrial applications.
Lens tubes are another method of mounting lenses. They are available in various diameters and can be used to mount multiple lenses into a single holder. Lens tubes can also be used to create optical assemblies such as telescopes and microscopes. These tubes are compatible with SM-threaded optical mounts and cage systems, and some feature internal threading and retaining lips for holding optics.
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Lens tube clamps and slip rings: clamps allow drop-in installation, while slip rings enable post mounting
Lens tubes are an excellent way to mount optical components such as lenses and optical filters. They are available in various sizes and can be used to create lens systems such as telescopes, microscopes, and collimators. When it comes to mounting lenses in plastic tubes, lens tube clamps and slip rings play a crucial role in ensuring secure and flexible installations.
Lens tube clamps and slip rings are designed to enable the mounting of cylindrical components, including lens tubes. They offer two different methods of installation: clamps allow for drop-in installation and removal, while slip rings facilitate post mounting. With lens tube clamps, cylindrical components can be easily installed and removed from optical systems. The clamps enable users to securely hold lens tubes and other cylindrical objects of various diameters.
Slip rings, on the other hand, provide a different approach to mounting. They are designed to mount cylindrical components using a flexure mechanism that is secured with a locking screw. To mount a lens tube using a slip ring, the cylindrical component is passed through the clear aperture of the ring, and then the flexure lock is secured. This method allows for stable and rigid assemblies, making it suitable for creating lens systems that require multiple optical components.
Thorlabs offers a range of slip rings and clamps that are compatible with their lens tube systems. These include the SM05RC, SM1RC, and SM30RC slip rings, which are ideal for mounting lens tubes with specific thread types. The clamps and slip rings can be attached to various posts, including Ø1/2" posts and other rigid construction components. Additionally, Thorlabs provides retaining rings, such as the SM1RR Retaining Ring, that are included with their lens tubes to facilitate optics access from both ends.
When removing a lens tube, the process is straightforward. Users simply unscrew the locking screw, flip the mount open, and lift the tube straight up and out. This removal method is convenient, especially when there are tight space constraints or concerns about disturbing the rest of the system. Overall, lens tube clamps and slip rings offer versatile options for mounting and removing lens tubes, catering to different installation and assembly requirements.
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Mounting adapters: adapters are available for mounting different lens sizes and types of components
Mounting adapters are available for mounting different lens sizes and types of components. For example, Thorlabs' SM Series Threads are used in their lens tube and cage system components, allowing users to machine mating components to suit specific applications. The SM series threads typically use a non-standard Unified thread form, with a 30-degree flank angle and a thread class of 2A and 2B. An exception is the SM30 series thread, which is a Metric thread form with a 30-degree flank angle and a 6H/6g tolerance. Thorlabs also offers C-Mount and RMS threads, providing compatibility with various optical components.
Lens tubes, such as those offered by Thorlabs and Newport, are an excellent way to mount optical components like lenses and filters, ensuring the centre of the lens tube aligns with the optical axis. These lens tubes come in various sizes, including Ø1/2", Ø1", Ø30 mm, Ø1.5", Ø2", Ø3", and C-Mount versions, each supported by a range of lens tube accessories. For instance, Newport's LT-series Lens Tubes enable the mounting of multiple lenses into a single holder, with internal and external threads on either end.
Additionally, lens tubes may feature venting channels that facilitate the escape of trapped air during pump down, enhancing their compatibility with vacuum systems. These channels are found along the internal threading and at the ends of each tube. Unlike stackable lens tubes, these internally threaded lens tubes lack a lip at one end and external SM1 threading, allowing access to housed optics from both ends. To connect these lens tubes, a Lens Tube Coupler is required.
In the context of camera lens mounts, adapters play a crucial role in providing flexibility with lens usage. For instance, filmmakers using Sony a7 cameras may find adapters particularly useful. While adapters offer benefits like autofocus and affordability, they may also have limitations, such as the absence of electronic signals for auto-focus functionality. It is generally recommended to avoid pairing cameras and lenses that are not designed for each other, unless there is a compelling reason to do so.
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Frequently asked questions
Lens tubes are used to mount optical components like lenses and optical filters. They are available in various sizes and can be used to create lens systems such as telescopes and microscopes.
Thorlabs offers fixed lens mounts, threaded mounting rings, lens tube clamps, and slip rings. External adapters and construction cubes are also available for mounting lens tubes.
Lens tube accessories include retaining rings, couplers, and alignment tools such as infrared alignment disks and targets.
