Reflectors -vs- Lenses

[Rahz]

I switched to reflectors and opinion has been mixed, though I would do a poll on it. I can't stock both types as the drill pattern is different for each, but I plan to keep lenses on hand for custom orders... Or should it be the other way around?

My feelings are whatever works best and in this case if we're producing light there's evidence the reflectors are best. Lenses could be desirable to foliar feeding. Any other pluses or minuses for either?

 

[sanjuan]

Aesthetically, I think lenses look more professional. I don't have an informed opinion about function.

 

[cdgmoney250]

Function over fashion IMO.

 

[Rahz]

Function over fashion IMO.

My opinion too, but sanjuan has a point. Area 51 works the reflectors in aesthetically but I can't achieve that level of machine work at this point. My take when I decided to sell lamps was to get the best performance I could out of them and I originally wanted to use reflectors but they were $9 each + holders and I couldn't justify the cost. I'm able to get them -w- holders for just a dollar more than lenses now so it seemed like it was time to switch.

The cob holders and reflector mounts aren't very pretty but I've managed to get the wiring pretty tight so it's looks neat at least. I'm open to going back to lenses but it's not something I'm wanting to do.

 

[ttystikk]

I voted lenses, because I run vertical and I spray everywhere.

 

[captainmorgan]

The Ledil reflectors have a optional snap in diffuser.

 

[Airwalker16]

The Ledil reflectors have a optional snap in diffuser.

I've seen those. Awesome in my opinion. Was possibly thinking of switching my lenses to them.

 

[hillbill]

Do we have any light readings on the Tasty reflector vs lense? I am a little undecided here and have each on different lights. At first I preferred lenses (Optic) over the reflector used by A51. Now I am undecided. Do you have a photo of the Tasty with reflector? I am beginning to think the overlap effect of reflectors has great potential.

 

[camaro630hp]

Interesting just getting back into the scene and realizing how I miss so much is there a website I can search your products at the compare this reflector versus lens

Thanks any and all help appreciated

 

[superbak3d]

What are the domes on my tasty? Lens?

Has really good spread, everything is growing straight up, very little stretch

 

[hyroot]

I think it depends on the lenses and reflectors. The lenses I have on my amare are not very good. They're very thick. I haven't had the chance to use any other lense. But my panel already does have mirrored like reflectors. I wonder how white reflectors would do in comparison. Like the ones used for reptile tarariums.

 

[AquariusPanta]

https://www.rollitup.org/t/lens-and-reflector-optics-for-cob.893660/

One of the best threads in a long time.. (imo)

While your there, check out my boy @robincnn 's new website out @ https://nglights.myshopify.com/

 

[PSUAGRO.]

Reflector(s) are the lesser of two evils, I've always preferred them to secondary lenses.............integrating sphere agrees with this,ppf/w is worse on the latter...........bare is optimal obviously, primary optic angle options would be nice down the road with this cob tech.......

 

[robincnn]

I use a removable 100mm lens in my Photon 180 Lamp. The removable Holder is not DIY friendly. Also the lens does not fit with ideal holder unless heatsink is recessed. It is same as Jerrys 120 degree Lens.

I would choose a reflector instead of any lens smaller than 100mm.
I prefer reflector for DIY due to simplicity.
Reflectors weigh less than lens.
So difficult to decide for commercial. At one point I decided to do both reflector and lens. But then I saw that the ledil reflector popping out of case does not look nice. And my case did not have enough height to have the reflectors inside like PLC.
Reflectors look great if they can go into housing like PLC.
Also covered LES with lens just makes sense for commercial. Don't want customer to poke around the LES and then blame manufacturer.
I am considering designing my own Lens for horticulture.

 

[CaliWorthington]

I was planning to try reflectors, this thread seals it. So far I've only run bare cobs. Good point about lenses being better for foliar feeding though. I cut an extra large pizza box in half and hold that over the plant when I'm spraying.

 

[hyroot]

I use a removable 100mm lens in my Photon 180 Lamp. The removable Holder is not DIY friendly. Also the lens does not fit with ideal holder unless heatsink is recessed. Works fine with vero 29.
It is same as Jerrys 120 degree Lens.

I would choose a reflector instead of any lens smaller than 100mm.
I prefer reflector for DIY due to simplicity.
Reflectors reduce weight.
So difficult to decide for commercial. At one point I decided to do both reflector and lens. But then I saw that the ledil popping out of case does not look nice. And my case did not have enough height to have the reflectors inside like PLC.
Reflectors look great if they can go into housing like PLC.
Also covered LES with lens just makes sense for commercial. Don't want customer to poke around the LES and then blame manufacturer.
I am considering designing my own Lens for horticulture.

I'll take a little video tonight to show how my lense go on. You place the lense over the cobs. Then screw on a ring around the lense that hold them in place. You might like that idea for mounting and removing lenses at any time. The amare lenses are not all shaped the same on the outside either....

The plants are sleeping now.

Here's pics of my 120 degree lenses. And 90 degree

120


Notice the concave shape on the inside



90
Its not concave on the inside. It's flat and 2 inches thick

 

[WeedBulbs]

I think you will find a good reflector will give less light loss than a lens. I suggest you test.

 

[Airwalker16]

I'll take a little video tonight to show how my lense go on. You place the lense over the cobs. Then screw on a ring around the lense that hold them in place. You might like that idea for mounting and removing lenses at any time. The amare lenses are not all shaped the same on the outside either....

The plants are sleeping now.

Here's pics of my 120 degree lenses. And 90 degree

120

View attachment 3619794
Notice the concave shape on the inside

View attachment 3619796

120
Its not concave on the inside. It's flat and 2 inches thick

View attachment 3619800

Identical to King Brite 80's. But yours are smaller.

 

[CaliWorthington]

The Ledil reflectors have a optional snap in diffuser.

Have you got a link to this diffuser? I've looked at Ledil website and the Angelina data sheet, but can't find it.

 

[hyroot]

Identical to King Brite 80's. But yours are smaller.

I made a typo though but edited it. The last pic of the thick lense is 90 degree.