Lens Tube Mounts


  • Allow Mounting of Lens Tube Assemblies to a Breadboard
  • Easy Assembly of Extended Structures

CAM1

SM1-Threaded Bore

SM05RC

Holds an
SM05 Lens
Tube

SM2RC

Holds an SM2
Lens Tube

SM3RC

Holds an SM3
Lens Tube

SM2C6

Easy Drop-In
Installation

SM1TC Lens Tube Clamp shown
with Lens Tube and Post

0.71" Inner
Diameter

2.21" Inner
Diameter

3.21" Inner
Diameter

Related Items


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The mounts below have been developed specifically to allow positioning of lens tube systems within free-space optical setups on breadboards or tables. Different designs are available to hold Ø1/2" (SM05), Ø1" (SM1), Ø30 mm (SM30), Ø1.5" (SM1.5), Ø2" (SM2), or Ø3" (SM3) lens tubes or C-Mount extension tubes.

SM1TC with Lens Tube and Post
SM1TC Lens Tube Clamp Shown with
Lens Tube and Post

Thorlabs offers many solutions for mounting lens tubes, including fixed lens mounts and threaded mounting rings.

Lens Tube Clamps and Slip Rings
Thorlabs' lens tube clamps and slip rings are both designed to enable post mounting of lens tube systems. With slip rings, lens tube systems can be mounted by passing the lens tube through the clear aperture of the ring. In contrast, the lens tube clamps enable drop in installation and removal of lens tubes. The lens tube clamps and slip rings can be bolted to any of our posts or other rigid construction components with an 8-32 (M4) tap.

Lens Tube Compatible Cage Plate
Similar to our slip rings, our CP36 cage plate features a Ø1.2" double bore that allows an SM1 lens tube to slide in. Our LCP36 cage plate features a Ø2.2" double bore that allows an SM2 lens tube to slide in. A nylon-tipped setscrew allows the lens tube to be locked securely in place in both of these products.

External Adapters
These adapters slip onto the outside of our lens tubes and feature standard threads and outer diameters for additional mounting possibilities.

Construction Cubes
The construction cubes, with SM threading on all six sides, are designed especially for building complex, three-dimensional lens tube systems such as beam splitters and interferometers.

Right-Angle Brackets
Using the threaded right-angle bracket, a lens tube system can be mounted parallel to a breadboard's surface. With two SM-threaded apertures, these brackets interface easily between a free-space setup and a lens tube system. The right angle mounts are equipped with #4 (M3) and #6 (M4) mounting holes as well as 1/4"-20 (M6) taps to allow rigid mounting of the lens tubes to the table surface.

Thorlabs' Stackable Lens Tubes provide an easy and fast solution for assembly of an optical system with a single optical axis. Using lens tubes one can easily assemble several optical components on a common optical axis without the need for X-Y alignment of each component to the common axis. Thorlabs offers Ø1/2”, Ø1”, Ø30 mm, Ø1.5”, Ø2”, and Ø3” lens tubes, for use with different optics sizes, as well as adapters to convert between the four different sizes.

Lens Tube Application Example

Thorlabs also offers many of our optical components in pre-mounted 1” lens tubes as well as specially developed components and mounts, all of which are pre-aligned to the optical axis, including:

Thorlabs has also added alignment tools for lens tubes for working with IR optics, such as infrared alignment disks and alignment targets. Additionally, with the use of retaining rings, any standard optical component can be easily mounted into the lens tubes.

For more complex optical systems Thorlabs has developed sets of post mounting rings, and mounting brackets and construction cubes to enable building complex, rugged systems.

Thorlabs lens tubes can also easily interface with our cage system components such as the cage plates, kinematic turning mirror mounts, pre-mounted beamsplitter cubes and pre-mounted turning mirrors.


Posted Comments:
Ivan Wevers  (posted 2024-04-25 18:31:47.503)
Please help out. The lens tube clamp SM1.5TC, is this product able to be used in a vacuum environment? What does the coating consist of? Are there any lubricants used in the hinge and screw joints? Kind regards
jdelia  (posted 2024-04-29 04:02:04.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. This part undergoes a type II (sulfuric acid) anodization. More information can be found on this here: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1266&tabname=anodizationclasses. We generally would not consider our parts with this anodization to be vacuum compatible. There are not any lubricants used in this assembly.
Hyosub Kim  (posted 2022-08-09 15:59:12.803)
The dowel pins at the hinge are sticky to a magnet. Hope to have nonmagnetic options.
cdolbashian  (posted 2022-08-15 03:47:17.0)
Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry! I have contacted you directly to discuss the potential of a nonmagnetic option as a future special.
betts2  (posted 2017-07-26 13:32:34.077)
Make a version of SM1RC that handles 1" OD beam tubes (Thin wall tubing used to enclose laser beam paths over long distance).
tfrisch  (posted 2017-07-28 01:35:12.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I've posted this in our internal engineering forum. I'm glad we were also able to find a solution over the phone for your application.
elliot  (posted 2017-01-11 23:10:58.65)
Does thorlabs have a laser engraving service? I'd like to have some text put on lens tube or on the flat surface of a LM2R lens mount. We have a shop locally that can do it, but it would be nice to get it directly
tfrisch  (posted 2017-01-12 08:33:55.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly about our custom engraving capabilities.
kpurchase  (posted 2013-10-21 10:02:08.323)
I need (and I'm sure many people could use) a version of SM2C6 designed for beam splitting. It should have three open ports, and a diagonal slot into which we can slide a BSW20R (or similar) 25x36mm beamsplitter plate. I understand you have beamsplitter cubes in the cage system, but I'm using tube system and need a simple solution. What would a custom part cost?
jlow  (posted 2013-10-21 14:57:00.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: We have the CM1-DCH available for 25mm x 36mm rectangular mount and SM1 ports on the side. You can find this at http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=6079.
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Lens Tube Slip Rings

Item # Compatible
Lens Tubes
Compatible
Lens Tube ODa
Inner
Diameter
Locking
Screw Hex
SM05RC(/M) SM05 for Ø1/2" Optics 0.70"
(17.8 mm)
0.71"
(17.9 mm)
7/64"
(2.5 mm)
SM1RC(/M) SM1 for Ø1" Optics and
C-Mount Extension Tubes
1.20"
(30.5 mm)
1.21"
(30.6 mm)
9/64"
(3 mm)
SM30RC(/M) SM30 for Ø30 mm Optics 1.38"
(35.0 mm)
1.39"
(35.2 mm)
SM1.5RC(/M) SM1.5 for Ø1.5" Optics 1.70"
(43.2 mm)
1.71"
(43.3 mm)
SM2RC(/M) SM2 for Ø2" Optics 2.20"
(55.9 mm)
2.21"
(56.0 mm)
5/32"
(4 mm)
SM3RC(/M) SM3 for Ø3" Optics 3.20"
(81.3 mm)
3.21"
(81.4 mm)
  • OD = Outer Diameter
  • Flat Sides Conserve Space
  • Hold Outer Diameter of SM05, SM1, SM30, SM1.5, SM2, or SM3 Lens Tubes or C-Mount Extension Tubes
  • 8-32 (M4) Mounting Hole for use with Ø1/2" Posts

These slip rings are designed to mount preassembled optical lens tube systems by passing the lens tube through the mounting ring and securing it with a locking screw. The locking screw is conveniently located along the top surface of the mount for easy access. Refer to the table to the right for locking screw hex sizes. The SM slip rings can easily be mounted to any of our Ø1/2" posts via the bottom-located 8-32 (M4) tap.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
SM05RC Support Documentation
SM05RCSlip Ring for SM05 Lens Tubes, 8-32 Tap
$23.39
Today
SM1RC Support Documentation
SM1RCSlip Ring for SM1 Lens Tubes and C-Mount Extension Tubes,
8-32 Tap
$27.56
Today
SM30RC Support Documentation
SM30RCSlip Ring for SM30 Lens Tubes, 8-32 Tap
$31.77
Today
SM1.5RC Support Documentation
SM1.5RCCustomer Inspired! Slip Ring for SM1.5 Lens Tubes, 8-32 Tap
$33.92
Today
SM2RC Support Documentation
SM2RCSlip Ring for SM2 Lens Tubes, 8-32 Tap
$35.05
Today
SM3RC Support Documentation
SM3RCSlip Ring for SM3 Lens Tubes, 8-32 Tap
$45.15
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
SM05RC/M Support Documentation
SM05RC/MSlip Ring for SM05 Lens Tubes, M4 Tap
$23.39
Today
SM1RC/M Support Documentation
SM1RC/MSlip Ring for SM1 Lens Tubes and C-Mount Extension Tubes,
M4 Tap
$27.56
Today
SM30RC/M Support Documentation
SM30RC/MSlip Ring for SM30 Lens Tubes, M4 Tap
$31.77
Today
SM1.5RC/M Support Documentation
SM1.5RC/MCustomer Inspired! Slip Ring for SM1.5 Lens Tubes, M4 Tap
$33.92
Today
SM2RC/M Support Documentation
SM2RC/MSlip Ring for SM2 Lens Tubes, M4 Tap
$35.05
Lead Time
SM3RC/M Support Documentation
SM3RC/MSlip Ring for SM3 Lens Tubes, M4 Tap
$45.15
Today
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Lens Tube Clamps

Item # Compatible
Lens Tubes
Compatible
Lens Tube ODa
Inner
Diameter
Locking
Screw Hex
SM05TC SM05 for Ø1/2" Optics 0.70"
(17.8 mm)
0.71"
(17.9 mm)
5/64"
(2.0 mm)
SM1TC SM1 for Ø1" Optics and
C-Mount Extension Tubes
1.20"
(30.5 mm)
1.21"
(30.6 mm)
SM30TC SM30 for Ø30 mm Optics 1.38"
(35.0 mm)
1.39"
(35.2 mm)
SM1.5TC SM1.5 for Ø1.5" Optics 1.70"
(43.2 mm)
1.71"
(43.3 mm)
SM2TC SM2 for Ø2" Optics 2.20"
(55.9 mm)
2.21"
(56.0 mm)
SM3TC SM3 for Ø3" Optics 3.20"
(81.3 mm)
3.21"
(81.4 mm)
  • OD = Outer Diameter
  • Drop-In Installation and Removal of Lens Tubes
  • 3-Point Contact Provides Stable Mounting
  • Hold Outer Diameter of SM05, SM1, SM30, SM1.5, SM2, or SM3 Lens Tubes as well as C-Mount Extension Tubes

These lens tube clamps are designed to enable easy installation and removal of lens tubes from optical systems. To remove a lens tube, simply unscrew the clamping screw, flip the mount open, and lift the tube straight up and out. This feature is useful for users who do not have the room to slide the entire lens tube out of a mount due to tight space constraints.

This series of lens tube clamps can easily be mounted to any of our posts using the #8 (M4) counterbore on the bottom of the clamp. The SM05TC also mounts to a mini-series post via a #4 washer and 4-40 cap screw (not included).

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM05TC Support Documentation
SM05TCClamp for SM05 Lens Tubes
$46.33
Today
SM1TC Support Documentation
SM1TCClamp for SM1 Lens Tubes and C-Mount Extension Tubes
$50.18
Today
SM30TC Support Documentation
SM30TCClamp for SM30 Lens Tubes
$51.38
3 Weeks
SM1.5TC Support Documentation
SM1.5TCCustomer Inspired! Clamp for SM1.5 Lens Tubes
$54.16
Today
SM2TC Support Documentation
SM2TCClamp for SM2 Lens Tubes
$55.38
Today
SM3TC Support Documentation
SM3TCClamp for SM3 Lens Tubes
$63.32
Today
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30 mm Cage Plate with Ø1.2" Bore


Click for Details
View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
Imperial Product List
PH31Ø1/2" Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L = 3"
TR1.51Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 1.5"
CP36130 mm Cage Plate, Ø1.2" Double Bore for SM1 and C-Mount Lens Tubes
CP331SM1-Threaded 30 mm Cage Plate, 0.35" Thick, 2 Retaining Rings, 8-32 Tap
SM1L301SM1 Lens Tube, 3.00" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
ER4-P41Cage Assembly Rod, 4" Long, Ø6 mm, 4 Pack
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
Metric Product List
PH75/M1Ø12.7 mm Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L=75 mm
TR40/M1Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 40 mm
CP36130 mm Cage Plate, Ø1.2" Double Bore for SM1 and C-Mount Lens Tubes
CP33/M1SM1-Threaded 30 mm Cage Plate, 0.35" Thick, 2 Retaining Rings, M4 Tap
SM1L301SM1 Lens Tube, 3.00" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
ER4-P41Cage Assembly Rod, 4" Long, Ø6 mm, 4 Pack
  • Ø1.2" Bore Supports Outside Diameter of SM1 Lens Tubes and C-Mount Extension Tubes
  • Compatible with 30 mm Cage Systems
  • Nylon-Tipped Setscrew and Double Bore Securely Hold Lens Tubes
  • Not Post Mountable

The CP36 cage plate is designed to allow our SM1 Lens Tubes or C-Mount Extension Tubes to slide into the cage plate and be locked in position with a nylon-tipped 8-32 setscrew. This is ideal for situations where it is not desirable to thread the lens tube into one of our threaded cage plates. It will also allow our Ø1.2" free-space isolator packages to be integrated into a 30 mm cage system. A double-bore design gives three points of contact for stable and secure mounting. Each cage rod through hole is accompanied by a side-located locking M4 setscrew, which can be secured using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or balldriver.

Please note that this cage plate does not feature a tapped mounting hole, unlike many of our other cage plates. Due to the bore size, there would be interference between the threaded stud on our Ø1/2" posts and the clear aperture of the bore. Therefore, this cage plate cannot be used directly with Ø1/2" Posts, and a cage system utilizing this plate must be supported using a different method. For a post-mountable solution, consider our SM1RC or SM1TC lens tube clamps, but note that these parts are not cage compatible.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CP36 Support Documentation
CP3630 mm Cage Plate, Ø1.2" Double Bore for SM1 and C-Mount Lens Tubes
$24.23
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Cage Plate with Ø2.2" Double Bore

LCP36 Holding an SM2 Lens Tube
Click to Enlarge
The LCP36 cage plate secures
SM2 lens tubes in a 60 mm cage system.
  • Ø2.2" (Ø56.0 mm) Bore Supports Outside Diameter of SM2 Lens Tubes
  • Compatible with 60 mm Cage Systems
  • Nylon-Tipped Setscrew and Double Bore Securely Hold Lens Tubes
  • Not Post Mountable

The LCP36 Cage Plate is designed to allow our SM2 lens tubes to slide into the cage plate and be locked in position with a nylon-tipped setscrew. This cage plate is ideal for situations where it is not desirable to thread the lens tube into one of our threaded cage plates. A double-bore design gives three points of contact for stable and secure mounting. Each cage rod through hole is accompanied by a side-located locking M4 x 0.7 setscrew, which can be secured using a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex key.

Please note that this plate does not feature a tapped mounting hole, unlike many of our other cage plates. Due to the bore size, there would be interference between the threaded stud on our Ø1/2" posts and the clear aperture of the bore. Therefore, this cage plate cannot be used directly with Ø1/2" Posts, and a cage system utilizing this plate must be supported using a different method.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
LCP36 Support Documentation
LCP36Customer Inspired! 60 mm Cage Plate with Ø2.2" (Ø56.0 mm) Double Bore for SM2 Lens Tube Mounting
$50.18
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Ø1" Adapter Mount with Ø0.7" Bore


Click to Enlarge
View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
Imperial Product List
KM1001Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø1" Optics
SM1A601Externally SM1-Threaded Mounting Adapter with Ø0.7"
(Ø17.8 mm) Bore and 1" Outer Diameter
TR41Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 4"
SM05L201SM05 Lens Tube, 2" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
Metric Product List
KM1001Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø1" Optics
SM1A601Externally SM1-Threaded Mounting Adapter with Ø0.7"
(Ø17.8 mm) Bore and 1" Outer Diameter
TR100/M1Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 100 mm
SM05L201SM05 Lens Tube, 2" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
SM05 Lens Tube Mounted in KM100 Mirror Mount Using SM1A60 Adapter
  • Ø0.7" (Ø17.8 mm) Smooth Central Bore Accepts SM05 Lens Tubes and Other Ø0.7" Components
  • Compatible with Mounts for Ø1" Optics
  • External SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads for Our Ø1" Lens Tubes
  • Setscrew Holds Internal Component

The SM1A60 adapter features an internal Ø0.7" (Ø17.8 mm) bore with external SM1 (1.035"-40) threads as well as an external Ø1" smooth bore. This allows our SM05 Lens Tubes to be mounted within our SM1 Lens Tube System, as well as within SM1-threaded mounts, such as the LMR1. The outer surface of the adapter also has a smooth section which can be used to secure it into a Ø1" optics mount with a smooth bore, such as the KM100.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM1A60 Support Documentation
SM1A60Customer Inspired! Externally SM1-Threaded Mounting Adapter with Ø0.7"
(Ø17.8 mm) Bore and 1" Outer Diameter
$23.63
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Ø2" Adapter Mount with Ø1.20" Bore

SM2 Adapter
Click to Enlarge
View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
Imperial Product List
PH31Ø1/2" Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L = 3"
TR31Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 3"
SM2A211Externally SM2-Threaded Mounting Adapter with Ø1.20" (Ø30.5 mm) Bore and 2" Outer Diameter
SM1L301SM1 Lens Tube, 3.00" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
LCP34160 mm Cage Plate, SM2 Threads, 0.5" Thick, 8-32 Tap (Two SM2RR Retaining Rings Included)
LCP35160 mm Cage Plate with Ø2" Double-Bore Optic Mount, 8-32 Tap
ER6-P41Cage Assembly Rod, 6" Long, Ø6 mm, 4 Pack
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
Metric Product List
PH75/M1Ø12.7 mm Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L=75 mm
TR75/M1Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 75 mm
SM2A211Externally SM2-Threaded Mounting Adapter with Ø1.20" (Ø30.5 mm) Bore and 2" Outer Diameter
SM1L301SM1 Lens Tube, 3.00" Thread Depth, One Retaining Ring Included
LCP34/M160 mm Cage Plate, SM2 Threads, 0.5" Thick, M4 Tap (Two SM2RR Retaining Rings Included)
LCP35/M160 mm Cage Plate with Ø2" Double-Bore Optic Mount, M4 Tap
ER6-P41Cage Assembly Rod, 6" Long, Ø6 mm, 4 Pack
The SM2A21 Mounting Adapter can be Used to Easily Integrate an SM1 Lens Tube into a 60 mm Cage System
  • Ø1.20" (Ø30.5 mm) Smooth Central Bore Accepts SM1 Lens Tubes or C-Mount Extension Tubes
  • Smooth Section of Outer Surface is Compatible with Ø2" Optic Mounts
  • External SM2 (2.035"-40) Threads for Our Ø2" Lens Tubes
  • Nylon-Tipped Setscrew Holds SM1 Lens Tube Against Double Bore

The SM2A21 Mounting Adapter allows SM1 Lens Tubes or C-Mount Extension Tubes to be installed within SM2 Lens Tubes or Ø2" optic mounts. The outer ring surface features external SM2 (2.035"-40) threads that are 0.16" (4.1 mm) long, allowing the adapter to be used with our SM2 Lens Tubes or SM2-threaded mounts, such as the LMR2. The outer surface of the adapter also has a smooth section, measuring 0.31" (7.9 mm) in length, that can be used to secure it in a Ø2" optics mount with a smooth bore such as the KM200. The lens tube is secured using a nylon-tipped 5/64" (2 mm) hex setscrew.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM2A21 Support Documentation
SM2A21Externally SM2-Threaded Mounting Adapter with Ø1.20" (Ø30.5 mm) Bore and 2" Outer Diameter
$53.75
Today
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Lens Tube Construction Cubes

  • Six SM1- or SM2-Threaded Holes Directly Compatible with Ø1" or Ø2" Lens Tubes
  • Build Compact 3D Structures
  • Easy Assembly of Extended Structures

These building blocks are compatible with our SM1 and SM2-Series Lens Tubes. These precision machined components (square and parallel to better than 0.002") can be used in conjunction with our extensive line of SM1- or SM2-threaded components.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM1C6 Support Documentation
SM1C6SM1-Threaded Lens Tube Cube
$35.05
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SM2C6 Support Documentation
SM2C6SM2-Threaded Lens Tube Cube
$52.56
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Right-Angle Brackets with a Clear Aperture

  • Mounting Plates for Ø1" and Ø2" Lens Tubes
  • Lens Tube Threads for Rigid Mounting

These right angle brackets have SM-threaded clear apertures and are rigid mounting structures that can be used directly within the beam path. Precision machining with the six surfaces from one solid extruded shape provides maximum rigidity, with parallelism and perpendicularity within 0.002" (0.05 mm).

Please Note: The SM-threaded holes for previous versions of these brackets were offset by 0.06" (1.5 mm). This offset was corrected for the CAM1/M as of December 12, 2014, the CAM2/M as of February 10, 2015, and the CAM1 and CAM2 as of April 23, 2015.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
CAM1 Support Documentation
CAM1Right-Angle Bracket for SM1 Lens Tubes, Imperial Taps
$122.36
Today
CAM2 Support Documentation
CAM2Right-Angle Bracket for SM1 and SM2 Lens Tubes, Imperial Taps
$122.36
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+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
CAM1/M Support Documentation
CAM1/MRight-Angle Bracket for SM1 Lens Tubes, Metric Taps
$122.36
Lead Time
CAM2/M Support Documentation
CAM2/MRight-Angle Bracket for SM1 and SM2 Lens Tubes, Metric Taps
$122.36
Today