Blog

STVzo simulated Beam pattern

Case Studies, illumination, illumination lens design

13 Mar 2026

Case Study: STVZO-Compliant Bicycle Light Lens: Custom Optic Design for a Dynamo Light

StVZO-Compliant Bicycle Light Lens for a Dynamo-Powered Light Optics for Hire designed a custom PMMA lens for a dynamo-powered bicycle headlight that meets Germany's StVZO road-lighting regulations. The asymmetric optic produces the required sharp horizontal cutoff and light distribution pattern from a single LED, validated through ZEMAX modeling and goniophotometer testing.

John Ellis

How to specify an LED optic

illumination, LED

11 Dec 2024

How to specify an LED optic

How to Specify an LED Optic John Ellis, founder of Optics for Hire, walks through the six key questions you should answer before starting an LED illumination project, from beam angle and target distance to efficiency and mechanical constraints.

John Ellis

Video On Using LED Optics

illumination, LED, optical design

11 Dec 2024

Video On Using LED Optics

Video on Using LED Optics A short video overview of how LED optics, including lenses, reflectors, and light pipes, are used in lighting system design to control and shape light output for illumination applications.

John Ellis

Opthalmology, FAQ, OFH

10 Dec 2024

Indepth Review of Zemax Optical Models of the Human Eye

Zemax Optical Models of the Human Eye An in-depth analysis of published optical models of the human eye in ZEMAX, including the Liou and Brennan, Lotmar, and Navarro models. Compares image quality, field curvature, distortion, and chromatic aberrations across models to help optical engineers select the right eye model for ophthalmology, vision science, and ophthalmic device design.

Vasili Karneichyk

10 suppliers of off-the-shelf lenses. smartphone cameras. optical systems. lens test.

lens design

4 Dec 2024

Lens Test: Can Your Lens Vendor Perform It Effectively?

Can Your Lens Vendor Test Your Lens? Before committing to a lens manufacturer, make sure they can actually test what they build. This post covers common and specialized lens tests, from focal length and MTF to wavefront error and stray light, and explains why discussing test capabilities with your vendor is just as important as reviewing their pricing.

John Ellis

10 suppliers of off-the-shelf lenses. smartphone cameras. optical systems. lens test.

optics, science

21 Nov 2024

9 creatures with amazing ‘optical systems’

9 Creatures with Amazing Optical Systems A tour of nature's most impressive optical engineering, from the mantis shrimp's 12 color receptors and infrared/UV/polarized vision to the ogre-faced spider's disposable night-vision membranes. Nine animals whose eyes put human visual capabilities in perspective.

John Ellis