A bar code scanner is disclosed employing a laser source and scan mirror for generating a light beam for scanning a bar code symbol or the like. The working range for distance between the scanner and the symbol is extended by placing an optical element in the path between the laser source and the scan mirror. This optical element may be a figure of rotation such as an axicon. A slit may be positioned downstream of the axicon to block the characteristic concentric rings produced in the beam in areas perpendicular to the scan line.