Products HomeØ3" Lens Tubes
- Directly Accepts Ø3" (Ø76.2 mm) Optics
- Compatible with All SM3-Threaded Components
- Stackable Design Enables Construction of Multi-Element Optical Systems
SM3L10
SM3RR
SPW605
SM3A2
SM1A2
SM1A1
SM05L10
SM1L10
SM2L10
SM3L10
Easily Interface with Other Lens Tube Sizes
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Features
- Easily Construct Multi-Element Optical Systems
- Designed for Compatibility with Ø3" (Ø76.2 mm) Optics
- Wide Range of SM3-Compatible Optomechanical Components Available
Lens tubes are ideal for creating compact optical subassemblies. The Ø3" 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 ship with one retaining ring. Additional retaining rings can be purchased separately. In addition to the Ø3" lens tubes featured on this page, Thorlabs also offers Ø1/2", 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.
For fine tuning of the first or last lens in a lens tube system, consider using a SM3V10 Adjustable Length Lens Tube.
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: | |
Philipp K
(posted 2020-12-15 06:56:17.1) Hi,
would you also do a 4" lens tube (plus retaining ring and 3" adaptor) as a custom version?
thanks and best,
Philipp YLohia
(posted 2020-12-15 02:35:27.0) Hello Phillip, custom versions of these lens tubes can be requested by emailing your local Thorlabs Tech Support team (in your case, europe@thorlabs.com). We will discuss this further directly. John Baxley
(posted 2020-10-08 14:12:31.223) Brandon is patent and knowledgeable.
He deciphered what I want and led me right to it.
I am right now making his suggestions part of my design in CAD.
Give Brandon more money!
Thank you for your valuable time,
John Baxley
LUNA Atlanta
FYI: Seems if you mess up the security code the feedback page just blanks (it does not return you back to all that you just typed but instead just blanks all entries. God knows how much feedback you have lost from that... YLohia
(posted 2020-10-09 04:57:59.0) Hello John, thank you for your feedback! We're always happy to hear about the performance of our applications engineers and are glad that Brandon was able to help you out with your problems. We are looking into the issue regarding the security code on the form. howardbourne
(posted 2015-03-24 19:44:02.953) Hi there, I would also like to buy several 6" SM3 series tubes. When will these be available? cdaly
(posted 2015-03-25 03:31:17.0) Response from Chris at Thorlabs: There are no plans to release a 6" version of the SM3 lens tube at this time, but this may change if it seems to be a commonly requested item. For the time being, we should be able to offer them as custom items. I will contact you directly about this. iain
(posted 2014-11-27 14:03:03.187) Could you give the lengths of the SM3L05, SM3L10 and SM3L20 lens tubes in millimetres as well as inches?
Do you make a 76.2 mm (3 inch) long SM3 lens tube? cdaly
(posted 2014-12-02 03:50:35.0) Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Both the imperial dimensions and metric equivalents can be found on the technical drawing for any parts. This can be found by clicking on the red icon next to the part number, under where it says DOCS, and then choosing the AutoCAD PDF option. In these cases, the metric lengths are 12.7mm, 25.4mm, and 50.8mm respectively. At this time, we do not offer a 3"(76.2mm) version as a stock item, though the 1" and 2" version can be stacked. user
(posted 2011-11-30 10:00:59.0) A response from Tyler at Thorlabs: Hello Ed, Thank you for suggesting that we add longer 3 inch diameter lens tubes. Are there any other 3 inch diameter lens tube products that you need? ed
(posted 2011-11-29 11:18:12.0) I hope you are planning on extending the SM3 tube series to 3" long and a 6" long like you have for the SM2 series. |
Zoom
- SM3-Threaded (3.035"-40) Bore Directly Accepts Ø3" (Ø76.2 mm) Optics
- Stackable Design Enables Multi-Element Optical Systems
- Ideal for Large Optical Assemblies
These stackable Ø3" lens tubes provide a fast and easy means for building compact optical assemblies. Their stackable design and direct interfacing with any SM3-threaded (3.035"-40) components provide flexibility for complex optomechanical assemblies. One SM3RR retaining ring is included with each lens tube.
| Item # | L | Internal Thread Depth |
|---|---|---|
| SM3L05 | 0.53" (13.5 mm) | 0.50" (12.7 mm) |
| SM3L10 | 1.03" (26.2 mm) | 1.00" (25.4 mm) |
| SM3L20 | 2.03" (51.6 mm) | 2.00" (50.8 mm) |
| Alternatives | Ø1/2", Ø1", Ø30 mm, Ø1.5", and Ø2" Stackable Lens Tubes | Ø1" and Ø2" Lens Tube Extensions | Ø1" and Ø2" Lens Tubes with Side Access Ports |
|---|
Zoom- SM3RR Retaining Rings Secure Ø3" (Ø76.2 mm) Optics
- Spanner Wrenches Provide One-Handed Adjustment of SM3RR Retaining Rings
- SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench can Accommodate Diameters from 0.12" (3.0 mm) to 2.89" (73.4 mm)
Due to its hollow design, the SPW605 Spanner Wrench enables retaining rings for our SM3 series of lens tubes to be adjusted and installed without obscuring the beam path. The handle is knurled for improved grip. Alternatively, the SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench can also be used to position SM3RR retaining rings. Please note that the SPW801 wrench can withstand a maximum torque of 80 inch pounds. We also offer the SPB3 Spanner Bit, which can be used with a standard 1/4" hex driver (sold separately). The SPB3 is included as part of the SPB600 Spanner Wrench Bit Kit.
 Ø3" Lens Tubes |