Cheap Thorlabs Tube alternative at DVinfo.net

Chris Knight · May 10th, 2007, 09:31 AM

http://www.camerafilters.com/pages/spacerrings.aspx

I'm not sure if this has been posted before, but this website sells lens spacer rings with a variety of thread sizes, in lengths of 1 inch or 1.5 inches. These tubes are less than half the cost of the Thorlabs tubes that many have been using, and may be a working alternative to the overpriced optical component that we know and love.

"Spacer Rings - High quality black metal spacer rings. Male threads on one side and female threads on the other. This ring is used to increase the distance of the accessory from the camera lens.

These rings can be used with camera filters, extension lenses, lens hoods, and additional spacer rings."

Prices are as follows

1 Inch Tube:
49mm - $4.21
52mm - $5.21
55mm - $6.21
58mm - $7.21

1.5 Inch Tube:
49mm - $4.41
52mm - $5.41
55mm - $6.41
58mm - $7.41

According to the website, they're only available in the US.

Now, the only concern is whether or not the 52mm tubes have an inner diameter of 2 inches. I'm emailing them now to find out. If so, then this could be pretty helpful to us DIYers.

My apologies if this has been brought up before a long time ago. I tried searching but didn't find anything about them.

Chris Knight · May 15th, 2007, 06:08 PM

I talked to the guy running the place on the phone. When I called him he got up and measured the ID for me. He said the 52mm have an ID of about 48.5 mm, which is too small for us, so I ordered the 55mm tubes, which have an ID of slightly larger than 2 inches. I'm going to take some thin plastic and make a shim that I can use to close the gap.

Igor Babic · May 16th, 2007, 03:48 AM

http://search.stores.ebay.com/ASIAN-...166399QQsofpZ0

Shipping is lightning fast.

Noah Yuan-Vogel · May 16th, 2007, 11:46 AM

yeah I just bought one from asian camera. Ordered it after ordering all my other 35mm adapter parts but got it first (about 2 business days). I ordered stuff from camerafilters.com too, but for oscillating adapters, 58mm probably isnt enough. I went for the 62mm tube.

Rich Hibner · May 16th, 2007, 12:45 PM

I'm willing to be the ID would be able to fit a 49mm ring inside. The thorlabs did anyway.

I ordered the 58. Going to get ahold of Jetset tonight to order a Vibrating holder.

May 10th, 2007, 09:31 AM	#1
Chris Knight Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hyde Park, New York Posts: 53	Cheap Thorlabs Tube alternative http://www.camerafilters.com/pages/spacerrings.aspx I'm not sure if this has been posted before, but this website sells lens spacer rings with a variety of thread sizes, in lengths of 1 inch or 1.5 inches. These tubes are less than half the cost of the Thorlabs tubes that many have been using, and may be a working alternative to the overpriced optical component that we know and love. "Spacer Rings - High quality black metal spacer rings. Male threads on one side and female threads on the other. This ring is used to increase the distance of the accessory from the camera lens. These rings can be used with camera filters, extension lenses, lens hoods, and additional spacer rings." Prices are as follows 1 Inch Tube: 49mm - $4.21 52mm - $5.21 55mm - $6.21 58mm - $7.21 1.5 Inch Tube: 49mm - $4.41 52mm - $5.41 55mm - $6.41 58mm - $7.41 According to the website, they're only available in the US. Now, the only concern is whether or not the 52mm tubes have an inner diameter of 2 inches. I'm emailing them now to find out. If so, then this could be pretty helpful to us DIYers. My apologies if this has been brought up before a long time ago. I tried searching but didn't find anything about them. __________________ Chris Knight Frame of Mind Productions http://www.fmpfilms.com

May 15th, 2007, 06:08 PM	#2
Chris Knight Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hyde Park, New York Posts: 53	I talked to the guy running the place on the phone. When I called him he got up and measured the ID for me. He said the 52mm have an ID of about 48.5 mm, which is too small for us, so I ordered the 55mm tubes, which have an ID of slightly larger than 2 inches. I'm going to take some thin plastic and make a shim that I can use to close the gap. __________________ Chris Knight Frame of Mind Productions http://www.fmpfilms.com

May 16th, 2007, 03:48 AM	#3
Igor Babic Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Posts: 171	http://search.stores.ebay.com/ASIAN-...166399QQsofpZ0 Shipping is lightning fast.

May 16th, 2007, 11:46 AM	#4
Noah Yuan-Vogel Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 613	yeah I just bought one from asian camera. Ordered it after ordering all my other 35mm adapter parts but got it first (about 2 business days). I ordered stuff from camerafilters.com too, but for oscillating adapters, 58mm probably isnt enough. I went for the 62mm tube.

May 16th, 2007, 12:45 PM	#5
Rich Hibner Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 218 Images: 1	I'm willing to be the ID would be able to fit a 49mm ring inside. The thorlabs did anyway. I ordered the 58. Going to get ahold of Jetset tonight to order a Vibrating holder.