Can i use any lens? / How bright are 200mW ?

[MrMcChicken]

Hi all, i'm going to buy a 500mW diode at o-like.com
I have got only a lens from an 405nm laser ( with aixis housing).
Could i use it?

If not, i would buy a 200mW 658nm laser. How bright is it?
Is the beam good visible without smoke / dust / at night?
I haven't got any red laser yet, only thos crappy <1mW ^^

I hope somebody can help

 

[sinner]

The 200mWs Red is still a very visible and desirable beam.. you should check some beamshots in my recent build , i have a couple of them.. i really love the bright red color of 658~660nm RED..

 

[MrMcChicken]

Yeah nice pictures well done!

 

[sinner]

you will need a new glass lens or AR coated one, the good old acrylic one wouldnt handle anything over 300mW and melt

 

[Blord]

I would suggest to build your own red laser. LOC are cheap now. Buy the LPC-815 sled and a nice host. You have much more fun building your own.

A powerfull red laser could damage the AR coated lens from a 405nm laser.

 

[DiogoNeves]

Just a question, can you use the lens that came with the sled to apply in the aixiz module? thank you

 

[Blord]

Just a question, can you use the lens that came with the sled to apply in the aixiz module? thank you

I don't know, never use a lens from a sled. Normally an acrylic lens is included with the Aixiz module.

 

[DiogoNeves]

Didn't know that.. thanks but I just got another question, those acrylic lens, what's the max power that can go through them?