In this article the performance of a new type of lens is compared with traditional meniscus lenses for CO sub 2 laser cutting of medium ( > 5 mm) section stainless steel. Dual Focus lenses produce two focus spots, one above the other. This type of optic was found to be capable of higher cutting speeds and better quality cuts. A phenomenological model is presented which explains the superior performance of Dual Focus lenses. The model concentrates upon the fact that during high speed cutting of medium section metals, the laser does not irradiate the lower portion of the cut zone. This lower part of the cut is heated by the melt flowing over it, which has been previously heated by the laser. This melt preheating involves narrower kerfs and higher cut speeds if a dual focus lens is used.