Optics Cases


  • Individual Cases with Molded Plastic or Foam Pad Inserts
  • Multi-Element Cases with Molded Plastic  
    or Precision Cut Foam Inserts

KT06

KT01

KT03

BX01

OC2RMS & OC22

Microscope
Objective Case

BX0110

Related Items


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Available below are a variety of storage boxes and objective cases that are designed to store optics while they are being transported or not in use.

Thorlabs offers polystyrene storage boxes for unmounted, individual optics. The BX01 Storage Box is for Ø1" optics, the BX02 Storage Box is for Ø2" optics, and the BX03 Storage Box includes foam inserts for optics up to Ø2.5". If the need arises to store or transfer multiple unmounted optics at one time, we offer the BX0510 and BX0110 Storage Boxes, which can hold up to ten Ø1/2" and Ø1" optics, respectively, reducing the amount of space needed to store the optics and makes large quantities of optics easier to transport.

For lenses or filters mounted in an SM-threaded lens tube system, Thorlabs offers the KT01 and KT04 for Ø1" mounted optics and the KT06 for Ø2" mounted optics. The KT03 Storage Box is ideal for storing our
2" x 2" square filters. These black storage boxes feature two latches making them suitable for both storage and transportation. The KT04 and KT06 also feature a carrying handle.

We also provide optics cases for microscope objectives or small optical assemblies that consist of a lid with internal threading to hold an optical component and a canister that mates to the lid. The canister covers the component without coming into contact with it. The lids for the cases are internally SM05- (0.535"-40), SM1- (1.035"-40), or SM2- (2.035"-40) threaded for compatibility with our lens tubes or RMS (0.800"-36), M25 x 0.75, C-Mount (1.000"-32), M26 x 0.706, or M32 x 0.75 threaded for compatibility with a variety of objectives.

For additional storage options, consider our selection of cabinets.


Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2023-03-29 14:25:22.39)
What mount size (lens tube size) fits in the KT01?
jdelia  (posted 2023-03-30 01:33:43.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The KT01 is intended for 1" (25 mm) diameter optics. We would suggest mounting optics of these size in our SM1- series lens tubes.
Lev Frisman  (posted 2023-03-16 07:37:37.887)
Dear Thorlabs, Please indicate the overall dimensions of the box KT01 and the dimensions of the filter slots. Thank you!
cdolbashian  (posted 2023-04-13 10:42:15.0)
Thank you for inquiring with us regarding these dimensions. The overall dimensions of the box are 0.19 x 0.17 x 0.09m. The optic slots are composed of an upper thin skin of plastic which has all the labels written upon, and a lower part of open cell foam for housing the optics. The upper plastic skin slots are 14 x 38 mm. The plastic skin is 2 mm thick. Below that plastic skin are the foam inserts which are 35 x 10.5 mm. This narrows at a depth of 9 mm to an even smaller slot measuring 28 x 10.5 mm. The total depth from top of foam to bottom of insert is 15.7 mm.
Benjamin Feldtman  (posted 2022-06-27 22:04:43.607)
Hi, I bought a KT06 for storing my sets of SM2 mounted achromatic doublets, but found that for the thicker SM2 lenses/rings (ie the AC508-100-C-ML) the holes are too shallow and you can't close the lid without it warping. It seems odd that the holes are only 10 mm deep with ~50 mm of foam below them. Am I missing something?
ksosnowski  (posted 2022-07-01 11:37:19.0)
Hello Benjamin, thanks for reaching out to us. The KT06 is currently designed for a 1/2" max depth for the optics inside. Per our discussion about adding deeper holes with some foam inserts of various sizes, this could be a useful development to make this product more widely applicable to other optics and I have added this to our internal development forum so we can investigate the idea further.
Jeffrey Hocking  (posted 2021-08-20 16:48:42.207)
I'd love to see these same containers for 12 and 24 optics. I'd update my entire optics inventory room with them.
YLohia  (posted 2021-08-23 03:55:47.0)
Thank you for your feedback. We will consider offering such containers in the future.
Arvind Srinivasan  (posted 2021-03-24 12:05:27.11)
Please redesign this! There are no cases available that fit your largest lens mount size (0.865") and the smallest size (0.45") are a nightmare to get lenses back out of. The matching smaller case (KT01) doesn't have the optics slot all the way in, so you can at least pinch the lens tube and pull it out. With the KT04 once the 0.45" lenses go in I needed to use a small screwdriver to lever them back out.
YLohia  (posted 2021-04-01 11:00:07.0)
Hello, thank you for your feedback! We will consider your comments as we work on a redesign in the future.
txabi  (posted 2019-03-04 10:56:45.85)
Dear Thorlabs, We need a case like KT03 for polycarbonate lenses (CR39). We are worried about yellowness of polycarbonate as a chemmical reaction with protecting foam. Do you have any experience about this? Yours sincerely Txabi
nbayconich  (posted 2019-03-14 10:25:05.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. There are no known reactions that can occur with the foam in our KT03 kits and polycarbonate.
david.schimmel  (posted 2018-10-01 09:00:03.81)
I'm looking for a carrying case to ship and transport a lens for exhibition purposes. The lens is approximately 220mm in diameter with a plano back surface and a slight spherical front surface. Are you possibly able to adapt one of your molded cases to fit the bill?
YLohia  (posted 2018-10-02 08:41:36.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We will reach out to you directly to discuss the possibility of offering this custom item.
alialhulaymi  (posted 2018-07-16 12:21:28.483)
Hi, the box seems really nice but can you please tell me what type of plastic is it made of?
YLohia  (posted 2018-07-17 11:57:17.0)
Hello, the BX03 box is made of polystyrene.
jacqui  (posted 2018-01-17 20:34:15.74)
I have attempted to contact you via email, and I am still waiting on a response. Could someone please contact me in regards to my email sent 16th January 2018 Thank you Jacqui
tfrisch  (posted 2018-01-18 05:36:42.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We have received your email and replied with your requested quote. You can reference that quote number if you need to place an order for those items.
ludoangot  (posted 2017-12-07 18:11:05.033)
Your objective cases are a very good idea, how about also a C-mount version? Some C-mount lens are about the size of a large microscope lens and would be well protected in your cases.
tcampbell  (posted 2017-12-12 08:08:29.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I have posted this idea in our internal engineering forum. In the meantime, you can use a C-mount objective with the SM1-threaded lid and an SM1A10 adapter. We have updated the web presentation with some information on using these cases with thread adapters.
mizuse  (posted 2013-07-24 05:44:44.737)
Optics case BX01 is good, however, I hope the modification. Its case volume itself can store up to 4pcs of 1 inch optics if the plastic holder moiety is modified. I think "4-optics in one case" is an ideal choice for us, user of many optics (e.g. 20 Ag mirrors), to reduce the number of optics cases and save the space.
cdaly  (posted 2013-07-24 15:44:00.0)
Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. For our ten packs of 1" optics we provide these in a single case which holds all ten. They can be seen in the image here: http://www.thorlabs.com/images/GuideImages/2149_BBx-E0x-case_SGL.jpg I will see if we can add the cases as a stock item, but in the meantime I believe we can offer these still as a custom. I will contact you directly about this.
jjurado  (posted 2011-05-17 15:46:00.0)
Response from Javier at Thorlabs to andre.lampe: Thank you very much for your feedback. We will look into the possibility of offering storage boxes for the BX01 optics cases. I will keep you updated of the status.
andre.lampe  (posted 2011-05-17 18:26:42.0)
A storage box for the BX01 would be very nice, capacity of 20 or 30 BX01. For unmounted Filters and Dichroic I have not found a good solution, but a Storage box for this BX01s would fill that gap.
jjurado  (posted 2011-02-15 13:05:00.0)
Response from Javier at Thorlabs to Lasse Orsila: Thank you very much for submitting your request. I would recommend using our BX03 boxes (2.5" x 2.5" x 1") for storing larger optics.They include foam inserts, which allows them to be used with optics of many different sizes.
lasse.orsila  (posted 2011-02-10 15:43:15.0)
Hi We have noticed that you use thicker boxes (thickness about 2-3 cm) for shipping some of the optics (mirror, lenses, filters etc.) but you only sell the thinner boxes (BX1, thickness about 1-2 cm). Would it be possible that you would start selling the thicker boxes, i.e., BX1-Thick :) Lasse Orsila Project manager, Dr. Tech. Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) Tampere University of Technology P.O. Box 692 FIN-33101 Tampere Finland Mobile: +358 40 733 6684 Office: +358 40 198 1059 Fax: +358 3 3115 3400
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Storage Boxes for Individual Unmounted Optics

Product Image
(Click to Enlarge)
BX01 BX02 BX03
Item # BX01 BX02 BX03
Capacity 1 1 1
Quantity 10 10 10
Optic Size Ø1" Ø2" Up to Ø2.5"a
  • These boxes have dimensions of 2.5" x 2.5" x 1".

These Optic Storage Boxes are ideal for keeping your unmounted optics clean and damage free when they are not currently in use. The boxes are available with foam inserts or with plastic molds for Ø1" or Ø2" optics. Each box is silk screened with a Thorlabs logo and contact information. Boxes without silk screened information are available by contacting Tech Support.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
BX01 Support Documentation
BX01Optic Storage Box for Ø1" Optics, Pack of 10
$19.95
3-5 Days
BX02 Support Documentation
BX02Optic Storage Box for Ø2" Optics, Pack of 10
$26.13
3-5 Days
BX03 Support Documentation
BX032.5" x 2.5" x 1" Optic Storage Box W/Foam Inserts, Pack of 10
$17.35
3-5 Days
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Storage Boxes for Ten Unmounted Optics

Product Image
(Click to Enlarge)
BX0510 BX0110
Item # BX0510 BX0110
Capacity 10 10
Quantity 5 5
Optic Size Ø1/2" Ø1"

These Optics Storage Boxes are ideal for keeping up to ten unmounted optics clean and damage free when they are not in use, while also conserving space in the lab. The BX0510 and BX0110 Optics Storage Boxes have a plastic mold insert to secure up to ten Ø1/2" and Ø1" optics, respectively. The BX0510 measures 2.5" x 2.5" x 0.89" (L x W x H) while the BX0110 measures 6" x 4" x 0.67" (L x W x H). Each box is silk screened with a Thorlabs logo and contact information. Boxes without silk screened information are available by contacting Tech Support.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
BX0510 Support Documentation
BX0510Customer Inspired! Storage Box for Ten Ø1/2" Optics, 5 Pack
$19.48
3-5 Days
BX0110 Support Documentation
BX0110Customer Inspired! Storage Box for Ten Ø1" Optics, 5 Pack
$31.77
3-5 Days
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Storage Boxes for SM-Mounted Lenses and Filters

Product Image
(Click to Enlarge)
KT01KT04KT06
Item #KT01KT04KT06
Capacity1035a10
Quantity111
Optic SizeØ1"Ø1"Ø2" (Thickness = 1/2")
  • 26 Optics with Thickness = 0.45" (11.4 mm); 9 Optics with Thickness = 0.65" (16.5 mm)
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
KT01 Support Documentation
KT01Storage Box for Mounted Ø1" (25 mm) Round Optics (Max. Capacity: 10)
$105.13
3-5 Days
KT04 Support Documentation
KT04Storage Box for Mounted Ø1" Round Optics (26 Slots: 0.45" Thick; 9 Slots: 0.65" Thick)
$155.62
3-5 Days
KT06 Support Documentation
KT06Storage Box for Mounted Ø2" Round Optics (Max. Capacity: 10)
$105.13
3-5 Days
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Storage Box for Unmounted 2" x 2" Square Filters

Product Image
(Click to Enlarge)
KT03
Item # KT03
Capacity 10
Quantity 1
Optic Size 2" x 2"
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
KT03 Support Documentation
KT03Storage Box for Unmounted 2" Square Optics (Max. Capacity: 10)
$98.90
3-5 Days
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Microscope Objective Cases (Lids and Canisters Sold Separately)

View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
OC2SM11Lid for Objective Case, Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
SM1A651Adapter with External SM1 Threads and Internal 8-32 Threads, 0.23" Thick
POLARIS-C1G1Polaris Ø1" Glue-In Fixed Mount, Optimized for Mirrors
BB1-E021Ø1" Broadband Dielectric Mirror, 400 - 750 nm
OC221Canister for Objective Case, Fits Objectives up to 50 mm Long (Lid Not Included)
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
OC2SM11Lid for Objective Case, Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
SM1A661Adapter with External SM1 Threads and Internal M4 x 0.7 Threads, 5.7 mm Thick
POLARIS-C1G1Polaris Ø1" Glue-In Fixed Mount, Optimized for Mirrors
BB1-E021Ø1" Broadband Dielectric Mirror, 400 - 750 nm
OC221Canister for Objective Case, Fits Objectives up to 50 mm Long (Lid Not Included)
SM1-threaded optomechanical adapters can be used to secure a glue-in Polaris® mount in an objective case.
Magnet on the Objective Case Secures the Bottom to an Optical Table
Click to Enlarge

The bottom of the canister
features a magnet for stability.
  • Plastic Lids with Internally Threaded Brass Inserts
  • Clear Plastic Canisters for Objectives
    • Inner Diameter of 1.81"
    • Holds Objective Lengths of Up to 50.0 mm or 91.0 mm Long (Shoulder-to-Tip Length)
  • Magnet on Canister Increases Stability on Optical Tables
  • Lids and Canisters Sold Separately

These microscope objective cases are comprised of a lid and a canister, each sold separately. These are designed to store and transport microscope objectives or other small optical assemblies mounted in our Ø1/2" lens tubes or Ø1" lens tubes. Please refer to the tables below for objective compatibility.

Each lid has a brass insert with internal threading to secure the objective. They are designed with large external ridges to reduce the likelihood of the canister rolling when on its side and include an adhesive label for noting the stored objective. Canisters are offered in two lengths; the maximum allowed objective length is measured from the shoulder to the tip (end) of the objective and does not include the threaded portion. The bottom of each canister has an integrated magnet for stability when upright on an optical table. Polycarbonate should only be cleaned with ethanol, methanol, or isopropyl alcohol. Acetone and other solvents may damage the material.

Microscope objectives with thread types other than those available here can be mounted to a lid using a thread adapter. We also offer optomechechanical adapters for compatibility with 1/4"-20 (M6) and 8-32 (M4) threaded components as shown in the photo above. Please ensure that the adapter and mounted component fit together inside the canister; the adapter must have an outer diameter less than 1.81", and the configuration must not exceed the max objective lengths given below.

Objective Case Lids
Item # OC2SM05 OC2RMS OC2M25 OC2CM OC2SM1 OC2M26 OC2M32
Product Image
(Click to Enlarge)
SM05 Objective Lid OC2RMS OC2M25 C-Mount Objective Lid OC2SM1 OC2M26 OC2M32
Brass Insert Internal Threads SM05 Series
(0.535"-40)
RMS
(0.800"-36)
M25 x 0.75 C-Mount
(1.000"-32)
SM1 Series
(1.035"-40)
M26 x 0.706 M32 x 0.75
Thread Depth 0.28" (7.1 mm)
Material Polycarbonate with Brass Insert
Objective Case Canisters
Item # OC22 OC24
Product Image
(Click to Enlarge)
OC22 OC24
Max Objective Length
(Shoulder-to-Tip)
50.0 mm (1.96") 91.0 mm (3.58")
Inner Diameter 1.81" (45.7 mm)
Material Polycarbonate
with Neodymium Magnet
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
OC2SM05 Support Documentation
OC2SM05Lid for Objective Case, Internal SM05 (0.535"-40) Threads
$16.30
3-5 Days
OC2RMS Support Documentation
OC2RMSLid for Objective Case, Internal RMS (0.800"-36) Threads
$16.30
3-5 Days
OC2M25 Support Documentation
OC2M25Lid for Objective Case, Internal M25 x 0.75 Threads
$18.63
3-5 Days
OC2CM Support Documentation
OC2CMCustomer Inspired! Lid for Objective Case, Internal C-Mount (1.000"-32) Threads
$18.63
3-5 Days
OC2SM1 Support Documentation
OC2SM1Lid for Objective Case, Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
$16.30
3 Weeks
OC2M26 Support Documentation
OC2M26Lid for Objective Case, Internal M26 x 0.706 Threads
$18.63
3 Weeks
OC2M32 Support Documentation
OC2M32Lid for Objective Case, Internal M32 x 0.75 Threads
$18.63
3-5 Days
OC22 Support Documentation
OC22Canister for Objective Case, Fits Objectives up to 50 mm Long (Lid Not Included)
$11.65
3-5 Days
OC24 Support Documentation
OC24Canister for Objective Case, Fits Objectives up to 91 mm Long (Lid Not Included)
$13.97
3-5 Days
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Large-Diameter Optics Cases

Large Objective Case Canisters
Item # OC3SM1 OC3SM2
Product Image
(Click to Enlarge)
OC3SM1 OC3SM2
Internal Threads for Component Mounting SM1 (1.035"-40) SM2 (2.035"-40)
Thread Depth 0.30" (7.6 mm)
Max Objective Length
(Shoulder-to-Tip)
75.0 mm (2.95")
Canister Minimum
Inner Diameter
3.07" (78.0 mm)
Lid Material Delrin®a
Canister Material Polystyrene
  • Delrin is a registered trademark of DuPont Polymers, Inc.
Magnet on the Objective Case Secures the Bottom to an Optical Table
Click to Enlarge

These canisters come with a lid included, and the item # is engraved on the lid.
  • Lids with Internal SM Threading for Mounting Components
  • Clear Plastic Canisters with 3.07" Minimum Inner Diameter
  • Holds Objectives up to 75.0 mm Long (Shoulder-to-Tip Length)
  • Each Case Includes a Lid, Canister, and Two Adhesive Labels

These microscope objective cases are comprised of a lid, a canister, and two adhesive labels for noting the stored objective. Large microscope objectives or other optical assemblies mounted in our Ø1" lens tubes or Ø2" lens tubes can be stored and transported in these cases. Please refer to the table to the right for objective compatibility.

Internal threading is machined into each plastic lid to secure the objective or optical setup. The lids are designed with large external ridges to reduce the likelihood of the canister rolling when on its side. The maximum allowed objective length the canister can contain is measured from the shoulder to the tip (end) of the objective and does not include the threaded portion. The canister and lid should only be cleaned with ethanol, methanol, or isopropyl alcohol. Acetone and other solvents may damage the material.

For other thread types, use a brass microscope thread adapter or an optical component thread adapter to mount microscope objectives and optics assemblies to a lid. We also offer anodized aluminum optomechanical component adapters for compatibility with 1/4"-20 (M6) and 8-32 (M4) threaded components. Please ensure that the adapter and mounted component fit together inside the canister; the adapter must have an outer diameter less than 3.07", and the configuration must not exceed the max objective lengths given to the right.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
OC3SM1 Support Documentation
OC3SM1Optics Case, 3.07" Canister Inner Diameter, Internal SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Lid, Fits Objectives up to 75 mm Long
$60.38
3-5 Days
OC3SM2 Support Documentation
OC3SM2Optics Case, 3.07" Canister Inner Diameter, Internal SM2-Threaded (2.035"-40) Lid, Fits Objectives up to 75 mm Long
$60.38
3-5 Days