Rosco OPTI-SCULPT lenses deliver precise angular beam control, enabling lighting professionals to accurately and affordably control the shape of their light. Available in eleven different patterns, OPTI-SCULPT lenses are ideal for a wide range of applications, including theatrical productions, theme parks, architectural installations, and broadcast studios. Continue reading to discover how this versatile tool effectively solves common lighting challenges faced by designers across diverse settings.
Eleven symmetrical and asymmetrical OPTI-SCULPT lenses.
Optimizing stage lighting inventory
Lighting designers often face challenges when working in venues with a fixed inventory that doesn't easily adapt to the unique demands of each production. Lighting designer Jimmy Lawlor grappled with this issue while working on the production of An Iliad at Gulfshore Playhouse. The theater's 16-foot fixed grid was equipped with LED wash units that featured a native 28° beam spread - too narrow to provide the broad, even coverage the production required.
To resolve this problem, Jimmy used Rosco's OPTI-SCULPT beam shaping lenses, specifically the reversible 40R60 model. This "two-in-one" lens offers dual functionality: a 40° spread when inserted in one direction and a 60° spread when flipped. By utilizing the 40° side, Jimmy achieved an even, controlled wash that filled the volume of the space while avoiding unwanted light spill onto soft goods and masking.
A stage shot showing the final coverage of the set.
Jimmy praised the lenses for making the existing lighting inventory more flexible and highlighted their durability for future use:
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“The fantastic thing about OPTI-SCULPT is that not only did it make the existing inventory much more usable in the theatre, but it’s durable enough so that now future designers in the space will have the option of ‘lensing’ Gulfshore’s LED PARs however they want: 60°, 40°, or the native 28°. Now we’re talking versatility!” |
Adapting exhibitions to different venues requires flexible lighting solutions as each space can vary significantly in size, equipment availability, and other factors that influence the overall lighting design. For instance, when lighting designer Jason Hand was tasked with creating consistent lobby lighting for multiple Immersive Van Gogh exhibitions across North America, he had to navigate significant variations in venue layouts, ceiling heights, and lighting inventories.
The lobby of the New York exhibition of Immersive Van Gogh.
To address these challenges, Jason Hand used OPTI-SCULPT lenses OS30 and OS40R60, which were cut to fit whatever rig of LED PAR fixtures were installed in each venue. The OPTI-SCULPT lenses enabled Jason to turn the narrow beam angle of the fixtures they were using into a wider beam angle, creating an even, consistent lobby wash for each installation.
The Imersive Van Gogh Boston lobby - evenly illuminated with Martin RUSH PAR 1 fixtures outfitted with Rosco OS30 OPTI-SCULPT lenses.
When asked why he chose OPTI-SCULPT lenses instead of traditional diffusers for these installations, Jason replied:
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“The matte texture of the OPTI-SCULPT lenses reduces reflective light loss, which tamps down the flare and provides higher light transmission. Another factor I have to consider is durability. Being that many of the Lighthouse venues have a 10-year horizon, longevity was a concern. Choosing the OPTI-SCULPT beam-shaping lenses instead of regular diffusion filters will provide a long-lasting solution for years to come.” |
Modern studio environments require versatile lighting that integrates seamlessly with changing sets, virtual elements, and diverse display technology. When BBC World News America redesigned its 360° broadcast studio in Washington, D.C., one of the primary challenges was achieving consistent, high-quality illumination across multiple setups.
OPTI-SCULPT lenses shape the beams of the lights inside the BBC News studio.
The team at Eastern Lighting Design used Rosco OPTI-SCULPT lenses in their broadcast studio design to make the lighting more adaptable to different studio configurations and camera positions. They outfitted nearly all of the studio's LED fixtures with 10°x60° and reversible 40°R60° lenses to properly shape the beams of the lights, ensuring the news anchors would always be well-lit no matter where they are on set.
OPTI-SCULPT lenses provide consistent illumination that flatters subjects from any camera angle.
Matt Gordon, President & Principal Designer at Eastern Lighting Design, noted how OPTI-SCULPT lenses have become indispensable LED lighting solutions for the Eastern Lighting Design team:
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“The range of OPTI-SCULPT lenses that Rosco has provided ensures that we have appropriate options for any of our needs. OPTI-SCULPT has become as ubiquitous as gaff tape for us. I typically travel with at least one sheet of each beam spread in my suitcase for every job I go to – just in case it’s needed.” |
OPTI-SCULPT lenses come in seamless sheets measuring 20" × 24" and 40" × 24" (50 cm × 60 cm and 100 cm × 60 cm) that can be cut to any size or shape. For added convenience, OPTI-SCULPT lenses are also available in two easy-to-use and easy-to-ship kits.
Tatiana Massano June 01, 2025 Questions?
Content Marketing Specialist: Based in the Madrid office, Tatiana is ideally positioned to share inspiring stories of how customers use Rosco products to accomplish their ideas in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.