What are the three types of spotlights?

You’ve got the ellipsoidal (often called a Leko or ERS), the Fresnel, and the PAR can. The ellipsoidal is the workhorse—sharp shutters, gobos, and a tight, controllable beam. Perfect for slicing a crisp circle onto a performer’s face or projecting patterns. The Fresnel gives you a soft-edged, variable flood-to-spot light with that classic pebbled lens. It’s your go-to for washes and blending. The PAR can is simpler: a lamp inside a sealed reflector. No lens adjustments, just a broad, oval pool of light—great for rock shows and color washes.

Each one handles heat, focus, and beam texture differently. Ellipsoidals need a bench focus and hate being run out of alignment. Fresnels run cooler but spill more. PARs are dumb, tough, and fast to swap. Pick the Leko when you need precision, the Fresnel when you want a smooth blend, and the PAR when brute output and speed matter more than control.