Ø1/2" 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

Related Items


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Additional Lens Tube Sizes
Ø1"
Ø30 mm
Ø1.5"
Ø2"
Ø3"
Adapters Button
Post-Mounted Laser Diode
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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 or SPW603L spanner wrenches. 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.

Lens Tube Application Example
Lens Tube Compatible Products
Thread
Adapters
Terminated Fiber
Adapters
Fixed Fiber Collimator
Adapters
Kinematic Fiber Collimator
Adapters
LED Mounts LD Mounts Aspheric Lens Mounts Irises, Apertures, and Shutters Alignment Tools

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:
Su Beom Heo  (posted 2023-07-05 10:53:40.36)
Hi I wonder if there is tube for C-MOUNT Camera connection.
jdelia  (posted 2023-07-05 12:59:27.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Our C-mount extension tubes can be found here: https://www.thorlabs.com/navigation.cfm?guide_id=2416. We have also reached out to you directly to discuss your application further.
user  (posted 2021-05-20 16:47:37.037)
Is this lens tube also made from 6061-T6 Aluminum like SM1V10V? Can I know the exact material of SM05L30?
YLohia  (posted 2021-05-21 10:54:54.0)
The SM05L30 is also made of 6061-T6 Aluminum, but is black anodized.
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...
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Ø1/2" Stackable Lens Tubes

  • 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.

SM05Lxx Lens Tube Diagram
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 mmØ1.5"Ø2", and Ø3" Stackable Lens Tubes Ø1" and Ø2" Lens Tube Extensions
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM05L03 Support Documentation
SM05L03SM05 Lens Tube, 0.30" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$14.92
Today
SM05L05 Support Documentation
SM05L05SM05 Lens Tube, 0.50" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$15.25
Today
SM05L10 Support Documentation
SM05L10SM05 Lens Tube, 1" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$16.33
Today
SM05L15 Support Documentation
SM05L15SM05 Lens Tube, 1.5" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$18.09
Today
SM05L20 Support Documentation
SM05L20SM05 Lens Tube, 2" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$22.28
Today
SM05L30 Support Documentation
SM05L30SM05 Lens Tube, 3" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$28.88
Today
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Vacuum-Compatible Ø1/2" Stackable Lens Tubes

Vent in Vacuum Lens Tubes
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.

SM05Lxx Lens Tube Diagram
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
  • This is the pressure at which these components can be used with no additional processing. They can be used at even lower pressures with additional cleaning and processing.
Alternatives Ø1" Vacuum-Compatible Stackable Lens Tubes
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM05L03V Support Documentation
SM05L03VVacuum-Compatible SM05 Lens Tube, 0.30" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$38.30
Today
SM05L05V Support Documentation
SM05L05VVacuum-Compatible SM05 Lens Tube, 0.50" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$39.03
Today
SM05L10V Support Documentation
SM05L10VVacuum-Compatible SM05 Lens Tube, 1.00" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
$41.77
Today
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Ø1/2" Lens Tubes Without External Threads

  • 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
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM05M05 Support Documentation
SM05M05Customer Inspired! SM05 Lens Tube Without External Threads, 1/2" Long, Two Retaining Rings Included
$17.22
Today
SM05M10 Support Documentation
SM05M10Customer Inspired! SM05 Lens Tube Without External Threads, 1" Long, Two Retaining Rings Included
$18.84
Today
SM05M15 Support Documentation
SM05M15SM05 Lens Tube Without External Threads, 1.5" Long, Two Retaining Rings Included
$19.84
Today
SM05M20 Support Documentation
SM05M20Customer Inspired! SM05 Lens Tube Without External Threads, 2" Long, Two Retaining Rings Included
$21.07
Today
SM05M25 Support Documentation
SM05M25SM05 Lens Tube Without External Threads, 2.5" Long, Two Retaining Rings Included
$21.73
Today
SM05M30 Support Documentation
SM05M30Customer Inspired! SM05 Lens Tube Without External Threads, 3" Long, Two Retaining Rings Included
$22.95
Today
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Ø1/2" Slotted Lens Tubes

Slotted Lens Tube
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
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM05L20C Support Documentation
SM05L20CSM05 Slotted Lens Tube, 2" Thread Depth, 2 Retaining Rings Included
$68.54
3 weeks
SM05L30C Support Documentation
SM05L30CSM05 Slotted Lens Tube, 3" Thread Depth, 2 Retaining Rings Included
$68.54
Today
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Ø1/2" Retaining Rings and Spanner Wrenches

Retaining Ring Specs
Item # Material Feature Thickness Inner
Diameter
SM05RR Black Anodized Aluminum Standard 0.07"
(1.7 mm)
0.44"
(11.0 mm)
SM05RRV Unanodized Aluminum Vacuum Compatiblea 0.07"
(1.7 mm)
0.44"
(11.0 mm)
SM05LTRR Black Anodized Aluminum Rubber O-Ring
for Stress-Free Mounting
0.15"
(3.9 mm)
0.32"
(8.1 mm)
SM05RRC Black Anodized Aluminum 5 mm Thick for
High-Curvature Lenses
0.20"
(5.0 mm)
0.44"
(11.0 mm)
SM05PRR Plastic Non-Marring 0.08"
(2.0 mm)
0.44"
(11.0 mm)
POLARIS-SM05RR Stainless Steel Vacuum Compatibleb 0.07"
(1.7 mm)
0.43"
(10.9 mm)
  • >10-6 Torr Vacuum Compatibility as Packaged; Lower Pressures with Additional Cleaning and Processing
  • >10-5 Torr at 25 °C Vacuum Compatibility as Packaged without Bake Out; >10-9 Torr at 25 °C with Proper Bake Out
  • Six Types of Retaining Rings for Securing Ø1/2" Optics
  • SPW603 Hollow Spanner Wrench Providing Unobstructed Beam Path During Adjustment
  • SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench Accommodates Diameters from 0.12" (3.0 mm) to 2.89" (73.4 mm)

The SM05RR is our standard anodized 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. We offer six different SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) retaining rings, shown in the table to the right, which have unique features and can replace an SM05RR retaining ring. 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.

Spanner Wrenches
We offer three spanner wrench choices that can be used with these retaining rings. The SPW603 and SPW603L Spanner Wrenches have a hollow design that enables retaining rings for our SM05 series of lens tubes to be adjusted and installed without obscuring the beam path. 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 SM05-threaded 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", Ø1.5"Ø2", and Ø3" Fixed Diameter Spanner Wrenches Ø1", Ø1.5", Ø2", and Ø3" Retaining Rings
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM05RR Support Documentation
SM05RRSM05 Retaining Ring for Ø1/2" Lens Tubes and Mounts
$4.33
Today
SM05RR-P10 Support Documentation
SM05RR-P10SM05 Retaining Ring for Ø1/2" Lens Tubes and Mounts, 10 Pack
$38.93
Today
SM05RRV Support Documentation
SM05RRVCustomer Inspired! Unanodized Aluminum SM05 Retaining Ring for Ø1/2" Lens Tubes and Mounts
$12.01
Today
SM05LTRR Support Documentation
SM05LTRRSM05 (0.535"-40) Stress-Free Retaining Ring
$21.89
3 weeks
SM05RRC Support Documentation
SM05RRCExtra-Thick SM05 (0.535"-40) Threaded Retaining Ring
$10.92
Today
SM05PRR Support Documentation
SM05PRRCustomer Inspired! SM05 (0.535"-40) Plastic Retaining Ring for Ø1/2" Lens Tubes and Mounts
$6.06
Today
POLARIS-SM05RR Support Documentation
POLARIS-SM05RRStainless Steel SM05 (0.535"-40) Threaded Retaining Ring
$9.57
Today
SPW603 Support Documentation
SPW603Spanner Wrench for SM05-Threaded Retaining Rings, Length = 1.00"
$28.54
Today
SPW603L Support Documentation
SPW603LCustomer Inspired! Spanner Wrench for SM05-Threaded Retaining Rings, Graduated Scale with 0.02" (0.5 mm) Increments, Length = 3.88"
$65.87
Today
SPW801 Support Documentation
SPW801Adjustable Spanner Wrench
$114.14
Today
SPW102 Support Documentation
SPW102Adjustable Spanner Wrench, Replacement Blade Set
$33.20
Today