The MAXlite (Multi-Axis Illuminator) is designed for applications requiring a combination of lighting geometries. The MAXlite provides either on-axis or square continous diffuse and dark field light in one package. The MAXlite simplifies integration by allowing the use of a single lighting unit for a variety of demanding applications. The MAXlite can be used with a continuous power supply or a variable intensity power supply. With variable intensity, each axis is individually adjustable by a potentiometer or controllable by the vision system through an analog input.