Safety Lens

[mindwaave]

So the big shiny Spyder III at wickedlasers comes with this safety lens... what kind of a lens is this, and is there a way to go about buying one? it appeals to me because I do alot of aiming and focusing and always wear glasses, but also would like to tone down the power of the beams as I adjust them. Thanks for any help

 

[Bionic-Badger]

That "safety lens" is a misnomer at best. It drops the power of the beam to lower levels, but certainly not "safe" levels. I don't even think the "safety lens" drops the output below class 4 emission levels; Hemlock_Mike measured the output dropping from about 800mW to 700mW. That will protect you from virtually nothing. What does that "safety lens" do? It might give you a false sense of security, so you may do something stupid like not wearing your goggles.

Want a real safety lens? Wear your goggles.

 

[mindwaave]

I was just wondering if this kind of optic has a name. Goggles are indeed best, but if I can get my hands on this kind of lens then that would be great too.

 

[RA_pierce]

Try a Neutral Density (ND) filter.
As stated above, use your goggles.

 

[Bionic-Badger]

I don't understand what the point is though. It'll reduce your power by an insignificant amount, both safety-wise and overall power-wise.