Two Questions

I'm currently making my first purchase of a strong laser, specifically a green Skylaser HL 532nm 100mW, and I intend only to use it for long distance pointing.

I would prefer to be as minimalistic as possible for safety goggles, and was wondering if 1. a 100mW laser REQUIRES goggles when only viewing the dot, what ARE the most minimalistic goggles I can buy for safety? and 2. Are there any downsides to an infrared filter? How exactly does it affect my beam? Thanks

It depends on how far away the dot is, you should be able to tell immediately if it's too bright to look at.

If you want cheap glasses that are good I recommend these:
HDE Laser Eye Protection Safety Glasses for Green and Blue Lasers with Case (Red) - - Amazon.com
However 532nm lasers are DPSS so if you get a cheap one that's not IR filtered then those glasses don't fully protect you but they should be OK, just don't take a direct hit in the eye.

Alan

RidiculousRosco said:

1. a 100mW laser REQUIRES goggles when only viewing the dot, what ARE the most minimalistic goggles I can buy for safety?

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You don't need them for viewing the dot. Your best bet is to not look directly at the dot anyway – instead, you look very slightly above/below/to the side of it. This lets you appreciate the color better, while still having a good view of the dot, and it avoids excessive after-images and "dazzle" that can occur when you put the dot directly in the center-of-vision.

I bought the Skylasers safety glasses and have had no trouble at all with them.

2. Are there any downsides to an infrared filter? How exactly does it affect my beam? Thanks

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IR filter will probably reflect some of your visible beam away, but not much. A few mW at most. There is no practical detriment at all.

It will block the IR component, thus eliminating the need for specially-rated IR-absorbing short-wavelength glasses. If you can have one included in the laser, there's no reason not to. Cheaper lasers omit the filter to save costs for the manufacturer/seller, not the buyer.

for long distance u dont even need 100 u can go with 50 and its more then enough if u ask me and goggles if u use caution should not be needed.

Good info. The first time I posted this I didn't notice I forgot the second question, so your responses after I edited it are appreciated, thank you.