A condenser is a lens or system of lenses placed close to a light source to collect its output and project it forward efficiently. In theatrical fixtures like ellipsoidal reflector spotlights or in projection systems, the condenser concentrates the raw luminous flux onto the gate or gobo, ensuring the final projected image is bright and evenly illuminated.
Heard on the job
Pull the lamp housing back and check if the condenser lens has any cracks from the heat.
Also heard as
- condenser lens
Related terms
Lens
A shaped piece of transparent material designed to bend and focus light rays.
Gobo
A thin metal or glass disk with a cut pattern, placed in a spotlight to project shapes, textures or logos.
Luminaire
The whole light fixture as one product: light source, optics, housing, driver or ballast and power connection.