Top Photographic & Optical Equipment Manufacturers in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has a rich history in photographic and optical equipment manufacturing, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Discover trusted local manufacturers and learn what makes them stand out in this specialized industry.
Local Context
Photographic and optical equipment manufacturing covers everything from precision lenses to high-end cameras and laboratory instruments. The UK’s legacy in this field dates back to the 19th century, with companies often combining artisanal techniques with modern innovation. Common needs include custom optical components, professional-grade photography equipment, and specialized industrial imaging systems.
When choosing a manufacturer in the UK, consider their expertise in specific niches like aerial photography equipment or medical optics. Many firms cluster around traditional industrial hubs like Manchester and Birmingham, while newer tech-focused operations thrive in Cambridge’s innovation ecosystem. Look for manufacturers with ISO certifications and partnerships with research institutions, particularly if you need bespoke solutions.
- Jenoptik UK – A global leader in optical systems since 1991, Jenoptik’s UK division specializes in industrial metrology and laser processing equipment. Their Cambridge facility serves aerospace and automotive sectors with precision components.
Website: www.jenoptik.com
Contact: (01223) 259380, info@jenoptik.co.uk
Address: Vision Park, Chivers Way, Cambridge CB24 9ZR - TT Electronics – Serving UK manufacturers since 1920, this Woking-based firm produces critical optical sensors for defense and medical applications. Their MIL-SPEC components are trusted by MOD contractors nationwide.
Website: www.ttelectronics.com
Contact: (01483) 750850, enquiries@ttelectronics.com
Address: First Floor, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Woking GU22 8QQ - Gooch & Housego – With roots dating to 1948, this Ilminster manufacturer crafts specialty optical crystals and acousto-optic devices. Their components power everything from cinema projectors to submarine periscopes across the UK.
Website: www.goochandhousego.com
Contact: (01460) 256440, sales@goochandhousego.com
Address: Dowlish Ford, Ilminster TA19 0PF - Qioptiq – Part of Excelitas Technologies, this St. Asaph operation designs high-performance optical systems for scientific and industrial use. Their Welsh facility produces night vision optics for UK security forces.
Website: www.qioptiq.com
Contact: (01745) 535000, info.uk@qioptiq.com
Address: Glascoed Road, St. Asaph LL17 0LL - Edmund Optics UK – The UK branch of this global optics firm in York supplies research labs and manufacturers with precision lenses and filters. Their rapid prototyping service helps universities nationwide.
Website: www.edmundoptics.co.uk
Contact: (01904) 789500, sales@edmundoptics.co.uk
Address: Unit 1, Opus Avenue, York YO26 6BL - Photonic Solutions – Edinburgh’s premier optical components manufacturer since 1992, specializing in laser systems for UK research institutions. Their custom optomechanical assemblies support quantum technology projects.
Website: www.photonic-solutions.com
Contact: (0131) 664 8122, sales@photonic-solutions.com
Address: 1 Michaelson Square, Edinburgh EH28 8LZ - Knight Optical – A family-run business in Folkestone supplying custom optical components since 1991. They manufacture UV-grade lenses for the UK’s growing space sector.
Website: www.knightoptical.com
Contact: (01303) 245555, sales@knightoptical.co.uk
Address: Roebuck Business Park, Folkestone CT19 5QH - CryLaS – This Cambridge specialist produces laser systems for scientific applications across the UK. Their diode-pumped solid-state lasers are used in university physics departments nationwide.
Website: www.crylas.de
Contact: +49 33055 26320, info@crylas.de
Address: Am Studio 16, 12489 Berlin (UK office in Cambridge) - Laser Components UK – Operating from Olney since 1982, they manufacture and distribute laser diodes and detectors for industrial applications throughout the UK.
Website: www.lasercomponents.com
Contact: (01234) 220022, info@lasercomponents.co.uk
Address: 1A Napier Court, Olney MK46 5JZ - OptoSigma UK – The British arm of this Japanese optical giant provides precision optical components from their Hampshire base. Their anti-reflective coatings are specified by UK telescope manufacturers.
Website: www.optosigma.com
Contact: (01256) 811100, sales@optosigma.co.uk
Address: Unit 2, Chineham Court, Basingstoke RG24 8WH - Umicore Coating Services – A world leader in optical coatings based in Castleford. Their thin-film deposition technology serves UK defense and astronomy sectors.
Website: www.umicore.com
Contact: (01977) 517600, info@umicore.com
Address: 5th Avenue, Castleford WF10 5LU - Power Photonic – Scottish innovators manufacturing freeform micro-optics in Livingston. Their laser beam shaping systems are exported worldwide from this UK facility.
Website: www.powerphotonic.com
Contact: (01506) 407500, info@powerphotonic.com
Address: 1 Michaelson Square, Livingston EH54 7DP - Point Source – Southampton-based specialists in fiber-optic illumination systems since 1989. Their UK-made components are used in medical and industrial imaging.
Website: www.point-source.com
Contact: (023) 8063 8277, sales@point-source.com
Address: 1 Millbrook Close, Southampton SO16 4DZ - Photon Force – Oxford spin-off producing advanced imaging sensors for scientific applications. Their UK-manufactured cameras support physics research across Europe.
Website: www.photon-force.co.uk
Contact: (01865) 784749, info@photon-force.co.uk
Address: 5B Park Court, Oxford OX4 2XD - Elliot Scientific – Distributor and manufacturer of optical components in St. Albans since 1988. Their UK workshop produces custom optomechanical mounts for research labs.
Website: www.elliotscientific.com
Contact: (01727) 840555, sales@elliotscientific.com
Address: 2 Dickens Court, St. Albans AL4 0JX - Optocap – Edinburgh-based specialists in optical packaging and assembly since 2002. Their hermetic sealing technology serves UK space and defense industries.
Website: www.optocap.com
Contact: (0131) 664 8122, sales@optocap.com
Address: 1 Michaelson Square, Edinburgh EH28 8LZ - Photek – Sussex manufacturer of image intensifiers and UV detectors since 1991. Their St. Leonards-on-Sea facility supplies UK astronomy projects.
Website: www.photek.co.uk
Contact: (01424) 850555, sales@photek.co.uk
Address: 26 Castleham Road, St Leonards-on-Sea TN38 9NS - Stemmer Imaging – UK headquarters in Addlestone supplying industrial vision components since 1987. Their Surrey facility includes a calibration lab serving manufacturers nationwide.
Website: www.stemmer-imaging.co.uk
Contact: (01932) 623330, info@stemmer-imaging.co.uk
Address: 4 The Gateway Centre, Addlestone KT15 2DW - Optics UK – Birmingham-based optical component manufacturer established in 1978. They produce precision prisms and mirrors for UK instrument makers.
Website: www.opticsuk.com
Contact: (0121) 772 4377, sales@opticsuk.com
Address: 10 Faraday Park, Birmingham B7 4BB - Laser Quantum – Cheshire manufacturer of scientific lasers since 1991. Their Stockport facility produces tunable laser systems for UK universities.
Website: www.laserquantum.com
Contact: (0161) 474 7474, info@laserquantum.com
Address: 1 Michaelson Square, Stockport SK1 3AR
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