Very Narrow Spot

Overview

Very Narrow Spot (abbreviated VNSP) refers to the narrowest of the standardized beam angle classes for PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) lamps. The code does not describe the lamp's output or color temperature, but exclusively the reflector's beam angle. A VNSP lamp produces the smallest and most concentrated beam of light within the common PAR series, thus delivering the hardest, most directed light.

The beam angle classes are tiered from narrowest to widest beam: VNSP (Very Narrow Spot) → NSP (Narrow Spot) → MFL (Medium Flood) → WFL (Wide Flood). Since the beam of a PAR lamp is not circular but oval (elliptical), the lamp can be rotated in the fixture to align the long axis of the beam.

Technical Data

VNSP is a relative class designation; the exact angles depend on the lamp type and manufacturer. Typical values for a 1000W PAR-64 lamp:

Example of a specific lamp (PAR-64, ANSI code FFN, halogen): 1000W, 120V, approx. 12,000 lumens, color temperature approx. 3200K, lifespan approx. 800 hours, socket GX16d, Center Beam Candlepower approx. 400,000 cd. In the ETC table, the VNSP class (lamp CP60) is specified at approx. 12°; the corresponding Source Four PAR interchangeable lens VNSP produces a round 15° beam from clear glass.

Use on Set

VNSP lamps and lenses are used when a narrowly defined, intense spot of light with long throw is required, for example, to accentuate a small area of the image, for long throw distances, or to spotlight a single performer. Due to the narrow angle, the light density (illuminance) within the beam is high, but the illuminated area is small. For broad fill or soft washes, the wider classes MFL and WFL are more suitable.

Since PAR lamps have a fixed beam angle integrated into the reflector, the character of the light is determined by the choice of lamp code; in systems with interchangeable lenses (e.g., ETC Source Four PAR), adjustment is made via interchangeable front lenses instead of changing the lamp.