Optic mirrors and optical lenses are two kinds of optical devices and they are different in their principles and applications:

1. Reflector An optical reflector is an optical device that is capable in reflecting light. It is composed consisting of either a flat or curly mirror. The light is reflected after it gets into contact with the mirror’s surface. Mirrors that are common are curved or flat mirrors, like convex mirrors and concave ones. Reflector mirrors be used to reflect light into a certain direction, thereby changing the course or direction that light is propagated. Reflectors are used in a variety of uses in optical instruments and telescopes, laser equipment and various other areas.

2. Lens A lens with optical properties can be described as an optical instrument which can refractive light. It is composed in one or several curved surface. when light enters the lens, it is refracted, thereby changing the direction of the light’s propagation and the focal length. The most common lenses are convex and concave lenses that can be used to capture and disperse light. Lenses are used extensively in cameras, eyeglasses microscopes, and in other fields.

Difference Summary:

A reflector alters the direction and course of light by causing it to reflect while a lens alters the direction and path of light by causing it to reflect.

Mirrors are used for reflection, whereas lenses utilize a transparent material to reflect.

Reflectors and lens differ in their shape. Reflectors can be flat or curved while lenses are typically curved.

Reflectors serve for reflecting light either focusing or dispersing it. lenses are utilized to scatter light and disperse or converge it.

In short optical mirrors and lenses differ in their principles and applications however, they are both optical devices that are commonly employed to control the spread and focus of light.