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Without an optic, a high-power LED emits light in a wide ~120° pattern. An optic focuses or reshapes this into a controlled beam — from a tight 6° spot to a 180° hemisphere. Choosing the right optic depends on beam angle, module compatibility, and mounting method. We carry optics from Carclo, Khatod, Polymer Optics, Fraen, Ledil, and Dialight.
Beam Angle Guide
| Beam Angle | Pattern | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 6°–10° | Tight spot | Long-throw accent lighting, display cases, museum exhibits, jewelry |
| 12°–20° | Narrow spot | Task lighting, reading lights, workbench spots |
| 22°–30° | Medium spot | General-purpose spot lighting, countertops, retail displays |
| 39°–50° | Wide flood | Room fill, area lighting, work areas needing even coverage |
| 120°–130° | Downlight/diffuser | Ambient overhead lighting, wide area diffusion |
| 180° | Hemispherical | Omni-directional, decorative, lamp replacement |
Elliptical optics (e.g., 9.5° × 40°, 46° × 19°) produce an oval beam instead of a circle. Use for wall washing, illuminating rectangular surfaces, or linear accent lighting.
Frosted optics soften the beam edge and reduce the visible hotspot at center. Choose frosted when even illumination matters more than peak intensity.
Optic Compatibility by Module
Not every optic fits every module. The optic size must match the module form factor.
| Module Form Factor | Optic Size | Brands Available | Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star (20mm), Tri-Star (20mm) | 20mm | Carclo, Khatod, Ledil | Widest selection — 20+ optics from 8° to 180° |
| 10mm Square | 10mm | Carclo | 5 optics: 17.7°, 18.4°, 29.8° frosted, 39.2° frosted, 46° × 19° elliptical |
| Rectangular (15mm) | 15mm | Polymer Optics, Khatod | 6°, 12°, 12° × 50° elliptical, 50° circular |
| 25mm Round, Star/O | 22–25mm | Fraen, Khatod | 9°, 12° × 44° elliptical, 21°, 39°, plus 10°–30° Khatod |
| 7-Up Round (40mm) | 39–50mm | Polymer Optics, Khatod | 12°, 13°, 20°, 30°, 50° circular, plus 12° diffused and 7-cell cluster concentrator |
| Side Emitter | Pre-installed | — | 180° side-emitting optic is permanent. No separate optic needed. |
| 25mm Square | Pre-installed | — | 9° optic is permanent. No separate optic needed. |
| Z modules (5mm, 10mm, 20mm) | None available | — | Z modules have no compatible optics. |
Mounting Methods
Optics attach to the LED module or heatsink in three ways:
- Integrated legs — Molded plastic legs snap or press into the module/heatsink. Most common. No adhesive or holder needed.
- Separate holder — Optic sits in a holder that mounts to the board. Carclo 20mm holders available in round (flat-bottom or pegged feet) and hex (pegged feet, white or black).
- Surface mount — Optic bonds directly to the module with adhesive. Used for bubble optics, side emitters, and some wide-angle optics. Mounting tape sheets available pre-cut for each optic style.
Check the optic product listing for the mounting method. Optics labeled “No Holder” (Carclo 20mm series) require a separate holder purchase.
How to Decide
- What beam angle? Match to your application using the beam angle table above.
- What module? Check the compatibility table for which optics fit your form factor.
- Circular or elliptical? Circular for point lighting. Elliptical for rectangular areas or wall washing.
- Clear or frosted? Clear for maximum intensity and defined beam edge. Frosted for soft, even light.
- How will it mount? Integrated legs are simplest. If your optic says “No Holder,” order a holder too.
All 76 optics products including lenses, holders, and mounting tape.
