Use
In the theater and dance world, Fresnels are most often used for top or back lighting, at medium throw distances. In small venues, they are occasionally used for frontlight, although the relative lack of control when compared to an ellipsoidal is a major disadvantage. The distinctive soft beam of a fresnel can make it very useful as a special in certain situations.
While the focus can alter the size of the beam, the distinctive scatter of light that the Fresnel lens emits also requires a way of controlling its shape. Since Fresnels cannot use internal shutters, such as those found in an ellipsoidal spotlight, they are often fitted with distinctive barn doors to control the spill and shape the beam of light. These are large metal flaps that may be mounted just beyond the color slot at the front of the lantern.
Read more about this topic: Fresnel Lantern
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