Par Reflector

Overview

The term PAR stands for Parabolic Aluminized Reflector – a parabolic-shaped reflector coated with aluminum. Its principle: if the light source is placed at the focal point of the parabola, the reflector surfaces project the rays almost parallel forward. This creates a hard, far-reaching, and highly directional beam of light with high center intensity from a compact lamp.

In the classic PAR lamp (e.g., the stage type PAR64), the light source, reflector, and diffusion lens are combined as a sealed unit. In professional film and HMI spotlights – ARRI ARRISUN, ARRI M-Series, Pocket PAR, among others – the reflector, however, is a separate, high-purity aluminum component behind the interchangeable lamp and determines efficiency and beam character.

Functionality and Beam Control

The PAR reflector delivers "punch" light: a strong, parallel beam that is ideal for illuminating large areas, for bouncing off reflectors, or for lighting diffusion frames. The beam angle (spot to flood) is controlled in two ways:

• Interchangeable Lenses (Spread Lenses): Corrugated/diffusion lenses placed in front of the reflector widen the beam. Common stages range from Spot to Medium and Wide to Super Wide, supplemented by a Frost/Diffusion lens for softening.
• MAX Technology (ARRI M-Series): A faceted, parabolic reflector without a glass front; the beam angle is adjusted by moving the lamp within the reflector. This "lensless" design combines the intensity of a PAR with the focusability of a Fresnel and produces a shadow that is sharp but not harsh.

Typical Beam Angles

Example values for a classic 1000W PAR64 (theater/concert area). PAR lamps produce an oval beam, so beam angles (core beam) and field angles (overall field) are specified separately:

The ARRI Snap-in lens set for the ARRISUN 40/25 (2500/4000 W HMI) includes five stages: Spot approx. 10°, Narrow Flood approx. 11 × 29°, Medium Flood approx. 20 × 33°, Super Wide Flood approx. 43°, and Frosted Superflood approx. 57°.

Use on Set

PAR reflectors or PAR spotlights are used whenever a lot of directional light is needed over a distance: as a sun replacement through windows, as a hard key or backlight, for illuminating large diffusion silks, or for bouncing off large surfaces. In theater and concert settings, PAR lamps are operated in can-shaped PARCANS, often with color gels for broad washes of light.