Have you tried higher power lenses at smaller distances?
Myself and Jem had a brief play a while ago with lenses up to -12 diopters on the 500mw I had and the beams looked Ok but I'd have to concede the distance was probably only 2 metres as we were in a small office at the time.
I was just wondering at what lens power point and distance the beams start to become so fat that the show breaks down.
A local event to me currently uses a 1W laser (I'm told could be making 1.4-1.5 watts) with no power reduction and the nearest person maybe 20 feet from the beams. Although no one has been hurt and although no camera damage has occurred, I'd like to try increasing safety by offering some advice.
As the venue is very small maybe only 60 feet end to end (dance floor area alone) I was kind of wondering what the highest power of lens you could get away with in that kind of area without destroying the effect.
BTW I in no way condone the use of a 1-1.5 Watt laser in this size venue or so near to the crowd. However, I have no connection with the organisation nor any influence over the organisers although I do know them at aquiantance level.