A multi-spectral variable focus illuminator. The illuminator includes a plurality of first light sources arranged in a first array, each of the first light sources capable of emitting light in a first wavelength band, and a plurality of second light sources arranged in a second array, each of the second light sources capable of emitting light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. The illuminator includes an array of lenses positioned in front of the light sources. The relative positions of the lens array and the first and second light sources are changeable such that the field illuminated by the first light sources varies in size with the relative positions of the lens array and the first light sources, and the field illuminated by the second light sources varies in size with the relative positions of the lens array and the second light sources.