Workplace lighting
Ring lights and inspection lights
Ring lights and inspection lights sit around the optics and illuminate the object field of microscopes, measuring machines and industrial machine vision with little shadow. The category centres on Starlight, alongside ring lights from Zeiss, Vision, Euromex, 4H Jena, Eschenbach, Leica and Pulch & Lorenz. Power input ranges from 4 W to 66 W, colour temperatures from 3000 K to 6500 K and supply voltages from 10-24 V to 100-240 V. A ring light is chosen by its clamping or outer diameter, the usable working distance and the optics; besides LED rings there are fibre optic versions and ring slit lights.
- Selection criteria
- Frequently asked questions
- Magnifier lamps
- Machine lights
- Articulated and flexible arm lights
Quick selection
These filters lead straight to the most common selection criteria in this category.
StarlightLED ring lights, segment ring lights and fibre optic versions.spot and flood optics
15 WThe strongest common power class in this category.for long working distances
4 to 8 WCompact ring lights for stereo microscopes and tight installation space.low heat output
24 VWiring into an existing DC supply.runs off the machine control
Switchable (HF)Directional grazing light for scratches, engravings and edges.segments switched individually
DimmableMatch brightness to glossy and mirrored surfaces.stepless control
Articulated armRing light on a movable arm instead of the objective tube.freely positioned
6000 and 6500 KPure white light for inspection that needs contrast.cool white, high contrast
- 320 items
- 8 manufacturers
- Net prices plus VAT
Buying guide
How to choose Ring lights and inspection lights
What matters when choosing: properties, comparison and typical applications.
Selection criteria
| Criterion | What to check | Available here |
|---|---|---|
| Clamping and outer diameter | The ring light has to fit over the objective tube without covering the field of view. | Stated per item, for example inner Ø 81 mm, outer Ø 99 mm or clamping Ø up to 80 mm |
| Working distance and optics | Spot optics concentrate light at short range, flood optics cover a wider area. | 45-260 mm with spot optics, 50-800 mm with flood optics |
| Colour temperature | Cool white emphasises edges and scratches, warm white is easier for judging colour. | 3000 K, 3500 K, 4000 K, 5600 K, 5800 K, 6000 K and 6500 K |
| Power | More power means more light at a longer working distance, but also more heat. | 4 W to 66 W, with 15 W as the most common class |
| Beam angle | The angle decides how wide the cone of light lands on the part. | 80° and 90° on the versions with a stated angle |
| Control | Switchable segments create directional grazing light, dimming reduces reflections. | Switchable (HF) and dimmable |
| Supply | Check whether the light is fed from the machine control or from its own power supply. | 24 V, 18-24 V and 10-24 V DC as well as 100-240 V |
| Manufacturer | Adapters and mounts depend on the make of the microscope. | Starlight as the main source, plus Zeiss, Vision, Euromex, 4H Jena, Eschenbach, Leica and Pulch & Lorenz |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between spot and flood optics?
- Spot optics concentrate the light at short working distances of roughly 45 to 260 mm and give high illuminance there. Flood optics light up an area of 50 to 800 mm more evenly.
- What are segmented ring lights used for?
- On these ring lights the segments can be switched separately, for example the four segments of the Starlight RL5-80-S4. This produces directional grazing light that reveals scratches, engravings and edges.
- Which colour temperature suits inspection work?
- Inspection is usually done with pure white ring lights at 6000 K or 6500 K because they emphasise contrast. For judging colours, 3000 K to 4000 K is more comfortable, with 5600 K and 5800 K in between.
- Which supply voltage do the ring lights need?
- Versions rated 24 V DC can be wired straight to the machine control, as can the 18-24 V and 10-24 V variants. Lights for 100-240 V come with their own power supply.
- How do I find the right ring size?
- What matters is the clamping diameter at the objective tube and the outer diameter of the light, for example clamping Ø up to 80 mm, inner Ø 81 mm or outer Ø 99 mm. On fibre optic ring lights the fibre bundle also counts, such as Ø 8.0 mm over a length of 750 mm.