- Optical Elements that can be used to increase the magnification of a lens. Use these when you need to get really close-up images of small objects. While not a true macro lens, they are lightweight and quick to use with standard cine matte boxes and filter holders.

Lindsey Brilliant Diopters are simple plano convex magnifying lenses manufactured to the highest standards specifically for cinematography. They fit easily in cine matte boxes and we have a variety of clamping adapters to attach 4.5" Round Diopters directly to cine lens barrels.

The are used as close-up lenses to allow cine lenses to focus closer and on smaller objects than normally possible with the lens alone. They work beautifully on cine prime lenses and cine zooms.

Each of Lindsey close-up lenses has a focal length expressed in millimeters however for convenience the focal length is expressed in "diopters", which is simply the reciprocal of the focal length in meters.

Lindsey Round Drop-In Diopters are available in two standard cine sizes of 4 1/2 Inch Round and 138mm Round.

Lindsey 4.5" Round Drop-In Diopters are available in 4 strengths including +1/2, +1, +2 and +3.

Lindsey 138mm Round Drop-In Diopters are available in 5 strengths including +1/4, 1/2, +1, +2 and +3.

Use the +1/4 when you need to get just a tiny bit closer. The +1 gets you close . . . the +3 gets you VERY close.

For the fastest and most convenient form factor, consider Lindsey Brilliant² Tray Mount Close-Up Lenses - They have mounted their 138mm diopters in 4x5.65 Matte Box Trays. They use the same high quality glass as our Round Drop-In close-up lenses and are quick and easy to insert in the matte box. Perfect for quickly getting the right shot with a variety of lenses with different focal lengths, including large diameter prime lenses and zoom lenses.

Lindsey Optics Brilliant Filters are made from the finest optical glass. They feature rock hard, multi-layer BROADBAND anti-reflective coating. This dramatically reduces light loss and flare. Contrast, color saturation and image quality are preserved.

For the very highest quality close-up and macro images, consider our Brilliant Macro Lenses.

A Close-Up Lens is NOT a Diopter!

OK, it's time for me to rant a bit about "Diopters"

Close-up lenses or close-up filters are accessories mounted in front of photographic lenses and cine lenses to enable focusing closer than the lens will do by itself.  They are quite useful to quickly obtain images of small objects.

These lenses are commonly referred to as "Diopters".  This makes me crazy, because it's simply not correct.

Diopter is a unit of measurement, much like other units of measurement such as millimeters, meters, inches, etc.

We don't call lenses "Millimeters", We call them lenses, with a notation of focal length measured in millimeters.  So for example we could describe a specific lens as a "50mm f2 lens"  we wouldn't call it a "Millimeter".

Likewise, we should refer to close-up lenses just that way, as close-up lenses.  So one description would be:  "138mm Round +1 Diopter Close-Up Lens"

Now all of that said, it seems that "Diopter" has become the standard name for these things and in fact we've used it too . . .

For fellow techno-nerds such as myself, here's a short discussion of 

Lenses have optical power, which for photographic and cinematography lenses is often expressed as a focal length measured in millimeters.

In the world of eye care, optometrists use a unit of measurement that is quite convenient for them, known as the diopter. Prescriptions for corrective eyeglass or contact lenses are done with simple quick notations of positive and negative diopter units.   

In photography and cinematography, the diopter is used as a unit of measurement for simple single element close-up lenses also because it is simple and convenient.  When simple single element lenses are combined or stacked, the diopter strength of each lens can be added together.  For example adding together 2 lenses with strengths of +2 diopter and +3 diopter results in a combined strength of +5 diopter.  It makes the math simple.

It's relatively simple to convert from millimeters to diopters, either by taking the reciprocal of the focal length, or referring to a simple table:

+1 Diopter = 1000mm

+2 Diopter = 500mm

+3 Diopter = 333mm

TIP HOW TO PROLONGING THE LIFE OF YOUR FILTERS 

Filters, like all crafted optics, are susceptible not only to breakage, but to premature aging caused by environmental factors. Most filters are made up of several layers of materials consisting of glass, dyes, optical cements, chemical compounds, particles etc. Even with protective measures employed, there are many factors that can still affect the longevity of the filter: moisture (prolonged exposure to humidity), excessive heat and excessive light are the most common environmental causes that can affect the filter’s chemistry over time.

To protect your filters and keep them in great working condition for a long time (along with the rest of your camera gear) we recommend making sure to keep the filters stored in a dark, cool, and dry place when not in use. The use of filter pouches or specialized cases will also keep your filters safe from breakage when not in use. If you are in a humid environment, the addition of fresh silica gel packs or a dehumidifier in the room they are stored is also highly recommended. Protecting your filters as you would your camera lenses will ensure many years of use of your filters.

 

 

What do you recommend cleaning filters with?

 

Hand blower first, if it's just light dust, that usually handles it.  If you need to clean further, a Kim Wipe sprayed with Tiffen/Pancro Lens Cleaner, work in a circular motion from the middle out.

 

 

We at Guru Enterprises in Chatsworth, CA thank-you for stopping by. Please keep us in mind for all your requirements in motion picture equipment in future.

 We deal in both - New & Used Gear.

 

 

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