3.2 Lamps, lenses, and accessories
6 min read•july 30, 2024
Lighting designers rely on a variety of lamps, lenses, and accessories to create the perfect stage atmosphere. From traditional incandescent bulbs to cutting-edge LEDs, each light source offers unique benefits and challenges for illuminating performances.
Lenses and accessories shape and control light beams, allowing designers to craft precise looks. Understanding how different tools affect color, intensity, and texture empowers lighting pros to paint with light, transforming bare stages into vibrant, immersive worlds.
Stage Lighting Lamps
Incandescent and HID Lamps
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- Incandescent lamps utilize tungsten-halogen technology producing warm color temperatures and smooth capabilities
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps generate high and efficiency
- Require warm-up time and cannot be instantly restarted
- Examples include metal halide and ceramic metal halide lamps
- Arc lamps create intense, daylight-balanced light (xenon and carbon arc lamps)
- Necessitate special power supplies and handling procedures
LED and Emerging Technologies
- LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps gain popularity in stage lighting
- Offer energy efficiency, long lifespan, and wide color range production without filters
- Lifespan extends to tens of thousands of hours, reducing maintenance and operational costs
- Emerging lamp technologies continuously evolve to meet specific stage lighting needs
- Examples include hybrid LED-incandescent systems and laser-phosphor light sources
Lamp Characteristics and Selection
- impacts the perceived warmth or coolness of light (measured in Kelvin)
- Incandescent lamps typically range from 2700K-3200K (warm)
- LED lamps can produce a wide range from 2700K-6500K (warm to cool)
- (Color Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source renders colors
- Higher CRI values (90+) indicate better color reproduction
- Important for accurate costume and set color representation
- determines the spread of light from a fixture
- Narrow beam angles (10-25 degrees) for spotlighting
- Wide beam angles (50-60 degrees) for wash lighting
- and lumen output vary significantly between lamp types
- Affects brightness and power consumption
- Example: A 575W may produce similar output to a 150W
- Dimming capabilities differ among lamp types
- Incandescent lamps offer smooth, full-range dimming
- LED lamps may require specialized dimming curves or controllers
Lenses and Beam Shaping
Lens Types and Functions
- Plano-convex (PC) lenses shape soft-edged beams
- Allow beam size adjustment through focusing
- Commonly used in Fresnel fixtures and some profile spots
- Fresnel lenses create washes of light with soft edges
- Ideal for area lighting and blending multiple fixtures
- Offer variable beam spread through lamp housing adjustment
- Ellipsoidal reflector spotlights (ERS) combine ellipsoidal reflectors and plano-convex lenses
- Produce sharp-edged, highly controllable beams
- Allow for precise focusing and shaping of light
Beam-Shaping Accessories
- control spill light and define beam edges
- Consist of adjustable metal flaps attached to the front of fixtures
- Particularly useful with Fresnel and PAR fixtures
- and extend the fixture housing to reduce light spill
- Top hats maintain circular beam shape
- Snoots create a more focused, cylindrical beam
- Diffusion filters and frost gels soften beam edges
- Spread light evenly across illuminated areas
- Available in varying degrees of diffusion (light, medium, heavy)
- Gobos (templates) project patterns, textures, or images
- Made from metal, glass, or plastic materials
- Used with ellipsoidal fixtures for creative effects (foliage, windows, abstract patterns)
Impact on Light Output
- Lens size affects the potential beam spread and light output
- Larger lenses generally allow for wider beam angles and higher light transmission
- Lens material influences light transmission and durability
- Glass lenses offer high clarity but are more fragile
- Plastic lenses are lightweight and shatter-resistant but may yellow over time
- Accessory placement in the light path impacts intensity and beam quality
- Accessories closer to the lens have a more pronounced effect on the beam
- Multiple accessories can be combined for complex effects ( + diffusion + color filter)
Lighting Effects Techniques
Color Mixing and Filtering
- combines different colored lights (red, green, blue)
- Achieves a wide range of colors including white when all are at full intensity
- Commonly used in LED fixtures and moving lights
- uses color filters (gels) to remove unwanted wavelengths
- Placed in front of white light sources to create colored light
- Reduces overall light output intensity
- Color temperature correction filters adjust the perceived warmth or coolness of light
- CTB (Color Temperature Blue) makes light appear cooler
- CTO (Color Temperature Orange) makes light appear warmer
Texture and Pattern Creation
- Breakup patterns create textured light effects
- Simulate natural elements (leaves, water ripples)
- Add visual interest to large lit areas
- Custom gobos project logos, text, or specific designs
- Can be used for branding, set design, or storytelling elements
- Rotating gobo wheels in moving lights create dynamic effects
- Produce moving textures or spinning patterns
- split and multiply light beams
- Create multiple identical images from a single light source
- Often used in dance and concert lighting for dynamic looks
Dynamic Lighting Control
- through dimming creates focus and mood
- Smooth fades between scenes
- Pulsing or flickering effects for specific atmospheres (fire, lightning)
- Movement of lights () adds dynamism to stage picture
- Achieved through moving head or mirror fixtures
- Creates tracking spots or sweeping beam effects
- produce quick flashes of light
- Create tension, simulate lightning, or enhance musical beats
- Adjustable speed and duration for various effects
- Color-changing fixtures allow for quick shifts in atmosphere
- LED fixtures offer instant color changes
- Moving lights with color wheels provide rapid color selection
Lamp Maintenance and Handling
Cleaning and Inspection Procedures
- Regular cleaning of lenses, reflectors, and accessories maintains optimal light output
- Use appropriate cleaning solutions and lint-free cloths
- Frequency depends on usage and environmental factors (dust, haze)
- Inspect fixtures for physical damage or loose components
- Check cables, connectors, and mounting hardware
- Look for cracks in lenses or color frames
- Test lamp function and beam quality regularly
- Identify flickering, color shifts, or reduced output
- Replace lamps approaching end of rated life
Proper Handling Techniques
- Use gloves when handling quartz envelope lamps
- Prevents skin oils from causing hot spots and premature failure
- Essential for tungsten-halogen and arc lamps
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for lamp base orientation
- Some lamps require specific burning positions (base up, base down, horizontal)
- Incorrect orientation can lead to reduced lifespan or uneven wear
- Adhere to proper cool-down periods before relamping
- Prevents thermal shock to lamp and fixture components
- Typically ranges from 5-15 minutes depending on lamp type
Maintenance Scheduling and Documentation
- Track lamp hours accurately for timely replacement
- Use lighting control system features or manual logs
- Replace lamps before end of rated life to maintain consistent output
- Document maintenance activities and lamp changes
- Record date, fixture location, and lamp type for each replacement
- Helps identify patterns of premature failure or performance issues
- Establish regular maintenance schedules
- Include cleaning, inspection, and preventive replacement of lamps
- Coordinate with production schedules to minimize disruption
Safety and Environmental Considerations
- Follow proper disposal procedures for used lamps
- Many lamps contain hazardous materials (mercury in fluorescent and some HID lamps)
- Use designated recycling programs or disposal services
- Implement safety protocols for handling broken lamps
- Use protective equipment (gloves, mask) when cleaning up
- Ventilate area and follow specific cleanup procedures for mercury-containing lamps
- Store spare lamps in appropriate conditions
- Protect from physical damage and extreme temperatures
- Organize by type and wattage for easy access during productions
Key Terms to Review (38)
Additive color mixing: Additive color mixing is a process in which colors are created by combining light of different wavelengths, with the primary colors being red, green, and blue (RGB). This technique is essential in lighting design as it directly affects how colors appear on stage and influences the mood and atmosphere of a performance. Understanding additive color mixing is crucial when selecting gels, presenting design concepts, critiquing contemporary trends, and balancing color and texture in a design.
Barn doors: Barn doors are adjustable metal flaps attached to the front of a lighting fixture, used primarily to control the shape and direction of the emitted light. They are essential in achieving precise lighting effects on stage by allowing designers to manipulate light spill and create defined edges for lighting, making them a crucial accessory in both stage design and theatrical productions.
Beam Angle: Beam angle refers to the angle at which light is emitted from a lighting fixture, specifically the angle between the two points where the intensity of the light falls to 50% of its maximum output. This measurement is crucial in determining how wide or narrow the light distribution will be, affecting both the aesthetics and functionality of a lighting design.
Breakup pattern: A breakup pattern is a lighting design technique that uses various accessories to create intricate, textured light patterns on surfaces, enhancing the visual interest of a stage or performance area. This technique can be achieved through the use of gobos, which are templates placed in front of a light source to project shapes and patterns, as well as through the manipulation of lenses and filters. By incorporating breakup patterns, designers can add depth and dimension to their lighting designs, creating a more engaging experience for the audience.
Carbon arc lamp: A carbon arc lamp is an electrical light source that produces illumination by creating an arc of electricity between two carbon electrodes. This type of lamp was one of the earliest forms of electric lighting and is known for its bright, intense light output, making it suitable for various applications including stage lighting, searchlights, and projectors.
Ceramic metal halide lamp: A ceramic metal halide lamp is a type of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp that utilizes a ceramic arc tube to produce light. This design offers better color rendering and stability compared to traditional metal halide lamps, making it popular in stage lighting and other applications that require high-quality illumination.
Color Temperature: Color temperature is a measure of the color of light emitted by a source, typically expressed in Kelvin (K). It indicates whether the light appears warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish), which plays a crucial role in how lighting affects mood, visibility, and the overall atmosphere in a theatrical setting.
Color-changing fixture: A color-changing fixture is a type of lighting instrument that can modify its emitted light color, often using LED technology, allowing for dynamic and versatile color effects in a performance space. These fixtures enable lighting designers to create moods and themes by altering colors during a production, enhancing the visual storytelling and overall atmosphere of the stage.
CRI: Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a measure of a light source's ability to accurately reproduce colors of objects in comparison to a natural light source. A higher CRI indicates that the light source can render colors more accurately, making it crucial for applications where color perception is important, like stage lighting. This metric helps in selecting the right lamps and accessories to ensure that the intended visual effects are achieved.
Ctb filter: A CTB (Color Temperature Blue) filter is an optical filter used in stage lighting to convert the color temperature of a light source to a cooler, bluer hue. This filter is essential for balancing the warm tones produced by incandescent lights, allowing for more accurate color representation and helping to match the lighting to other sources, such as daylight or other artificial lights.
Cto filter: A CTO filter, or Color Temperature Orange filter, is an accessory used in lighting design to convert the color temperature of a light source, typically from daylight (around 5600K) to a warmer tone (approximately 3200K). This filter is essential for creating cohesive color schemes when mixing different light sources and can enhance the mood of a scene by providing warmth and richness to the illumination.
Custom gobo: A custom gobo is a specially designed template or stencil used in lighting design that allows for the projection of unique patterns, shapes, or images onto a surface, often enhancing the visual storytelling of a production. These gobos can be made from materials like glass or metal and are used with specific types of lighting fixtures, like ellipsoidal reflector spotlights, to create artistic effects. Custom gobos add a personal touch to a lighting design, allowing designers to incorporate specific branding, themes, or motifs.
Diffusion filter: A diffusion filter is an accessory used in lighting design to soften the light produced by a lamp, creating a more even and flattering illumination. These filters help to scatter light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more pleasing visual effect on stage or in other settings. They can come in various materials and thicknesses, impacting how much light is diffused and the overall quality of illumination.
Dimming: Dimming refers to the process of adjusting the intensity of light emitted from a lighting source, allowing for greater control over the brightness and atmosphere of a space. This capability enhances visibility, creates selective focus by directing attention to specific areas, and establishes mood through varying light levels, making it essential for effective lighting design.
Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight: An ellipsoidal reflector spotlight is a type of lighting fixture characterized by its elliptical reflector and lens system that focuses light into a sharp beam. This fixture is commonly used in stage lighting for its ability to create defined shapes and patterns on the performance area, making it essential for various production requirements.
Fresnel lens: A fresnel lens is a type of compact lens originally developed for lighthouses, consisting of a series of concentric grooves that allow it to focus light much like a conventional lens but with less material and weight. This design makes fresnel lenses particularly useful in stage lighting, where they help create a wide, soft beam of light that can be adjusted for various effects. Their ability to focus light efficiently while being lightweight contributes significantly to the versatility and functionality of stage lighting setups.
Frost gel: Frost gel is a type of lighting filter used in stage lighting to diffuse light and create a soft, frosty effect. This gel helps in achieving a cooler color temperature while maintaining the quality of light, making it ideal for creating atmospheric effects or mimicking natural light. It can be used with various lamps and lenses, providing flexibility in lighting design.
Gel frame: A gel frame is a rectangular metal or plastic frame used to hold color gels in front of lighting fixtures. It serves as a vital accessory in lighting design, allowing designers to manipulate the color of the light emitted by lamps. By securing the gel in place, the gel frame ensures that the colored material remains stable and effective throughout a performance.
Gobo: A gobo is a thin, usually metal or glass template placed in front of a light source to project a pattern or image onto a surface. Gobos are used to enhance visual storytelling by adding texture, depth, and interest to the stage, impacting how light shapes the audience's perception of the performance.
HID Lamp: An HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lamp is a type of electric lamp that produces light by creating an electric arc between two electrodes housed inside a gas-filled tube. These lamps are known for their high efficiency, producing more light per watt than traditional incandescent bulbs, and are commonly used in various lighting applications, including stage lighting. The intense brightness and color rendering capabilities make HID lamps a preferred choice for theatrical productions and large venues.
Hybrid led-incandescent system: A hybrid LED-incandescent system combines the unique advantages of both LED and incandescent lighting technologies to create a versatile lighting solution. This system often uses incandescent bulbs for warm color temperature and dimming capabilities, while integrating LED technology for energy efficiency and longevity. This blend allows designers to achieve a desired aesthetic while minimizing energy consumption and maintenance costs.
Incandescent lamp: An incandescent lamp is a type of electric light that produces light by heating a filament until it glows. These lamps are known for their warm light quality and are commonly used in various lighting applications, making them a staple in both residential and stage lighting. They function by passing electric current through a thin filament, typically made of tungsten, which emits light as it becomes hot.
Intensity Control: Intensity control refers to the ability to manipulate the brightness of a light source to achieve desired visual effects and to support storytelling in performance spaces. This involves adjusting the levels of illumination to enhance visibility, create selective focus on specific elements, and evoke particular moods, all of which are crucial for conveying a narrative effectively.
Laser-phosphor light source: A laser-phosphor light source is a type of illumination technology that combines a laser with phosphor materials to produce bright, high-quality light. This innovative approach enhances color accuracy and brightness while providing a longer lifespan compared to traditional light sources. The combination of lasers and phosphors allows for a wide color gamut and improved efficiency, making it an appealing choice for various lighting applications, including stage lighting.
LED Lamp: An LED lamp is a lighting device that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as its source of illumination. These lamps are known for their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and ability to produce a wide range of colors, making them popular choices for various lighting applications, including stage lighting. Their compact size allows for versatile installation options, while their low heat output contributes to safer usage in tight spaces.
Lumen output: Lumen output refers to the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source, measured in lumens. This measurement is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of various lighting fixtures, as it helps determine how well a lamp can illuminate a space. Understanding lumen output is crucial for selecting appropriate lamps and accessories to achieve the desired brightness and ambiance in stage lighting designs.
Metal halide lamp: A metal halide lamp is a type of high-intensity discharge (HID) light source that produces light through an electric arc between tungsten electrodes in a gas-filled tube containing metal halides. These lamps are known for their excellent color rendering and efficiency, making them popular in various applications, including stage lighting, sports venues, and street lighting.
Pan and tilt: Pan and tilt refer to the movement capabilities of lighting fixtures, particularly how they can rotate horizontally (pan) and vertically (tilt) to create dynamic lighting effects. These movements allow for flexible positioning and re-positioning of light beams on stage, enabling designers to highlight different areas or create specific visual effects without needing to physically move the lights themselves.
Plano-convex lens: A plano-convex lens is a type of lens that has one flat (plano) side and one outwardly curved (convex) side. This design allows it to converge light rays that pass through it, making it essential in various optical applications, particularly in lighting design for stage performances. The unique shape contributes to the lens's ability to focus light effectively, enhancing visibility and creating desired lighting effects.
Prism effects: Prism effects refer to the optical phenomenon that occurs when light passes through a prism or prism-like element, resulting in the dispersion of light into its constituent colors or creating unique visual patterns. This effect is particularly relevant in stage lighting design, where it can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a performance by adding dynamic color and texture to the lighting environment.
Rotating gobo wheel: A rotating gobo wheel is a component used in lighting fixtures that allows for the projection of patterns or images onto a surface by spinning a series of gobos in front of a light source. This movement creates dynamic visuals and effects, adding depth and interest to lighting designs. The versatility of rotating gobo wheels enhances the ability to create various atmospheres and enhance storytelling on stage.
Safety cable: A safety cable is a crucial safety device used in lighting design to secure lighting fixtures and other suspended equipment, ensuring they do not fall in the event of a hardware failure. It acts as a secondary line of defense, providing an added layer of security to prevent accidents and injuries in performance environments. This simple yet essential tool plays a vital role in maintaining a safe working environment for technicians and performers alike.
Snoots: Snoots are specialized accessories used in stage lighting to control and focus the beam of light emitted from a fixture. They are designed to narrow the beam and reduce light spill, allowing for more precise placement of light on stage. By limiting the spread of light, snoots enhance the effectiveness of lighting design by creating sharper edges and more defined patterns.
Strobe Effects: Strobe effects refer to the use of flashing lights, typically at high frequency, to create a sensation of motion or to highlight specific moments in a performance. This technique is commonly utilized in lighting design to enhance the visual experience, often creating dramatic or surreal atmospheres by interrupting the continuous flow of light.
Subtractive color mixing: Subtractive color mixing is a process where colors are created by combining different pigments or dyes, absorbing certain wavelengths of light and reflecting others. This technique is essential for creating the desired colors in lighting design, particularly when selecting gels to filter light and produce specific hues. Understanding how subtractive mixing works can help designers make informed choices about color combinations and the effects they will achieve on stage.
Top hats: Top hats are cylindrical attachments used in stage lighting to control the spread of light from a fixture, helping to focus and shape the beam. They are commonly utilized to reduce unwanted spill light and can enhance the clarity of the projected image by ensuring that only the intended areas are illuminated. In lighting design, top hats play an important role in achieving specific lighting effects and maintaining visual aesthetics.
Wattage: Wattage refers to the amount of electrical power consumed by a lighting fixture or bulb, measured in watts. It is a crucial factor in determining how much light a fixture can produce and how much energy it will use. Understanding wattage helps in selecting appropriate lighting fixtures for specific applications, ensuring that they meet the desired brightness levels while managing energy consumption effectively.
Xenon arc lamp: A xenon arc lamp is a type of high-intensity discharge lamp that produces light by creating an electric arc between two tungsten electrodes within a gas-filled chamber containing xenon gas. These lamps are known for their bright, white light output and are commonly used in applications like film projection, stage lighting, and large-scale displays due to their ability to generate high lumen levels and wide color temperature range.