What is your opinion for my first green laser

Hi,guys here
I am planning to buy my first green laser.For i am new to laser!so hope to hear more laser predecessors's suggestions.
I always buy things just consider its price and looks.so sometimes i will get dispointed,O(∩_∩)O
Just wonder,what factors will you consider if you want to buy a laser?
and where will you buy from?why?
I do not want to hear any suggestions just to advertise their own stores,but if u really buy,i will wash my ears to hear you!
Thanks in advance!

The main things to consider when buying a green laser are...

Power level- usually in mW, or milliwatts. Anything above 5mW is considered eye dangerous and can cause eye damage. Some cheaper lasers sold as 5mW are actually a higher and unsafe power level, often with invisible IR light that is eye dangerous too. Search around and look up some info about IR in green lasers, and eye saftey in lasers.

Divergence- The amount the beam expands over distance, usually in mRad or milliradians. Lower is better, which will mean a smaller dot further away. This just makes the laser more visible for longer.

Duty cycle- How long the laser can be run for constantly without damage. Usually in seconds, but sometimes minutes. Higher times are better, but are usually followed by longer off times to let the laser cool. Just look for something decent, and don't leave the laser on longer than recommended.

There is some more info that you should read, but this is all I want to type. All of this info I've given you is redundant, as it is posted all over the forum. I suggest you use the search button to find out some more info!

Welcome, and I hope you find the laser you are looking for!

got it

Just remember anything above 5mw requires safety glasses.

Pontiacg5 said:

Some cheaper lasers sold as 5mW are actually a higher and unsafe power level, often with invisible IR light that is eye dangerous too.

Click to expand...

Thanks Pontiacg5

The point above that i never consider it before,you remind me!very important info for me!
But how we can test its 5mW correctly,is there any way that i can confirm a laser's right 5mW!(sry i am very amateur)

Not very cheaply, the only real way would be a laser power meter. You might be able to send it to a member on the forum with a meter to be checked.

There are some ways to guess the output power, but it will never be close to the actual power. I suggest you only use it as a pointer and not shine it at anything reflective or shiny including glass. That and common sense will make it somewhat safer, I only use glasses with my 125mW when burning or setting optics up. Other times I know what is safe to point at and what is not and my eyes are fine after 5 years.

Be smart, and be safe and you will be ok.

Pontiacg5 said:

Not very cheaply, the only real way would be a laser power meter. You might be able to send it to a member on the forum with a meter to be checked.

There are some ways to guess the output power, but it will never be close to the actual power. I suggest you only use it as a pointer and not shine it at anything reflective or shiny including glass. That and common sense will make it somewhat safer, I only use glasses with my 125mW when burning or setting optics up. Other times I know what is safe to point at and what is not and my eyes are fine after 5 years.

Be smart, and be safe and you will be ok.

Click to expand...

Yeah, same here, its fine as long as common sense is applied, the laser isnt the same through safety glasses....


@geiger: I will meter your laser for you, just paypal me $5 for shipping, PM if interested.....

Thanks guys.very helpful for me!
I will google more info.
Anyone else has suggestion,please leave here too.

Try just searching these forums. You don't always have to search the google

> scroll down > forum jump > site areas > search forum

yes it takes time to read through posts but you face frustration and ridicule if you don't

just a thought do what you like ...

I think u should consider what r u going to do with the green laser

k, I have taken all you words,thx

Info Found Here

This happens to be stickied at the top of the "Green Lasers" section.

-CAM


EDIT: Ok I get accused of abusing the rep system... I got negative rep for posting the above link... WOW.

CAM said:

Info Found Here

This happens to be stickied at the top of the "Green Lasers" section.

-CAM

Click to expand...

Good one. :beer:
+1 Rep

CAM said:

Info Found Here

This happens to be stickied at the top of the "Green Lasers" section.

-CAM


EDIT: Ok I get accused of abusing the rep system... I got negative rep for posting the above link... WOW.

Click to expand...

I should not have negged you for that post. It was a helpfull post. I accused you of abusing the rep system, then went and -repped you on something that didnt deserve it.

CAM said:

Info Found Here

This happens to be stickied at the top of the "Green Lasers" section.

Click to expand...

Anyways, It's a good idea to check the stickied sections first. They put important posts there for a reason. :san:

-CAM