PAR Lenses

T

tommygdawg

Well-known member
Howdy, all

I've got a basic question here. Before getting my Chinese HMI PAR, I'd never actually used a PAR of any kind before, so I'm wondering if I should pick up some lenses for it. And, I'm also wondering if lenses would correct this issue:

The 1200 watt PAR in flood:
par_flood.jpg
the 1200 watt PAR in spot:
par_spot.jpg

Notice how the flood mode has a big dark spot in the center. Is that normal with PAR lights? What causes this? I'm assuming it's something to do with the bulb being physically further out from the bottom of the reflector dish. Would adding a lens in front of the light correct this? Also, do lenses give you the option of having an even tighter spot beam?

Some pretty nooby questions here, but I'd appreciate any advice ya'll could offer. Thank you!
 
A set of lenses comes standard with all PARs. Usually 5 of them, sometimes 4. They would correct the issue you're having there, but you'll never make the beam any narrower than you'll get with no lens.
 
Don't run a PAR without a lens in place, unless it is something like the new ARRI lensless design, which still has UV protection lens in place.
 
Thanks for the responses all. Just to clarify, there is a glass shield on the PAR, but no additional lensing beyond that. It didn't come with lenses because it's a Chinese unit, but I'll definitely look into getting some. My question of if that effect was normal without lenses has been answered. Thanks! :)
 
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